The Indianapolis Colts’ ultra-conservative approach to free agency resulted in numerous free agents landing with other contenders around the NFL.
However, no move stung more than when the Tennessee Titans, of all teams, acquired this offseason’s prized acquisition (who doesn’t play quarterback) in Julio Jones.
What made the move all the more maddening for Colts fans, other than the fact that the Titans now have two of the most physical WRs in the league and a potentially unstoppable offense, is that Jones went for just a second- and fourth-round draft pick.
While we understand Colts fans who want to enter panic mode, there are plenty of reasons to believe that Indianapolis should still be the division favorites.
For starters, adding Jones doesn’t erase the Titans’ awful offseason. Some Tennessee-based media members think otherwise, so let’s take them to task, shall we?
Bud Dupree, Julio Jones, Denico Autry, Janoris Jenkins. I’d say that’s a very successful offseason. #TitanUp #Titans
— Two-Tone Blue Nation (@TwoToneBlueNat1) June 6, 2021
Despite netting Julio Jones, the Titans haven’t had a great offseason, Colts fans.
Maybe acknowledge who the Titans have lost this offseason instead of focusing solely on who they acquired? The list is never-ending, and it starts with tight end Jonnu Smith and wideout Corey Davis, who really came up big in a contract year last season. While it can be argued that Jones alone will replace those two players, those are monster shoes to fill for a 32-year-old.
As far as the Titans’ secondary is concerned, fans in Tennessee shouldn’t be throwing a party over signing Janoris Jenkins, who’s more of a liability than a model of consistency at this point in his career. For context, he allowed an 81.8 passer rating to opposing wideouts while serving as the Saints’ No. 2 cornerback last year, meaning he rarely lined up against opposing No. 1 receivers.
We can’t be certain, but it’s looking like Jenkins will top the Titans’ cornerback depth chart next campaign after they lost Adoree’ Jackson and Malcolm Butler to free agency. Getting beyond that, Tennessee also waved goodbye to offensive lineman Isaiah Wilson, who’s one of the greatest first-round draft busts in recent memory, as well as defensive tackle DaQuan Jones.
We haven’t even mentioned the Jadeveon Clowney loss yet. While the former No. 1 overall pick only appeared in eight games last season, he’s still one of the most talented pass rushers in the league and the Titans replaced him with Bud Dupree, who’s coming off a torn ACL, and Denico Autry, who’s averaged 4.3 sacks per year over his career (and we know him well).
So, while the Jones acquisition gives Tennessee the potential to matchup with the likes of the Chiefs and Bills in the AFC from an offensive perspective, we’re still talking about a significantly flawed team that did little to solve their defensive woes after they ranked 24th in points allowed per game (27.4) and 28th in total yards allowed per game (398.3) last year.
Colts: Is Xavier Rhodes equipped to lock down Julio Jones?
Julio Jones' 55 yards per game against Colts corner Xavier Rhodes' Vikings are the lowest mark he has on his resume. Rhodes is able to limit the new Titan.