AFC South: Justin McCareins
Camp Confidential: Titans poised to contend
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| Don McPeak/US Presswire | |
| Keith Bulluck knows the window of opportunity for the Titans is getting smaller. |
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Titans believe they have all the necessary parts to contend for a championship: a top offensive line that facilitates two complementary running backs and a good decision-maker at quarterback; a swarming defense with at least one Pro Bowl talent in every unit; a clutch kicker with a big leg; a steady coaching staff under calm, cool Jeff Fisher.
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But while they have a young core to build around beyond 2009, it feels like a window may be closing. Among the players in a contract year are tone-setters such as longtime linebacker Keith Bulluck, defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, center Kevin Mawae, cornerback Nick Harper and defensive end Jevon Kearse.
None has played longer or more consistently than Bulluck, the outspoken 4-3 outside linebacker who has long excelled in the Titans' system with his speed, athleticism and ability to hit.
He's seen good friends and good teammates disappear from the locker room as the team judged them unaffordable or done, and lamented the losses of Eddie George, Samari Rolle, the late Steve McNair, Robaire Smith, Derrick Mason and, most recently, Albert Haynesworth.
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Ken Daube breaks down the 2009 season for Tennessee's backfield tandem of Chris Johnson and LenDale White, and explains why White has greater value in fantasy. That makes him expect he'll be next, adding to his sense of urgency: This is his last, best chance to get to a Super Bowl with the Titans.
"That window of opportunity is only open but for so long," he said. "I've been on this team going on 10 years. The window's been open two times previously and we didn't jump through it, so I feel -- for me, for the organization -- this team has to be the one to take that bound and jump through the window of opportunity. It's fair to say that."
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| AP Photo/Mark Humphrey | |
| The addition of wide receiver Nate Washington gives the Titans another downfield threat. |
Last year's 13-3 team returns 20 starters, and Nate Washington is an upgrade over Justin McCareins. The team is confident it has a committee that can make up for the departure of Haynesworth, and has replaced defensive linemen well through the years.
"Now it's definitely straight business and trying to win the Super Bowl," Bulluck said.
The Titans may not match last season's 10-0 start or 13-3 record. Barring injuries, they should be a playoff team and if it does prove to be Bulluck's swan song with the franchise, it's reasonable for him to expect his last game with them will be one deep in the playoffs.
Key questions
1. Will the passing offense improve?
There are three reasons to believe so: Washington, the free-agent addition who will start opposite Justin Gage, and draft picks Kenny Britt and Jared Cook.
Washington gives the team a receiving speedster on the outside who should keep safeties honest, which can threaten defenses deep and help create additional room for the team's most dynamic weapon, Chris Johnson. Britt is a physical receiver who comes into the league having impressed offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger with his ability to get off the jam at the line of scrimmage. And when Cook was available 89th overall, the Titans felt he was such a value that they dealt their 2010 second-rounder to New England in order to take Cook. Such a trade is ra
re for them.
Kerry Collins will have solid protection. Now he should have better options downfield, who can do more once he delivers them the ball.
2. Will they rush and stuff the run as effectively without Haynesworth?
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They will miss a player who could dominate and frequently drew double teams, and his fear-no-one, say-anything attitude gave the unit some of its swagger. But a year ago they lost their left end tandem of Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy as free agents after they'd combined for 14 sacks, and there was no talk in 2009 about how the team missed the duo. They plugged in people and moved forward.
Defensive line coach Jim Washburn has molded a lot of players into effective run-stuffers and pocket-collapsers. Free-agent addition Jovan Haye and second-round draft pick Sen'Derrick Marks are guys he wanted for the interior, just like Jason Jones, last year's second-round pick. The Titans will love it if opponents draw up protections expecting they won't be as threatening as they were with Haynesworth.
3. What will change under new defensive coordinator Chuck Cecil?
Well, Fisher is a defensive coach who's overseen successful transitions at the post before. Cecil learned under the guy he replaces, current Detroit head coach Jim Schwartz. So no matter how much people may want to believe Cecil will bring a blitzing mentality, the Titans won't be compromising coverage if they get sufficient pass pressure from their front four. (See No. 2 above.)
In his early days in the post, Cecil said if the Titans give up 6 yards on third-and-seven, he'll say yippee or hurrah as the defense leaves the field having held. Expect a Schwartz-like emphasis on third-down percentage and points allowed.
