The Tennessee Titans have received notable performances from various players despite sporting a disappointing 3-8 record. General manager Ran Carthon and first-year head coach Brian Callahan have begun laying down the foundation for future success. It’s been evident via on-field growth lately, including Sunday’s upset victory over the Houston Texans.
With the Holidays having us in the mood for reflection, we've identified three Titans players the fanbase is most thankful for this season.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
There have been fewer surprises in the league this season than the form of wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Beginning the campaign as the fourth receiver on the depth chart, Westbrook-Ikhine entered the starting lineup following the DeAndre Hopkins trade and Treylon Burks injury. He's been a mainstay ever since while maximizing his opportunity.
Westbrook-Ikhine is miraculously tied for fifth in the league in receiving touchdowns with six scores. The fifth-year undrafted free agent has more TDs than Travis Kelce, Justin Jefferson, and Tyreek Hill this season. Westbrook-Ikhine has posted mind-blowing production considering he's been targeted just 30 times this year.
Tony Pollard
Running back Tony Pollard has arguably been the Most Valuable Player (MVP) on Tennessee's offense. Through 11 games, Pollard currently ranks 11th in the league in rushing yards with 800. His form has helped the Titans survive the decision to let Derrick Henry go in the offseason.
Pollard was particularly outstanding in the Week 12 win over the Texans, rushing for 119 yards and a touchdown at NRG Stadium. The former Memphis standout is averaging an effective 4.3 yards per carry. Pollard has been the engine of Callahan's offense.
JC Latham
The Titans arguably had the worst left tackle play in the entire league in 2022 and 2023. From Dennis Daley to Andre Dillard, the Titans simply couldn't solve the position in the wake of Taylor Lewan's injuries and eventual departure. Done with temporary solutions, Carthon decided to address the position via a full measure by drafting former University of Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham with the No. 7 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Latham, who switched from college right tackle to pro left tackle, has been outstanding for the Titans as a rookie. The ex-Crimson Tide blocker is credited with allowing just 28 quarterback pressures and five sacks by Pro Football Focus this season. Latham is looking like a long-term solution at a position that's been Tennessee's Achilles heel in recent seasons.
