Titans Tracker

Titans 27, Saints 24

Will — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 03:35:00 +0000

Some observations as the 2010 preseason comes to a close:

Offense

The first team offense, minus Chris Johnson, seemed to regain a sense of rhythm. Javon Ringer continues to excel in the preseason. I wonder how good he would be if he was the Titans starting running back.

Kenny Britt is young. Is this the biggest factor in his lapses in concentration? So far, I’m disappointed in what I’ve seen from Britt this season.

I had not seen enough of Marc Mariani to realize just how good he is. Mariani has shown the type of determination and ball skills you would hope to see from Britt. The rookie from Montana has earned a roster spot.

I can’t wait to see what Tennessee decides to do with Samkon Gado. The veteran played ahead of LeGarrette Blount again and had a nice 31-yard run in the second quarter. Even so, there’s no way the Titans release Blount, who has undeniable talent and potential.

Troy Kropog had an embarrassing evening at backup left tackle. I wasn’t very familiar with Fernando Velasco, but I definitely should have predicted that he would make the Titans 53-man roster.

Defense

The progress of the defensive line gives me hope that the Titans can win double-digit games. Jason Jones can be a superstar in this league… and you know the one condition: he has to stay healthy. The D-line is deep and much-improved.

Gerald McRath is a stud and will be missed at the beginning of the season.

I am a Alterraun Verner fan. The kid can flat out play. Ryan Mouton? Fourth string. I don’t feel very good about the Titans depth at safety.

Special Teams

Having two punts blocked, even in a preseason game, is cause for alarm. Coach Fisher needs to do whatever it takes to fix this before the team plays the Raiders.

Go Titans!

Panthers 15, Titans 7

Will — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 01:52:23 +0000

There will be an occasion or two when I don’t watch a Titans game (gasp!). Usually it’s because I’m engaged with my family… and as I’ve said many times, there are many, many more important things in life than football.

I could pretend that I watched the game for the sake of appearances, but I’d prefer not to do this. There are hundreds of things that demand your time each day, and I won’t waste your time by having you read a half-baked article cobbled together by my observation of videos and other writers’ articles.

Of course, more often than not, I will watch the game and write a post-game recap as soon as possible.

If you’re interested in a good recap of the Titans-Panthers game, visit my friends at Total Titans. And keep reading Titans Tracker. Thanks.

Titans 24, Cardinals 10

Will — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:29:10 +0000

It was only 2 seasons ago that Vince Young had one of his worst preseason performances. On August 15, 2008, Young was outplayed by JaMarcus Russell (click the link and read an early declaration by NFL.com saying “Russell is for real”) as Tennessee managed an ugly one-point win over the Oakland Raiders. Young looked like a quarterback who was regressing.

Fast forward to 2010. Young looks confident and accurate. If his strong commitment to the offseason program and his passing performance against the Cardinals means anything, watch out. Vince Young may be on the cusp of becoming one of the league’s best quarterbacks.

Leapin’ Lavelle Hawkins made the play of the night on a 22-yard reverse run. I’m happy for him. Seems like a nice kid who’s gaining confidence and preparing to contribute to the offense in his third season.

Off the street free agent Samkon Gado took the field before LeGarrette Blount got a chance to play. Gado responded by scoring two rushing touchdowns. Was coach Jeff Fisher sending Blount a message?

I fully expect Fisher to keep his guy Blount on the roster. Perhaps a running-back needy team will give Gado another chance.

The offensive line looked fantastic.

Last month, I predicted that Jason Babin would not make the team. Now, I wouldn’t be surprised if Babin starts ahead of ailing rookie Derrick Morgan.

I also won’t be surprised if rookie Alterraun Verner overtakes Jason McCourty for the second cornerback spot. The game in Carolina will reveal a lot about this team’s starting lineup and regular season prospects.

Blount’s punch is a big deal

Will — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:30:17 +0000

I’m not proud to be a sports fan, or a Titans fan, today.

