Can Julio Jones Trade Transform Titans into Real AFC Contenders?

Can Julio Jones Trade Transform Titans into Real AFC Contenders?

By Michael Harrison

December 3, 2024 at 11:40 AM

The Tennessee Titans acquired Julio Jones from the Atlanta Falcons for a 2022 second-round and 2023 fourth-round draft pick, making them favorites to win the AFC South. However, their path to AFC supremacy faces significant challenges.

Impact on Titans' Offense:

  • Jones joins A.J. Brown and Derrick Henry in a potent offensive lineup
  • Titans ranked 3rd in NFL offense in 2020
  • Brown recorded 70 catches, 1,075 yards, and 11 touchdowns last season
  • Lost Corey Davis (984 yards, 5 TDs in 2020)
  • Jones contributed 771 yards and 3 TDs in 2020

Defensive Concerns:

  • Ranked 28th in total defense in 2020
  • Added Bud Dupree and Janoris Jenkins in free agency
  • Defense remains a significant weakness against high-powered AFC offenses
  • Finished 11-5 in 2020 but lost in Wild Card round to Ravens

Championship Outlook:

  • Clear favorites in AFC South
  • Still behind Kansas City, Buffalo, Baltimore, and Cleveland in AFC hierarchy
  • Offensive firepower improved but defensive questions remain
  • Must maintain run-first identity with Henry despite Jones addition

Analysis: While acquiring Jones for draft picks is valuable, the Titans' defensive limitations will likely prevent them from serious AFC championship contention. They should remain a playoff team but will struggle to compete with the conference's elite without significant defensive improvement.

alt text

alt text

alt text

alt text

alt text

alt text

alt text

alt text

alt text

alt text

alt text

alt text

alt text

alt text

alt text

alt text

alt text

alt text

alt text

alt text

Related Articles

Previous Articles