2009 Record: 8-8, Third in Division
2009 Playoff Record: Did not Qualify
Key Losses: Kyle Vanden Bosch, Kevin Mawae, Jevon Kearse, Rod Hood
Key Additions: Derrick Morgan, Damian Williams, LeGarrette Blount
In case you haven't noticed, I've been going with a general theme for the order of these picks based on where I think the teams might finish in the division. Who to preview after the Texans was a tough decision for me, both Jacksonville and Tennessee have shown some areas of promise. I went with the Titans, though, primarily because of 2,000 yard rusher Chris Johnson, although there is much more to this team's success than that. Just a year ago this team was set to go deep into the playoffs after finishing as the best team in football in 08 and suffering an unexpected early round loss. After an injury-plagued season that saw them finish at .500 'they're looking to return to their 2008 form and pick up where they left off as a Superbowl contender, but that may be easier said than done. They've lost a good portion of that 13-3 team, and some key elements from last season that left for other teams may hamper their chances of unseating the Colts. In addition, off-field issues for key players like Chris Johnson and Vince Young could have a negative impact, especially early in the season. The Titans will have to be firing on all cylinders to keep their playoff hopes alive, but a post-season berth isn't completely out of the question.
Defense has been the focal point of this team and the driving force behind their success, but their offense hasn't slouched much either. In 2008, quarterback Kerry Collins and halfback Chris Johnson led the team into the playoffs with a potent offensive attack to complement a dominant defense. Last season that offense slumped early, averaging less than 17 points in their first five games and 13 if you discount the 31 points they put up in a loss to Houston. Vince Young came in after their bye week and led the team to win seven of their last ten games, scoring more than 30 points in four of those contests. Young and Johnson will be counted on to get this offense back on track, but a holdout in the latter's case and a possible suspension in the former's might complicate things. Vince Young may still have some doubters, but starting the season off with uncertainty for the second straight year is not a good way to hit the ground running. Speaking of which, although the offensive line is good, the running attack squarely rests on Johnson's shoulders, for better or for worse. LenDale White is gone, and without the 2,000 yard rusher in the backfield, this offense is going to suffer no matter who is taking the snaps.
Another group that is constantly getting called out as a weak point for this team is the receiving corps, but Kenny Britt, Justin Gage, and Nate Washington have made a habit out of picking up solid production as a unit. They join up with third round pick Damian Williams this year, and if the running game remains solid and whoever is behind center retains his composure they should again lead a productive offense despite the criticism. Tight End Bo Scaife hasn't picked up a lot of yards, but his average yards per reception have been over nine for the past three years, and like the rest of the receivers on this team he should be a workhouse for this offense. Also good news for the offense, the same offensive line that netted them over 2,000 yards last season and gave up the second-fewest sacks behind the division rival Colts is largely in tact. The only piece of bad news on offense, aside from the issues, is the absence of star center Kevin Mawae. As I've said before, centers are the key component to a good offensive line, and the loss of Mawae could put a dent in the predicted second 2,000 yard season for Chris Johnson. Aside from that, the rest of this offensive unit is as solid as ever.
Defense is more of a question. The Titans lost Pro-Bowl rusher Albert Haynesworth to the Redskins after the 2008 season (though they could have a chance at getting him back, maybe?), and this season they lost his partner in crime from that year, Kyle Vanden Bosch. Jevon Kearse is also an unrestricted free agent, and if their roster on opening day is as it is now they'll be looking at a rookie starting at end opposite whichever other unproven commodity they choose to start. They did good grabbing an end in the first round, it's an important position for this defense, but without a disruptive force at the other end like this team is used to it's no guarantee that Morgan will live up to expectations out of the box. That's the problem with this position, is even if their ends have a decent year it will still be less than the production that Haynesworth and Vanden Bosch have been bringing to the position in recent years.
That would be a problem for most teams, but the Titans play with two of the best offensive lines in football in the Texans and Colts, and those lines protect some very dangerous quarterbacks. Even with all-stars in the secondary, Peyton and Schaub could pick apart a defense given enough time in the pocket. Compounding this problem is the fact that the Titans don't have all-stars in the secondary. Rod Hood and Nick Harper are both unrestricted free agents, leaving Cortland Finnegan as the sole leader of a secondary that is suddenly looking very young after the Titans spent three late round picks on defensive backs. They cannot afford to regress in this area. Last season, although ranking eighth in the league in interceptions, they allowed over 4,000 yards passing and were in the bottom five in the league in scoring defense. This simply has to change, otherwise they could be looking at another long and disappointing season. Linebacker seems to be set to mimic its production from last year. They managed to keep their corps pretty much in tact, but Keith Bullock looks to be another potential loss, the rest of the backers are going to have to make up for his production and leadership.
This team has potential, but playing in a strong division with excellent quarterbacks and some imposing defenses won't make things easy for them. Although some amazing performances last season and largely untouched units give this team hope, the loss of key players does not make things any easier and will have to be overcome if they want to make it back to the playoffs. The young players will have to step up and Coach Fisher can simply not afford mistakes. They will be facing some very potent teams, including the Steelers and Dolphins, and will have to play to their maximum potential to compete in this very tough division.
No comments:
Post a Comment