Market watch
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| AP Photo/Mark Humphrey | |
| The Titans hope a lighter LenDale White can remain a steady complement to Chris Johnson. |
LenDale White said he was as heavy as 265 in 2009 and reported to camp at 228. It's a contract year and that was certainly part of the motivation, but he's matured, too, and has been a good teammate for the bulk of his first three seasons. Given the same sort of key-situation carries he got last year, when he scored 15 touchdowns, he can be an even more effective complement to Johnson.
Newcomer to watch
Bo Scaife wasn't as much of a target down the stretch last season, and while he's got a knack for a tough catch in a crucial spot, Cook brings much more upside. If he can run the sort of routes and make the type of catches he did in OTAs and the early days of camp, he could become a prominent piece of the offense in short order. If he can earn his way onto the field, he will be able to outrun linebackers and outmuscle defensive backs. First he'll have to prove to be a reliable route-runner and show he's got dependable hands.
Observation deck
Leroy Harris worked as the starting center at the start of camp while Mawae completed his recovery from an elbow injury. It's unlikely the stronger but less experienced Harris can win the job, but he gives Tennessee great security at center and guard. Now the Titans need to find a swing tackle to back up Michael Roos and David Stewart. ... Rookie running back Javon Ringer could quickly seize the No. 3 running back job if he can show the skills the team needs from that player on special teams. ... Rookie corner Ryan Mouton has started out as Vincent Fuller's backup at nickel. Can he also get comfortable outside and provide depth behind Cortland Finnegan and Harper? Mouton, DeMarcus Faggins, Cary Williams and Jason McCourty will jostle for spots in the pecking order with Eric King and Chris Carr gone. ... The end looks to be near, mercifully, for two ineffective third-year players on offense -- running back Chris Henry and receiver Paul Williams. What might the Titans have been if they hit on their second- and third-rounders in 2007? ... After two middling years, receiver and return man Chris Davis looks like he's gained confidence and could be in line to break out, especially if Mark Jones doesn't mount a strong case for the return jobs and the last receiver slot. ... Look for high-motor defensive end Vanden Bosch, slowed by a groin injury last year, to m
ake a strong return and rank among the league's sack leaders. ... The Titans remain hopeful that Vince Young can be a solid backup to Collins, but a roster bonus of more than $4 million in 2010 calls his future with the team into question.
The Collins question: Can he do it again?
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| Getty Images | |
| Titans quarterback Kerry Collins has led three teams to the playoffs, but has yet to do so in consecutive years. |
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A year after finding a dynamic running back as fast as any in the league, the Titans set out to upgrade their passing offense.
Out went Justin McCareins and Brandon Jones and in came free agent Nate Washington and first-round pick Kenny Britt. The Titans' receiving corps, always a subject of discontent among their faithful, stands to be more explosive.
Can the veteran quarterback who led last year's 13-3 campaign be more productive with those additional targets?
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Quarterback Those looking to punch holes in Kerry Collins as he prepares for 2009 point to this: He's never led a team to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
In Collins' follow-ups to three playoff appearances, he has a 17-25 record. Coincidence or trend?
"I really don't know what to say to that," Collins said. "I'm not going to sit here and act like I know the reasons for it. I don't. Trying to think back, I'll just try to avoid it this year. I don't know what the causes were or if there were any causes. It just kind of happened."
The 1997 Panthers were led by Collins, who at the time was entering a troubled personal phase in his life. Collins remembered a lot of injuries to the 2001 Giants and said he thought the 2003 Giants suffered a letdown after the Super Bowl year. His passer rating declined in each of those follow-up seasons.
With the 2008 Titans he's got a chance to prove himself again.
Now, he looks to join 10 starters across the league who've taken their team to the playoffs two years in a row or more. Twenty-three others who are in line to start or who are competing for the job have not. In terms of doing it over two or more seasons, is Collins going to wind up categorized with the likes of Tony Romo (2006-07) and Philip Rivers (2006-08), or will he be on the same list as Jake Delhomme (who can make it two in a row this season) and Carson Palmer?
After taking over for Vince Young during the season opener in 2008, Collins was cast as a game manager. Toss out the finale where he played only a little, and in 14 starts he attempted 23 or fewer passes five times. A lot of his critics focus a lot more on that than on the three games with more than one touchdown pass or the four games with a passer rating over 100.
When Chicago shut down the Titans' run game in Week 10, Collins produced his best game completing 30 of 41 passes for 289 yards and three touchdowns.
