If he ends up being 'above average' for the next two years how will you guys feel?
I'd be fine. The deal does cost the team a ton where it will hurt their efforts to build and get better. Yeah it would suck to sign the wrong guy as a high value player, but in what scenario doesn't that suck? Lol
I think how this team fairs moving forward is more on how Smith continues to improve, Vrabel handles the defense (talk about the monkey in the room), and JR continues to secure above average talent. I know that's a lot, but I do think they are more influential long term. If those things continue to get well, the team will be fine even if we have to move a different direction in 2 years. The new QB will come into a relativelty stacked team.
I personally agree with the deal Tanny got. We know he can operate the scheme we want to run at a very high level when things are clicking. Now that we've seen it on film and in games it's up to coaching to keep it consistent. Who's to say any other option could operate the system better? Anyone who suggest that is projecting and projecting tends to hurt you more than not. If you have a QB you know can operate your system at a high level you keep them.
That's just my thoughts anyway.
Side note: I love how the Titans was an afterthought all year, now the media is on the bandwagon saying oh those Titans were loaded last year, just swap the QB and that's a superbowl team (). That's risky business because the team sparked because of Tannehill. As much as I LOVE Henry I think Henry went off because the system clicked. Tannehill hit all the throws Mariota missed forcing defenses backwards some which allowed Henry to go off. You'll never know who influenced one more than the other, but its certainly isnt a coincidence that Henry went off the same time Tannehill was inserted. All I know is from the very first pass Tannehill threw to Corey Davis across the middle after Mariota was benched I turned to a friend during that game and said THAT is what the Titans have been missing fearlessness from the QB and arm strength.
Whew and I ranted...either way here's to hoping! Lol