The Tennessee Titans were marginally better in 2013 than they were the season before, but they still looked some way short of playoff hopefuls for the fifth consecutive season.
There was sadness in the season, too, as long-term owner Bud Adams died peacefully at home on October 21, leaving the franchise to his estate.
Tennessee were the second-best team in the AFC South overall with a 7-9 record, but that did not really say a lot as they were in a division with the long-term struggling Jacksonville Jaguars and the suddenly-imploded Houston Texans.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at their 2013 season.
Pre-season expectations
The Titans had a very disappointing 2012 season after looking solid for much of 2011. The first target was to improve on the 6-10 record from 2012, which they managed, although the 7-9 left them some way short of a spot in the playoffs.
There were average expectations for the season, with few predicting them to make much impact in the AFC. There was a lot average about the season in general, with wins usually being close and games ending in defeat mainly being down to poor defense at key times.
Highlight of the season
The first few games of the season were tight affairs. The Titans were edged out in overtime by the Houston Texans, but the other two of the opening three games went in their favour. Importantly, the defense was tight and there was hope of a season like their 13-3 from 2008. The major high point of the season came in week four where things really looked to be clicking. As well as keeping the New York Jets down to 13 points, the Titans quarterback Jake Locker impressed to help his side to a 38-13 win. It was the best of the season, but things unfortunately did not stay at that level.
Biggest disappointment
The biggest disappointment for the Titans in 2013 was their inability to really finish off plays. There were promising wide receiving performances from Justin Hunter and Kendall Wright throughout the season, but despite decent yards there was not nearly enough conversion from any player in the team. This, despite their improvement on D, went a long way to their rank average numbers in almost every area throughout 2013.
Player of the season
It says a lot about the Titans' season that Delanie Walker was probably their best performer in what cannot be called a brilliant season for him. The tight end was a very important player, particularly in the latter part of the season where he put together what could become a promising connection with second-choice quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. He did not stand out in the NFL as a whole, though, which typifies the Titans' season.
Unsung hero
Among some poor results in the second half of the Titans' season, the work of Justin Hunter went somewhat unnoticed. The rookie wide receiver came on leaps and bounds once given a chance, with his conversion rate from his receptions impressive. Without starting a game he managed four touchdowns from just 18 grabs, with an average yardage of 19.7. With those numbers he could well have a big 2014 season.
Off-season changes
The changes have already begun for the Titans, with new head coach Ken Whisenhunt starting work following Mike Munchiak's dismissal at the end of the season. Whisenhunt has a reputation for getting underperforming teams back on track, and that is exactly the task he has now. As such, his QB will be important, and whether he sticks with Locker or looks to the free agency to bring in another remains to be seen. They have pace with their WRs so building a plan to get the best out of them will be key. Potential key departures in the off-season include Michael Otto and Kenny Britt, who has been accused by Walker as being a bad egg in the locker room.
2014 prospects
Five season of mediocrity could well come to an end next season, depending on the work that the management team can do to clear out the bad attitude and bring in extra talent in important areas. Whisenhunt has brought in his own team and the switch to a more attacking team could see the Titans with an outside chance of a playoff berth next year.
Matt Domm
