What Is 2017 Tennessee Titans football team

Overview

The 2017 Tennessee Titans season marked a significant turnaround for the franchise, as they captured the AFC South title with a 9-7 record. Under head coach Mike Mularkey, the team showed resilience and improved defensive performance compared to previous years, returning to the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade.

The Titans entered the season with modest expectations but exceeded projections thanks to a balanced offensive attack and a dominant run defense. Their late-season surge, including key wins over division rivals, solidified their position atop the AFC South standings.

• Marcus Mariota started all 15 games he played, throwing for 2,690 yards and 13 touchdowns despite missing time due to a PCL injury sustained in Week 16.
• The defense ranked 5th in the NFL in fewest rushing yards allowed, giving up just 85.6 yards per game on the ground.
• Tennessee secured the division title by defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 38-17 in Week 17 at Nissan Stadium.
• The team improved to 9 wins after posting a 9-7 record, a marked improvement from their 3-13 season in 2015.
• Defensive lineman Jurrell Casey recorded 6.5 sacks and was named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl.

Performance & Playoffs

The Titans' 2017 campaign featured a strong second half of the season, culminating in a postseason berth and a hard-fought playoff game. Their offensive identity shifted toward a run-heavy approach, especially after Mariota's injury, showcasing the emergence of rookie running back Derrick Henry.

• Regular Season Record: The Titans finished 9-7, going 5-3 at home and 4-4 on the road, winning their final four games to clinch the division.
• Division Rivalry: They split the season series with the Jaguars, but their Week 17 victory gave them the tiebreaker for the AFC South title.
• Playoff Appearance: Earned the 4th seed in the AFC and hosted the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card Round on January 6, 2018.
• Wild Card Game: Tennessee defeated Kansas City 22-21 in a dramatic comeback, overcoming a 21-3 halftime deficit—the largest in franchise playoff history.
• Divisional Round Exit: The Titans lost 35-14 to the New England Patriots on January 13, ending their playoff run.
• Rookie Impact: Derrick Henry rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown in the Wild Card win, setting a rookie playoff record.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the Titans' 2017 season versus their 2016 and 2018 campaigns across key performance metrics:

This table highlights how the 2017 season represented a peak between rebuilding years. While the team matched its 2016 win total, the division title and playoff victory distinguished it as the most successful season of the late 2010s for Tennessee.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a pivotal moment in the Titans' modern era, proving they could compete at a high level and setting expectations for future success. It also marked the peak of Mike Mularkey’s tenure and showcased the team’s ability to adapt mid-season.

• The playoff win ended a 17-year drought without a postseason victory, the longest active streak in the NFL at the time.
• Derrick Henry’s emergence signaled a shift toward a power-running identity that would define the Titans for years.
• Marcus Mariota’s mixed performance raised questions about his long-term viability as a franchise quarterback.
• The defense, led by Karen Rivers and Logan Ryan, proved capable of elite performances despite inconsistent pass rush.
• Mike Mularkey was fired after the season despite the playoff success, highlighting front-office instability.
• The team’s performance increased ticket sales and fan engagement, boosting Nashville’s support for the franchise.

Ultimately, the 2017 season remains a benchmark for the Titans—a year of breakthroughs, fleeting success, and unmet potential that shaped the franchise’s trajectory.