While the 2023 campaign certainly wasn’t a banner year for the Tennessee Titans, who finished with a 6-11 record and in last place in the AFC South, there were still some standout performances for the team to hang its hat on.
The Titans saw some key veterans answer the bell on both sides of the ball, but there were also some young players who stepped up to give hope for Tennessee’s future.
Adding to that, the Titans also saw some players rebound after suffering serious injuries the year prior.
We go over those players and more as we take a look at our Titans 2023 season awards.
MVP: RB Derrick Henry
Despite running behind an awful offensive line, Henry still managed to break the 1,000-yard mark for the fifth time in his career and finished with the second-most rushing yards in the NFL.
He also pounded out the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 18 to end their season.
Honorable mention: WR DeAndre Hopkins
Check out our write-up in the OPOY section for why I think DHop was so valuable.
Offensive Player of the Year: WR DeAndre Hopkins
After being written off by many, Hopkins showed he still has plenty left in the tank after breaking the 1,000-yard mark for the first time since 2020. Had Tennessee had any semblance of a consistent passing attack, he could’ve had much more.
But not only was DHop really the only receiver the Titans could depend on, he was also a key target for Levis, whose options in the passing game were otherwise sparse.
Honorable mention: RB Derrick Henry
Defensive Player of the Year: DL Denico Autry
Autry has been one of the best free-agent signings in franchise history and he proved that once again with another strong showing in 2023. Autry’s 11.5 sacks led the team and were a new career-high for him.
It remains to be seen if Autry will be back, as he’s set to hit free agency, but the Titans should certainly be interested in keeping him in Nashville.
Honorable mention: OLB Harold Landry
Check out our write-up in the CPOY section for why Landry was considered for Defensive Player of the Year, also.
Comeback Player of the Year: OLB Harold Landry
Landry got off to a slow start in his first season back from a torn ACL but caught fire down the stretch of the season. His 10.5 sacks were the second-most he’s ever posted in a single campaign. One can only imagine what he would’ve done if he got off to a better start.
Honorable mention: OL Dillon Radunz
Like Landry, Radunz was coming back from a torn ACL. After a rocky start, Radunz settled in over the final five games, giving up just one sack and seven pressures in that span.
Most improved player: CB Roger McCreary
After playing on the boundary all of last season, McCreary was tasked with moving to the slot — and it’s safe to say his transition was a successful one.
McCreary saw a higher completion rate allowed, but he surrendered two less yards per reception and his passer rating allowed dropped by 20. He also added one interception and five pass break-ups.
The Auburn product received some recognition from Pro Football Focus, with the outlet ranking him as the No. 19 cornerback of 2024.
Honorable mention: OL Dillon Radunz
Rookie of the Year: RB Tyjae Spears and QB Will Levis
I was torn between Levis and Spears here but ultimately decided to have them share the award.
Spears was electric in his first season, with the rookie back tallying the fourth-most scrimmage yards among first-year players at his position.
Levis was good in his own right and the flashes of brilliance he showed were enough to inject hope into the fan base during a second consecutive season without the playoffs.
Along with our honorable mention, left guard Peter Skoronski, the Titans have a nice foundation on offense to move forward with.
Honorable mention: LG Peter Skoronski
Skoronski definitely had some growing pains but he also had a lot to overcome, whether that be learning a new position, having poor pass protectors on either side of him, or the appendectomy.
Outside of a rough four-game stretch, Skoronski was arguably Tennessee’s best offensive lineman. I know, that’s not saying much but it’s still a good sign for the rookie, who finished the season strong in Week 18.
Surprise of the Year: QB Will Levis
While we all hoped Levis would show us something in 2023, I’m not sure anyone expected to see a level of play that has us hopeful the Titans have found their quarterback of the future.
There is still work to do, but Levis is on a trajectory that has us excited. Now, the Titans have to focus on improving what was a dreadful situation around him.
Honorable mention: RT Chris Hubbard
Hubbard was signed off the street in training camp and ultimately became the Titans’ starting right tackle before injury ended his season early. He was much better than we expected.
Disappointment of the Year: WR Treylon Burks
Burks was pegged by many (including yours truly) to be a breakout candidate in 2023. Instead, the Arkansas product threw up a total dud.
When he wasn’t dealing with injury, Burks was not productive on the field, with the former first-round pick tallying 16 catches for 222 yards and no touchdowns in 11 games.
But Burks didn’t pass the eye test, either. The second-year wideout displayed poor play balance and had issues catching the football.
Unfortunately, because of Burks’ struggles, the Titans can’t depend on him at all in 2024 and he’s on the fast track to being a bust.
Honorable mention: LT Andre Dillard
Did we expect Dillard to be great? No.
Did we expect Dillard to be the worst left tackle in the sport? No, also.
Coach of the Year: QBs coach Charles London
Also the offensive pass-game coordinator, London played a big role in the development of Levis, which was the single most important thing for Tennessee in 2023.
I truly hope the Titans can hang on to London in some form or fashion, as it would provide at least a little stability for the Kentucky product.
Honorable mention: DC Shane Bowen
The Titans’ defense wasn’t anything to write home about but the unit did enough in 2023 for Tennessee to be more competitive. Unfortunately, the offense couldn’t hold up its end of the bargain.
In addition, Tennessee finished with the best red-zone defense in the NFL, and the third-best red-zone defense since 2014.