Titans rookie running back LeGarrette Blount punched teammate Eric Bakhtiari during practice yesterday.

This is the same player who was suspended at Oregon for sucker punching Boise State player Byron Hout last fall.

This is also the same player who wasn’t drafted in April because of the aforementioned sucker punch.

The majority of ESPN Sportsnation thinks Blount’s training camp punch is a big deal. However, I’m still disturbed by the sizeable minority of people who don’t think it’s worth the attention.

I am even more disturbed by Titans coach Jeff Fisher’s comments:

“I am not disappointed whatsoever. His past is his past. Is that the first punch you’ve seen at camp this year? No. OK. I am not disappointed whatsoever. I have great confidence in the young man that he has learned from his mistake and is very competitive.” (Source: The Tennessean)

If “his past is his past,” why wasn’t Blount, who had first- or second-round talent, drafted by the Titans or any other NFL team?

Why? Because the sucker punch at Oregon was deemed by all 32 teams to be a very big deal.

But the training camp punch isn’t a big deal, because players throughout the league get into fights during training camp?

The Tennessee Titans play football, not hockey, and LeGarrette Blount is a running back, not a boxer.

If Blount makes the team and is ejected from a regular season game, and Chris Johnson can’t push the pile in the red zone to score a much-need touchdown, we will see that coach Fisher’s faith in Blount was not warranted.

Fisher’s comments have rekindled my doubts about the coach which stem in part from two poor decisions he made during the disastrous start of the 2009 season.

1. Fisher maintained his confidence in Kerry Collins for too long. Had Titans owner Bud Adams not insisted that Vince Young start at quarterback after game 6, the Titans would likely have finished the season with a much worse record than 8-8.

2. Fisher had so much confidence in rookie cornerback/punt returner Ryan Mouton that he cut veteran kick returner Mark Jones at the end of training camp. Mouton was largely responsible for the September 27, 2009 loss to the New York Jets. A few days later, Fisher corrected himself and the Titans signed Jones.

As the 2010 season begins, I have very little confidence in Jeff Fisher or LeGarrette Blount.

Seahawks 20, Titans 18

Will — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 19:03:01 +0000

I was sad to find out that rookie Stafon Johnson, who overcame trememdous odds after surviving a freak accident while lifting weights at USC, has another tough hill to climb after dislocating his ankle in last night’s preseason game in Seattle. Johnson was hoping to perform well enough to force the Titans to keep 4 running backs (I think Chris Johnson, Javon Ringer and LeGarrette Blounts are locks). Now his best hope of sticking with the team is if management decided to put him on injured reserve for the season. He may be released.

I was happy to see Ringer start the preseason right by breaking a 46-yard run. The second-year player from Michigan State also performed well during the 2009 preseason. If CJ leaves the Titans for greener pastures, is he good enough to take over? I hope we get a chance to find out during the regular season.

Ryan Mouton remains a question mark. NFL castoff Mike Williams embarrassed Mouton on a short hitch route, but Mouton also intercepted a pass. Who is the real Ryan Mouton?

Respect the fullback

Will — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:57:25 +0000

Since this is the third article in a row with fullbacks as its primary subject, it should be crystal clear that I’m a big fan of the running game, and that I wish fullbacks were featured more prominently in NFL offenses.

My heart literally skips a beat whenever a fullback is allowed to carry the football. Ridiculous, huh?

Perhaps the most emotional moment during Emmitt Smith’s Hall of Fame induction speech was his tearful tribute to fullback Daryl Johnston. Johnston was a key contributor to Smith’s success with the Dallas Cowboys in an era when the fullback’s role had been diminished and devalued.

There was a time when fullbacks used to run the football. As a small time, I was a Cowboys fan (most Texans are Cowboys fans by default) and enjoyed watching number 44, Robert Newhouse, who served as more than just a lead blocker for Preston Pearson and Tony Dorsett. In 1975, Newhouse carried the ball 209 times for 930 yards. He rushed for 4,784 yards during his 12-year career.