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"I think offensively our expectations in the passing game should be higher from what we did last year," Collins said. "We were productive when we needed to be, but if you look at the breadth of work during the season, it's not like we lit it up or anything. We were effective. We didn't need to throw it all of the time -- we ran the ball so well and we got up in games.
"I'm sure we're going to be committed to running the ball again this year, but I think we can get more out of the passing game this year with the people we brought in and the experience we've all had in [Mike] Heimerdinger's offense."
Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. expects the Titans to slide this season, largely because he doesn't have great faith in Collins.
"Overall, I have a hard time completely buying into the fact that he is a totally changed guy all of a sudden," Williamson said. "His TD/INT ratio and overall decision making has been a real problem in the past. He certainly can throw the rock, but he can't get out of the way of the rush or create when things break down. The Titans' OL is excellent, but his movement skills really worry me overall. I would say that his accuracy is just average at best as well."
And this from back in May: "Remember, this is a quarterback with a lifetime passer rating of 73.8 and who has only thrown seven more touchdowns than interceptions over his long career."
Valid points in the con column for Collins.
But those are stat trends the Titans can handle if they are healthy, run well and play good defense like they did last year and like they are built to do. Jeff Fisher wants a quarterback who can lead, fight through adversity, take advantage of the solid run game, protection and defense, and Collins fits.
I took details of Collins' poor follow-up years to center Kevin Mawae and receiver Justin Gage to get their takes.
Mawae:
"You don't ever judge a guy on what he did last year. Every year it's about what can you do for us now. Whatever the history is that he had a great season and then didn't have a great season, I don't know, but it's a tough sport for anybody to have big years back to back. It happens. But it's few and far between...."
"For our situation the receiving corps was a question mark and we bring in Nate and we go draft Britt and we hope that they make a mark for us. If they do, it makes Kerry's job easier, it makes the offensive line's job easier and in return hopefully we have more success than we did last year."
Gage:
"I definitely think Kerry is going to be able to get us the ball. He has the playmakers that he's been looking for. Nate's an
experienced receiver, it's not like he's coming into something blind. Kenny is a young guy but he learns fast and he works hard. I definitely feel like this might definitely be one of Kerry's best seasons since he's been in the league."If everybody else knows [about the back-to-back stuff], I'm sure Kerry knows it and it's something Kerry is looking forward to and will take advantage of this year. He's a competitor, and his competitive nature rubs off on the rest of us."
"So here's comes. You've never had two good years back to back? Then you're looking forward to this year. This is the year when I usually set it back, but I am going forward this time."
Posted by Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson
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| Kenny Felt/Icon SMI | |
| Kerry Collins was solid in 2008 but is unlikely to improve or boost the passing game at this point. |
We will examine each AFC South team's "weak spot" based on its 2008 performance. The Tennessee Titans' passing game was the weakest aspect of their game last season.
While I expect halfback Chris Johnson's role in the passing game to be enhanced this season -- making him even more dangerous overall-- I still see the Titans' passing attack as the team's biggest question mark.
Tennessee allowed veteran receivers Brandon Jones and Justin McCareins to depart. But the Titans drafted Rutgers star Kenny Britt in the first round and signed Steelers free agent Nate Washington. They also drafted an interesting prospect in South Carolina tight end Jared Cook. Consider how deep the Titans are at tight end: Cook, Bo Scaife and even veteran Alge Crumpler have excellent receiving skills. It would not be a surprise at all if Scaife were to lead the Titans in receptions again in 2009.
The peripheral options, namely Scaife and Johnson, are very strong, but it is the wideouts that I still have concerns about. But I concede that the weaponry should be more potent than it was last year.
Kerry Collins put together an impressive 2008 season and has progressed into a fine game manager. He also has a big arm and is a solid deep-ball passer, but he doesn't have a quick release and doesn't excel at making things happen when the play doesn't go to script. Collins is not the type of quarterback who enhances the production of the receivers around him. Collins completed just under 59 percent of his passes and managed only 12 touchdown tosses in 2008.
Tennessee scores points on the ground and I doubt whether Collins really has turned the corner in his 15th NFL season. Remember, this is a quarterback with a lifetime passer rating of 73.8 and who has thrown only seven more touchdowns than interceptions over his long career.
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Washington is a big-play weapon who can get downfield, but he remains very inconsistent with his route running and drops too many catchable passes. Still, his deep abilities could be very useful considering Collins' arm strength and the excellent protection that the Titans' offensive line provides.
