Starting Ryan Tannehill May Have Been the Most Important Move by Coach Mike Vrabel This Season, but Which Decision Takes Second Place?

Titans Head Coach Mike Vrabel - JAMES KENNEY/FR171271 AP VIA AP

Before Mike Vrabel made the decision to start Ryan Tannehill as opposed to Marcus Mariota, it seemed as though the 2019 season was going to be a bust. Even shortly after the choice was made, national media outlets and fans alike were convinced that the Titans' hopes of a playoff berth were over. However, Tannehill provided the team with the spark that was needed to turn things around. At the end of the 2019 regular season, he had achieved both the best passer rating in the NFL and a 7-3 record as the team's starting QB. Vrabel's choice paid off tremendously, and it contributed a lot towards what arguably became the comeback story of the season.

Yet this decision alone would have not been enough for the team to turn around and make it to the AFC Championship. While starting Ryan Tannehill easily takes first place when ranking Vrabel's moves this year, there is one definitive choice that I believe should be given the silver medal. Let's rewind back to Week 16: the team was about to go head to head with the Saints in a game that was virtually meaningless towards their playoff hopes. Yes, you read that right. With the way things played out, the outcome of the Steelers vs. the Jets actually meant more towards the Titans' playoff destiny than their own matchup did.

So what did Vrabel do? He took a tiny gamble and sat Derrick Henry, his best player. Towards the end of the season, Henry had been experiencing complications with his hamstring, so much so that the dominating running back had been showing signs of slowing down. After a practically insignificant loss to the Saints and a Jets win over the Steelers in week 16, Vrabel found himself in a "win and you're in" situation against the Texans in week 17. When it came time for the team's final regular-season showdown, Henry ran his way into becoming the 2019 Rushing Champion and helped bring the team to a crucial victory. Once the team began its playoff run, Henry also was able to virtually carry the team to two shocking playoff wins against the Patriots and the Ravens, allowing the Titans to make it to the AFC Championship. Hence, there is no doubt in my mind that Mike Vrabel's decision to let Derrick Henry rest in week 16 ranks second only to starting Ryan Tannehill in the beginning of the season.