Not to be forgotten is big Tim Wilson, who carried the ball 126 times for the Oilers during Earl Campbell’s rookie season in 1978.

In the late 1970s, the NFL put new rules in place that made it easier for teams to execute in the passing game. Soon, teams frequently use formations with multiple wide receivers which took the fullback off the field and the ball out of his hands.

Wikipedia correctly notes that Jim Brown, Franco Harris and Larry Csonka were fullbacks. All three players are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Roger Craig, the tremendous receiver and runner who made his mark with the San Francisco 49ers, may become the last player who played significant snaps at fullback to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Recently, fullback Mike Alstott concluded his career in 2006 with 5088 yards rushing. Baltimore Raven Le’Ron McClain had an anomaly of a season in 2008 as he rushed for 902 yards.

Will we see the triumphant return of ball-toting fullbacks? I doubt it. But the next time you see Chris Johnson, or any other running back, breaking long runs and scoring touchdowns, remember the man leading the way who will only get a handful of carries and very little glory.

Respect the fullback.

Rose cut from roster

Will — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 01:07:04 +0000

That didn’t last long.

I decided to gamble with my credibility by predicting that undrafted rookie fullback Willie Rose would find a way to make it onto the Titans 53-man roster. Rose was released by the Titans less than one week after the beginning of training camp. Had I known that Rose was on the physically unable to perform list, I would not have boldly stated that he had a chance to make the team.

Chalk it up to my commitment to not take this blog so seriously.

2010 Titans 53-Man Roster Prediction

Will — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:03:01 +0000

Quarterback (3): Vince Young, Kerry Collins, Rusty Smith

Chris Simms hurt his chances by getting arrested for driving under the influence in early July. Rusty Smith has a great opportunity to earn a roster spot by demonstrating his grasp of the offense.

Halfback (4): Chris Johnson, Javon Ringer, LeGarrette Blount, Stafon Johnson

NFL.com thinks former Oregon Duck LeGarrette Blount is on the fringe. I say he’s a lock to make the Titans roster. Blount, signed as a free agent after his well-documented fracas, has first-round talent and a lot to prove. Stafon Johnson is a feel-good story in the making. He runs with ease and can help in the return game.

Fullback (2): Ahmard Hall, Willie Rose

I’m going out on a limb by saying that rookie Willie Rose makes the roster. If Chris Johnson weren’t on the team, I’d go a step further and say that Rose will beat out Hall for the starting fullback job. Nothing against Hall, but he is 30 and we all know how much the Titans and the NFL love older players.

Rose has serious skills. He is an elusive runner and can catch the ball effectively. I’ll keep a close eye on Rose during training camp.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrpByY1qHG4

Wide Receiver (5): Justin Gage, Nate Washington, Kenny Britt, Lavelle Hawkins, Damian Williams

Lavelle Hawkins’ emergence during the offseason will affect the other young receivers currently on the roster. Seventh rounder Marc Mariani seems destined for the practice squad. Dominique Edison will have to outperform Hawkins to earn a spot.

Say goodbye to Paul Williams, whose ninth life is about to expire. I don’t see him making the team or being kept as a 26-year-old practice squad player.

Tight End (3): Bo Scaife, Craig Stevens, Jared Cook

No surprises here, other than the Titans will keep three tight ends instead of four. It’s been said many times, but I’ll say it again. Cook, last year’s second round draft pick, really needs to step up his game.

Offensive Line (9): Michael Roos, Leroy Harris, Eugene Amano, Jake Scott, David Stewart, Ryan Durand, Troy Kropog, Mike Otto, Kevin Matthews

Kevin Matthews, son of former Oiler/Titans Bruce Matthews, was signed as an undrafted rookie. I think he makes the roster for one reason, and it’s not simply because of his father’s legacy.

The Matthews family can play ball, period. Call it “the Matthews exemption.” Give the kid a shot, and I think he will become a solid player.