Wide receiver Justin Gage caught only 34 passes last year, but six of them were for touchdowns and his 19.1 yards per reception average is quite impressive. This is a player whose stock is climbing, and his size in the red zone and in other one-on-one situations is particularly appealing.
As "weak links" go, the Titans' passing game -- and the wide receivers more specifically -- is not horrible. The overall group of pass catchers should be improved from a year ago. So calling this a major weakness is a stretch on my part, but the proof will come on the field if advancements actually are a reality. But I do have my doubts.
Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.
Reading the coverage: No action for Harrison
Houston Texans
- Gary Kubiak's hoping Mario Williams will compete for defensive player of the year, writes John McClain.
- Owen Daniels thought about skipping the Texans' offseason workouts because of his contract situation, reports McClain.
- A recap of McClain's chat.
- In light of Kellen Winslow's deal, how much is Daniels worth? Alan Burge ponders.
Indianapolis Colts
- Nothing so far for Marvin Harrison, writes Mike Chappell.
- Bill Polian is a piece of Skip Wood's story on the additional pressure teams face in a bad economy to get the draft right.
- A look at the Colts' first round in 2002 and Dwight Freeney, from John Oehser.
- Kelvin Hayden is different than a lot of other Colts corners, Oehser says.
- The top 25 picks of the Polian era gets to Oehser's No. 19.
- A thorough look at Missouri defensive tackle Evander Hood, courtesy of Oehser.
- Polian talks to colts.com about shuffling the draft board this month.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Gene Smith's first free-agent addition, Sean Considine, likes the GM, says Cole Pepper.
- Reggie Williams is free on bail after a Sunday arrest for allegedly possessing a half gram of cocaine, says Dale Lezon.
Tennessee Titans
- Check-ins on unsigned free agents Justin McCareins and Reynaldo Hill from Jim Wyatt.
- If the Titans continue a trend, they'll go defense first, says Wyatt.
- Wyatt seeks predictions on what the Titans will do in 2009.
- A run-through of potential first-round receivers for the Titans, by Terry McCormick.
What Titans' starter would you like replaced?
It's been a while before I asked a question and sorted through your feedback, so here's a new round of that.
What Tennessee Titans' incumbent starter would you most like to see replaced?
With Nate Washington signed to replace Justin McCareins as the starting receiver opposite Justin Gage, a favorite target is out of the picture. I expect cornerback Nick Harper's going to be a popular pick, though I think he gets too much flak. Maybe you want to see one of the young defensive ends get ahead of Jevon Kearse?
It will be interesting to see what you have to say here in the comments or in my mailbag.
I will read all of it and revisit this soon.
Could the Jaguars and Titans be about to play their first game of the 2009 season?
Jim Thomas reports free agent receiver Torry Holt will visit with the Jaguars today. The Titans have reportedly expressed interest as well.
We don't yet know what kind of deal Holt's expecting or if there are other teams pursuing him.
But the Jaguars may be in position to make an exception to their new stance about pricey free agents from the outside. They don't want to operate that way any longer, but are so thin at the spot and so in need of a prime weapon for quarterback David Garrard, they might spend more than they initially intended.
Jacksonville has added left tackle Tra Thomas and safety Sean Considine as free agents.
But with Reggie Williams a free agent they won't try to re-sign, Matt Jones released after a probation violation and Jerry Porter dumped after one disastrous year, the Jaguars are quite thin at receiver:
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Jacksonville needs Holt more than the Titans do.
Tennessee added free agent Nate Washington, who should upgrade the second starting spot opposite Justin Gage held by Justin McCareins last year. Tennessee also has Lavelle Hawkins, a fourth-rounder last year who they believe has upside. That top three is hardly great, but it's better than any three you can pick off the menu of Jacksonville receivers above.
The Jaguars can get a productive leader who most seem to believe still has some good football left in him. If they don't, they may have to defend him twice a year.
Reading the coverage: Dungy won't take NFLPA post
Houston Texans
- John McClain says the Texans will sink or swim with Matt Schaub and have no interest in trading for Jay Cutler.
- A look at Texans' records that could fall in 2009, from Alan Burge.
Indianapolis Colts
- Tony Dungy won't be doing anything for the union on a paid or staff basis, reports John Oehser.
- The Colts are the "leading choice" to be the Bill's opponent in Toronto this fall, reports Vic Carucci.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- The release of Matt Jones had to happen, according to Cole Pepper.
- End Paul Spicer signed with New Orleans, where he will be reunited with coordinator Gregg Williams and linemate Bobby McCray, says Vito Stellino.
