The Titans' young players and their growth

Mike Patton

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The Titans' young players and their growth image

The definition of growth is the process of increasing in value, amount, or importance. Growth was something the Titans were looking for this season, with some young skill-position players and new pieces to their team. Some measure it in wins, but it can be measured in other ways, as Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward stated. When asked about his assessment of the growth of this team from the beginning of the season to now, here is what he had to say:

“The growth’s been terrific, especially from a ‘young guys’ standpoint.”

Ward is not wrong. Watching these young players get better has given Titans fans more hope for the future. And in Chim Dike’s case, his growth came with additional responsibility from the organization. Dike started the season as a rookie punt and kickoff return man, and many wondered what he would produce. But as the season went on, he became the best returnman in the NFL, and with Calvin Ridley injured, he eventually became a key figure in the wide receiver rotation, with almost 400 yards receiving and four touchdowns. As the season has gone on, he has been able to handle an expanded role and have an impact.

Dike isnt the only rookie that has handled bigger responsibilities and performed better as the season has gone on. But the point here is that the Titans' rookie class has, for the most part, shown up, improved during the season, and begun to answer some questions the Titans may have had coming into this season.

 But growth is not measured only by responsibility. It can also be measured by the chemistry that develops or is created.

“Sometimes it is not going to come to fruition right away. Sometimes it takes time for that. I think we have seen that, as the year goes on, we have become a lot more comfortable with each other. We know what everybody is doing. We have a lot more chemistry.”

Chemistry can happen fast, but it can also take time, as Ayomanor said. Knowing the ins and outs of someone’s specific job or position and that player’s idiosyncrasies comes with studying and repetition together. These rookies have had plenty of reps together and with the veterans throughout OTAs, training camp, preseason games, and regular-season games.  So, at this point, the chemistry has gotten better, but it still has room to grow with an entire offseason to be around each other.

The young players on the Titans will be the foundation of what, hopefully, becomes a franchise with a winning culture. Cam, Elic, and Chim are but a fraction of the pieces to the puzzle, but the growth will be something to measure as the Titans eventually go forward with a new coach and a new era of Titans football.

Senior Editor