Tennessee Titans: 5 Areas That Will Improve Next Season

With all of the changes that have come this offseason for the Tennessee Titans, one can only think that there will be some drastic improvement in 2013.

Both the draft and free agency addressed some key weaknesses for the Titans, and it should help them possibly get to the next level.

Here are five areas where you should expect the Titans to improve in the 2013 season.

Pass Protection

Not only did the Titans add some key starters to the offensive line, but they also got way more deep at the position.

That became a big issue last season with all of the injuries that are inevitable in the NFL.

Now the Titans have Chance Warmack and Andy Levitre at guard, and both will give Jake Locker some much-needed pass protection to help him bounce back.

The Titans also drafted Brian Schwenke, and most scouts have nothing but positive things to say about this guy.

They were already solid at the tackle position with Michael Roos and David Stewart.

It should be night and day for Locker this season compared to last season when it comes to having time inside the pocket to make plays.

Vertical Offense

Currently, the Titans have a massive logjam at wide receiver.

The Titans traded up to get Justin Hunter and his ability to stretch the field for a passing offense. It clearly shows the Titans don't have a ton of faith in Kenny Britt to keep his priorities on football.

Expect the Titans to improve on their 22nd-ranked passing offense with the additions of Hunter and Kevin Walter from the Texans.

You also can't forget about Kendall Wright and how much he should improve from his rookie season. He had a lot of receptions, but his yards-per-catch average really needs to get better in 2013.

There's still a place for Nate Washington on this offense, but it won't be as big of a role as he's enjoyed in his past seasons with the Titans.

Put all of this together and it's going to make for an intriguing position battle in training camp.

Short-Yardage Rushing

There is no denying Chris Johnson's lethal quality when it comes to breaking out the long one and changing the scoreboard in a flash.

With that said, he struggles a lot when it comes to getting those tough two or three yards in the trenches. 

Shonn Greene, who was just one of several free-agent additions to this Titans roster, should help in a big way in that department.

On the other hand, it will also help Johnson play more to his strengths rather than trying to pound away for a couple of yards to move the chains.

Kickoff Returns

Before everyone gets up in arms about how the Titans could possibly improve on what Darius Reynaud brought to the return game last season, you have to remember something very important, and that's the return of Marc Mariani.

Yes, Reynaud had some memorable moments that warranted him another season with the Titans.

However, the Titans fell in the middle of the pack when it came to their yards-per-return average in 2012.

Marc Mariani may not have a spot on this team when it comes to being a wide receiver, but he still has a ton of value in the return game.

The Titans need good starting field position to help this young offense continue to progress and put up points.

Assuming Mariani comes back as the reliable kick returner he was back in 2011, he'll improve the kick returning game for the Titans.

Secondary

This one may be a no-brainer, but it's worth mentioning because this area has plagued the Titans for a while now.

What Bernard Pollard brings to this secondary isn't just an intimidation factor and ability to lay out hard hits. It also allows Michael Griffin to move back to his natural position of free safety, and that should help us remember the Griffin who went to the Pro Bowl not too long ago.

The drafting of Blidi Wreh-Wilson will put Alterraun Verner in more nickel packages, where he's much more effective.

Expect this defense to look nothing like it did last year and to put a lot more pressure on receivers to get open.

It was far too obvious last season that the secondary was playing so far off the line of scrimmage that the opposing receivers were bound to nickel-and-dime the defense all the way down the field.

That shouldn't happen this season, and that will put the Titans in the win column a lot more often.