Tennessee Titans
- David Climer says the Titans ought to find a way to get Jay Cutler.
- Terry McCormick feels compelled to dismiss the idea of a trade bringing Cutler to Nashville.
- Receiver Justin McCareins could make a free-agent visit near the end of the week, says McCormick.
- A video interview with Jovan Haye, by Gary Estwick.
Mailbag: The some-people-hate-me edition
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky
Eric in Indianapolis writes: So, I've been hearing quite the buzz around Indianapolis about the Colts holding a private work-out with QB Sanchez. Being an armchair quarterback myself, I am a bit puzzled by that decision. It seems teams only hold those workouts if they are serious about the player, and having a 3-time MVP at the helm for at least 5-7 more years seems like this isn't the year for this. What do you think is going on? Trade bait? Manning retiring sooner (4-5 years) than later? How about the issues of needing a 3rd receiver, starting DT, starting LB, another tandem RB?? I am in dismay. Of course, the Colts for the past decade have always been 2 steps ahead of everyone and very prepared for the future.
Paul Kuharsky: Don't read too much into a workout of a get-together. Sometimes teams have such things to finish crossing a guy off their lists. Teams can have 30 guys in for visits plus locals -- that's far more meetings than draft picks.
But yeah, maybe they think he's too good to pass up if he's there for them. Few people expect he will be.
Paul Smith from parts unknown writes: Your writing is terrible.
Paul Kuharsky: Thank you for the constructive criticism. I will try to take your pointers to heart.
Ken in Las Vegas writes: Titans aren't cheap?!?!? Bud Adams is a penny pinching miser! Since 'the great purge' after our last REAL Superbowl attempt.... look at how much cap space has not been utilized - THAT'S cheap! Moulds, Givens, Nate Washington are certainly cheaper than paying for a legitimate receiving option! Justin Gage, Brandon Jones and Justin Mccareins are not a viable receiving corps in this league - period! Gage is a decent #2. Washington is at best a #2....
Paul Kuharsky: Ken refers to this blog entry.
Who did you want them to get? The free agency class of receivers was weak, not forcing it was smart.
They've got a bad approach at the position, they devalue it. But it's philosophical, not financial.
Weller Ross in Lawrence, KS writes: Now that we're a good way into free agency and I haven't heard Marvin Harrison's name mentioned hardly at all, do you think there is a chance he ends up coming back to play in Indy? I know that with the Colts cap issues he would have to play for significantly less money, but if he's not getting offers anywhere else then I would have to think something is better than nothing especially if it meant staying with the Colts. Your thoughts?
Paul Kuharsky: I think it's a remote possibility at best.
I don't think Harrison surfaces anywhere until after the draft or even during camp.
If the Colts aren't satisfied with their receivers in camp or have a bad injury and he's still out there and reaches out and says he'll play for cheap, maybe. But my sense is when a guy like Bill Polian cuts the ties, he's looking forward, not back. The Colts didn't only think Harrison was too expensive, I believe they think he's also close to done.
Unknown from parts unknown writes: You have to be the most snooty, idiotic person hired by ESPN (this side of Skip Bayless anyway). Where do you get off writting with suck attitude? I mean you write a blog for god sakes, and we all know bloggers are killing sports writting as we know it. Im guessing you never even played football in your life. Oh wait, you were that kid on varsity only because he was a senior and hated everyone else for being so much better than you. Anyway, lighten up and get off your laughable high horse.
Paul Kuharsky: Thanks for chiming in. Points taken. I'd take them even more, however, if you put your name on your e-mail.
Andrew Hoelscher in Richardson writes: What has Vince Young done to be compared to Pacman Jones? Does Young have a long criminal record? Has he been suspended by the league? Has he been traded away and cut? The guy got hurt and lost confidence. He's human. Everyone makes so much of Matt Cassel, but how many of you would have let him on the field before last year? Young had one bad year and one injured year, and now he's useless? Even worse than that, he's a criminal? You're pathetic.
Paul Kuharsky: I don't recall comparing them.
Of course Vince Young is different from Pacman Jones in plenty of ways.
He's the same in a few too: he turned into a distraction. He doesn't 'get it.' He's not as good as he thinks he is. He's an under-performing, very high draft pick who's gotten a lot of money and has not produced or matured as they hoped he would. He's surrounded by people who tell him he's great and everything is OK and the world is out to get him.
