Can The Tennessee Titans Receivers Exceed The Low Expectations

When it comes to the wide receivers of the Tennessee Titans, the expectations of most of the national media and other football-knowledgeable people aren't very high.

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NASHVILLE - As currently constructed, the wide receiver roster for the Tennessee Titans isn't exactly awe-inspiring. Most pundits around the NFL think this group might be the worst in the entire league entering 2023. 

So then, could it be possible for this group to exceed the low expectations currently being projected upon them?

The simple answer is yes, but when you are thought to be the worst, rising above that doesn't take a lot, and only a minimal improvement won't do much to lift the fortunes of the Titans offense this season.   

However, the Titans must get more than minimal improvement from this position group this season if this team is to show a marked improvement in 2023.  

Keeping that in mind, can this group rise to the level of an average receiver room? 

The answer, in one man's opinion, is a definite maybe.  

Now that might sound like someone hedging his bets, but it's the best answer to me. 

 How is that possible?

I've seen some signs during the recently concluded off-season program that this group could exceed the low expectations and move from the lower portions into the middle of the league range.    

Why do I think that?

Well, with the change in offensive coordinator and the shift in philosophy being implemented by Tim Kelly and Charles London to a short, quick passing game, and if Treylon Burks can continue to improve, that's the basis for my current evaluation. 

Burks was one of the bright spots of those recent practices, as his offseason work was evident, and his attitude and effort on the practice field stood out. In short, he is set for a potential breakout season that would elevate this group instantly. 

Besides Burks, Kyle Phillips return should also improve this unit as another weapon that can be used in the short game. Likewise, veteran Chris Moore, who came to the Titans in free agency, has been a welcome surprise thus far and gives quarterback Ryan Tannehill a viable third option.    

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Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, is another veteran who has flashed moments of being a solid receiver but, at the same time, has had his struggles. At this point, I see his role as being something of a big, third-down target, though he could exceed that role too.  

Behind the top three and the possibility of Westbrook-Ikhine growing into a larger role, things get somewhat questionable, with Racey McMath and Mason Kinsey providing depth. 

Finally, rookie Colton Dowell, the Titans seventh-round selection in April, has shown flashes of the skills that got him drafted. However, he is still young and in need of improvement, but he could provide some playmaking potential in a slimmed-down role in this short-passing game.    

That said, the combination of the new short game, the skills of the individual players, and Tannehill's accuracy, this group could surpass those low expectations. 

At the same time, this group has as much opportunity to fall to the levels projected for them. 

However, given that Burks seems poised for a solid season, if not a breakout year, it seems difficult to think this group won't be somewhat better than the bottom of the league.   

Add to that Phillips, and Chig Okonkwo, as a real pass-catching threat at tight end, which should help Burks and Phillips and, in turn, the rest of this group surpass those low expectations. 

I've been known to be wrong before and could be here. Still, from the limited amount of evidence available, the upside seems greater, despite the obvious limitations this group has entering this season.    

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