Defensive Line (8): William Hayes, Derrick Morgan, Dave Ball, Jacob Ford, Tony Brown, Jason Jones, Sen’Derrick Marks, David Howard

I think the Titans would like to keep nine defensive linemen, but their shaky situation at linebacker will force them to keep eight.

Dave Ball’s versatility gives him the nod over free agent signee Jason Babin. Sen’Derrick Marks has had a good offseason, which gives the Titans the opportunity to jettison the underperforming Jovan Haye. Derrick Morgan should start at right defensive end.

Linebacker (7): David Thornton, Gerald McRath, Will Witherspoon, Rennie Curran, Stephen Tulloch, Jamie Winborn, Colin Allred

The Titans linebacker situation is a mess. Keith Bulluck signed with the Giants, David Thornton isn’t healthy, and future starter Gerald McRath will miss the first four regular season games due to violating the league’s performance enhancing drug policy.

The big winner here is veteran Jamie Winborn, who had little chance of making the team before McRath’s suspension.

Cornerback (5): Cortland Finnegan, Jason McCourty, Ryan Mouton, Alterraun Verner, Tye Hill

Rod Hood’s injury opened the door for Tye Hill. I think Hill has something to prove after falling short of expectations as a former first round draft pick.

Safety (4): Chris Hope, Michael Griffin, Vincent Fuller, Robert Johnson

Rookie and Rhodes Scholar Myron Rolle is a great guy, but I’m not completely sold on his football skills. I do hope he is in the Titans’ long term plans, but he may have to spend 2010 on the practice squad. I wonder if he’s willing to sit out a season, knowing he’s capable of achieving greatness outside the gridiron.

Specialists (3): kicker Rob Bironas; punter Brett Kern; long snapper Ken Amato

The preseason will be fun to watch. Go Willie Rose! Go Titans!

Bulluck now a Giant

Will — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 02:54:28 +0000

Billy Cannon: Raiders, Chiefs.
Dan Pastorini: Raiders, Rams, Eagles.
Earl Campbell: Saints.
Warren Moon: Vikings, Seahawks, Chiefs.
Steve McNair: Ravens.
Eddie George: Cowboys.
Derrick Mason: Ravens.
Albert Haynesworth: Redskins.

Keith Bulluck: Giants.

Who’s next? Chris Johnson, Vince Young, Cortland Finnegan…

Titans fans, it’s best to not become too attached to the team’s best and most popular players, because they will likely not finish their careers in Nashville.

It can be argued that Pastorini was ineffective, Campbell and George were washed up, Moon couldn’t get the Oilers to the Super Bowl, and Haynesworth wanted too much money.

Still, it hurts to see your favorite players go elsewhere.

K-Bull, I hoped you would have been given another chance to play sideline-to-sideline defense and help the Titans rebound from 2009. Good luck with the G-Men.

Johnson’s restructured contract raises stakes

Will — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 01:00:20 +0000

Titans Nation received great news when we learned that the Tennessee Titans restructured Chris Johnson’s contract. According to reports, the All-Pro running back will earn $2.5 million in 2010.

What this means for the Titans

The Titans offense will have its dynamic duo in play all season long… that is, if Vince Young is not suspended by league commissioner Roger Goodell for his strip club tussle. Johnson, the NFL’s best running back, will give the Titans a great chance to rack up lots of yards and keep its relatively weak defense off the field.

The Titans front office has a year to figure out how to make Johnson happy in the long run. Johnson has Hall-of-Fame talent, and barring injury, he figures to be very productive over the next 3-5 years. Tennessee would be foolish to let him go.

What this means for Chris Johnson

The stakes are high for Johnson. 2010 has now become a contract year. He has to produce, and produce big, if he hopes the Titans will make him one of the league’s highest paid players.

Recently, he made the absurd statement that he believes he can run for 2500 yards this season. I think he’s capable of rushing for 2000 yards, but he won’t come close to 2500. Even so, anything less than 2000 yards in total offense will be a disappointment.