Jason in Philadelphia: Paul, what are your thoughts on Colts' backup QB Jim Sorgi? I would sure like to see him get a chance to play. Backing up Manning for 6 years is bound to teach you a few things here and there. He hasn't been brilliant in the time he has played, but it has been very limited, and mostly with the 2nd and 3rd team. Matt Cassel didn't show much promise until he had the opportunity to play a prolonged period of time. I honestly believe that if given the opportunity, he would play very well. Indy liked him so much that they offered him an extension last year, and Bill Polian is a pretty good evaluator of talent.
Paul Kuharsky: I think he's about mediocre. If you're a Colts fan, I can't imagine why you'd ever want to see him get a chance to play, it would mean Peyton Manning isn't playing.
Them liking Sorgi as a backup is far different than them liking him if they had to play him for six weeks. I'm sure he practices well and does good work running the scout team, which gets the defense ready each week. If he did play, they'd have to run a lot better and play a lot better defense for him.
But I don't suspect he's Manning's heir, and I don't know that it's time to start thinking about one yet.
Duane from Texas writes: It seems to me that you would prefer VY to be a failure to prove yourself right. Why is this? Do you just have a dislike for him or what? Now that the Titans have a serious weapon at RB and WR and a good TE. It just makes sense to let him have his shot as the starting QB with no excuses of not having offensive play makers around him, which he did not the first 2 years of his career. Oh in case you don't remember we made the playoffs in '07 with Vince starting. I was at the game in Houston when he won it with his legs on the 36 yard game winning run. It just seems strange that the other two big name QB's in the '06 draft (Cutler,Leinart) have yet to even reach the playoffs with MUCH better WR's than the Titans have. So will you PLEASE respond with why
you and other media mouths have such a liking of the other two and VY is chop liver as far as you all are concerned??
Paul Kuharsky: I'm not rooting against him. But I'm not on his bandwagon by any means.
My opinions are formed based on what I see and hear. And from what I've seen and heard, the light has not come on for him, he doesn't get it. His comments, when he talks, are often nonsensical or untrue. He said "'I've never been hurt before," when he hurt his knee against the Jags. Well, he missed time the year before with a quad injury. Did he forget about that, or does he simply think we'll accept all his spoken words as fact because, as he reminds us every time he talks, he's just a humble guy?
Cutler is far better than Young at this point. Leinart amounts to the same wash, but it sure feels as if the Cards feel better about him than the Titans do about Young. I don't categorize this group of QBs as good with good receivers and these as good with bad receiver, etc. A guy is either good and progressing or he isn't. Jeff Fisher's Titans are never going to have two top flight WRs. Their QB is going to have to be successful in the current brand of framework.
Sure, VY's numbers and Kerry's numbers weren't vastly different. Collins did two things Young didn't -- he won the complete confidence of his teammates and coaches (I don't know how the media has had any bearing on that) and he rarely turned the ball over, a crucial thing in the way the Titans want to work.
I am surprised how many VY apologists remain. He's got a big chance to change some minds with his work and approach this offseason. I hope he surprises us all, but I don't expect he will. Sorry if you don't care for that opinion.
ElTrain in Evansville, IN writes: I heard the tail end of something about L.T. ending up in Indy on the radio today....Any chance of this really happening?
Paul Kuharsky: I can't see him getting cut for starters. I can't see the Colts finding the money to outbid a team like New Orleans for him.
Colby from parts unknown writes: Paul, Love the blog. Keeps me up to date on the only conference that really matters in the NFL, ha.. but anyways, I'm a huge Titans fan wondering what you think about the Nate Washington pickup. The man is quick and will definitely add to the new persona the Titans seem to have tried to picked up as one of the fastest offenses in the NFL, but he has always been a third receiver at best in the NFL. Do you think he will be able to both step up to the challenge of taking on the #1 receiver slot we've been yearning for since Mason left and could this be one of those subtle picks people look over (like most people that say we should go after 30 some receivers that are "big names") that could actually materialize into a blessing? Thanks for the blogging, hope to hear from you. Colby in Columbus
Paul Kuharsky: Thanks for the kind words, they mean a lot.
I like the Titans' addition of Washington, especially at that somewhat reasonable price.
But I don't expect him to emerge as a No. 1. How many of those are there? Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson, Randy Moss for sure. T.O. and Brandon Marshall maybe. Then who? It's not like every team has one, and a team like the Titans that doesn't even really want one won't have one.
If Washington plays like a No. 2 and Justin Gage keeps doing what he did last season, they'll have upgraded. They still have work to do, but they aren't shooting to have a huge No. 1. Derrick Mason developed into a clear No. 1 for them, but he was a possession guy, not a blazer/huge-play guy and he wouldn't have been a No. 1 in some other environments.
Walter Greensboro, NC: You are correct in saying that the Titans aren't cheap. Much as I love 'em, what they are is scared. They almost never take risks, and that might get you a shiny 13-3 regular season. But we're also 0-2 in the playoffs over the last two years. They can keep their wins in November and December. This team should be winning in January. And they also do a very poor job of taking care of their own. If they did this we probably would've held on to Mason and Rolle a little longer(both players proved to be effective in Baltimore). And more importantly their handling of Steve McNair was totally inexcusable after what he did for this franchise. Moreover, it seems to me that Young would be much further along in his development if his long time family friend had been there for him to sit behind and learn from for a year. And I cannot see the merit in your assessment of Young as a bust. Nothing about a 19-9 record as a starter says bust to me. Too quickly people forget that the Titans were 0-5 Vince's rookie season before they finally gave him the reigns from Kerry Collins, who's now had one good season since 2000. Vince Young is the future of this team, and the sooner Fisher gets that through his head the better.
Paul Kuharsky: I agree they are a little gun shy at times. But they didn't give up on Rolle and Mason when they did because they didn't think those guys could play, that was a salary cap purge that was based purely on finances. They weren't graceful with McNair, but their timing was probably correct, as it usually is when they decide a guy is finished.
JL Hoboken, NJ: Hey Paul, I'm sure you're busy with FA reporting but I'd appreciate it if you took the time to respond. My question is regarding Roydell Williams. I know he was a very average receiver, but hasn't he gotten a pretty raw deal (Went from a #1 on a playoff team to out of the league in a heartbeat)? Are there any updates about his health and any potential FA offers? I like to think the Titans are a classy organization but I feel like they handled this situation about as poorly as they handled McNair's. Thanks - JL
Paul Kuharsky: If the whole league judges you to be done, you're done. How is it a raw deal?
If the Titans thought he wasn't going to be able to contribute and he was cuttable, I'm not sure what your complaint is. What did they owe him? He owed them -- they paid him and he was unable to perform with any consistency.
There is rarely such a thing as a happy ending in the NFL.
Last week I posed this question: What one philosophical tendency, trend, tenet or practice would you like to see the Titans change, and why?
As opposed to some previous questions you've encountered here, I wasn't looking to reach any sort of consensus, just to stir some debate. Based on your responses, I think we got that.
So here's the best of what you had to say with some of my thoughts interspersed. Thanks for all the quality feedback.
Matt in New York: I know a lot of people would like to see a change in offensive philosophy, but the #1 thing I'd like to see the Titans change is the preference of under-performing vets over inconsistent rookies. I generally like the offensive philosophy, I think Heimerdinger has the right balance of sticking with the high-percentage plays but taking shots when it's right. I think for a team that is known as shying away from FAs, they've quietly built the core of their defense with some great free agents. I think moves like replacing Fowler with Tulloch are the types of moves the Titans need to do more often to get over the hump.
Nate in Burns: If I could change one thing about the Titans, I would make them more willing to play rookies. Think of some of the players that have come through that have sat for too long... I mean weren't you a little shocked when they started playing Chris Johnson? - The coaches consistently said Tulloch was always in the right spot... but they went out and paid for a free agent because they were scared to start him. - Vincent Fuller should've been on the field a year before he was. - I'm trying to remember a Titans WR that played significant time his rookie year... Kevin Dyson? - Kieth Bulluck sat for how long? - Micheal Griffin was a huge upgrade at safety... and yet he didn't see the field nearly enough. - David Stewart took over at right tackle a year to late. I know B-hop was still at left tackle, but Big Country should've started at guard. How infuriating is it that the one rookie they threw into the fire, was the one who needed the bench the most? Yes. I'm bitter.
Kannan in Pittsburgh: It would be nice for a change if the Titans were aggressive in their use of the younger players, especially rookies and not only on the running back position (Jeff's love for the running game means even if you are or I tried out, we would get a shot!!!). It is a mirror image to the policy Phil Fulmer had at UT with his freshmen!!Weird, how similar the philosophy of the two coaches are .... Rookies will make mistakes mental and physical, but have the potential to being a visible energy to the team. Veterans seem secure in the knowledge that they wont be pushed for another year or two by the rookies. The only exceptions as far as I can remember are CJ, VY, JK, maybe Bo ....
Paul Kuharsky: Matt, Nate and Kannan make excellent points here. While select rookies have played early -- Chris Johnson, Michael Roos, Tank Williams, Jevon Kearse -- far more often, the Titans choose to ease guys in or give them a year or more to get up to speed. That's understandable in some cases. In others, it shows Jeff Fisher and his staff to be overly loyal to a veteran who's proved effective but unspectacular when a rookie or youngster with more potential sits, viewed as an unknown and a risk.
Rookie receiver Lavelle Hawkins didn't know his stuff as well as he should have in 2008 and couldn't be relied upon to be in the right spots. So the Titans used him very little. But couldn't they have given him a very narrow package and found a way to try to use him? Wouldn't 10 snaps of that have been better than whatever the supposedly-reliable Justin McCareins wasn't doing on those plays? Reliable is great, but if you're reliably not explosive, it's not such a tremendous trait.
Another reader, anarklay, was talking mostly about the lack of chances for rookie receivers when he put it this way, which I really liked: "experiments with no tests yield no results."
Gunter: One tendency I'd like to see the titans change is to have a throwing QB for a long time. Steve wasn't ... VY isn't .. KC won't be around forever - we let Simms slip away.. We didn't get Jay Cutler.. I know we emphasis the run.. but .. the run works the best when complimented with a good passing game. We just can't keep people honest.
Philip in Bowling Green, KY: Apparently the Titans don't need to change much, 13-3 speaks for itself. Lots of Titans fans are looking for a WR first round this year, but I think if the Titans try to feature a receiver in their offense, it will hinder them in the long run. I would like to see them start building some depth at Linebacker, to replace those guys that are getting up there in years. I could be wrong, but if it aint broke dont fix it.
John in Toms River, NJ: Paul- i would love for the titans to make bigger splashes in F.A....we have a chance 2 get canty..but tennessee cancells the visit...dont get me wrong i love that they signed nate w. nd haye....but we could of had canty or houshmandza.
Erika in Nashville: I'd love to see the Titans be a bit more aggressive in getting some big names. Obviously, the no names aren't winning them Superbowls, and that is the goal, isn't it??
Paul Kuharsky: I disagree with you, John and Erika, for the most part. Please name all the teams and all the guys who've lived up to expectations after a big free-agent splash. Reggie White in Green Bay, Plaxico Burress in New York and who else? Far, far more misses than hits.
The Titans don't make a splash for a splash's sake and more and more teams are doing the same. I touched on this issue in a blog entry here and again here.
Would you prefer a big name to All-Pros like Cortland Finnegan and Michael Roos, or are you OK with them being on track to becoming big names? Guys like Kyle Vanden Bosch and Kevin Mawae are well known and consistently productive. How many running backs would you take ahead of Johnson? Not too many, I don't suspect.
Who is it they've missed out on that you think would put them over the hump?
Clark from Lexington: Titans Magic Wand... I would like to add some aggresion on defense... and by aggresion I mean, 99
Titans Defense, 85 bears, or just some 46 blitzing crazyiness. What is the good of with all our speed on Defense if we don't use it. Against the Ravens flacco's numbers were horrible WHEN we blitzed. I know we didn't have to blitz as much with Fat Al, but the raven's center Brown is getting a fat check from the Rams because of mainly his great games against Albert. I know swartz and his analytically statisticall analysis of defense never blitzed, but cecil is here... and with him, I HOPE, will come some of his famous aggresion. So... we have to blitz and trust our secondary, and if we do... I think we won't miss Albert as much as you think.
Paul Kuharsky: I do think we will see more blitzing with Cecil in place and Haynesworth gone. But you can be an aggressive defense even if you don't blitz a lot. I think the word still fits the style the Titans played last season.
Daniel in Boston, MA: I had to chime in with two thoughts. First, the philosophical tenet that I would change is their approach to wide receivers. I don't know where that change needs to come because I don't trust whoever they have evaluating wide receivers, and I don't know whether it's the same person from, say the Dyson draft (aka the oops-why-didn't-we-pick-Moss draft), or if it keeps changing, but this team needs a better wide receiver corps. I have no faith that Washington will work out because they've missed the boat so often in the past (McCareins, Calico, Dyson, etc.). Second, though, is that I actually like Fisher's loyalty. He seems like an actually decent human being who doesn't want to see this sport descend to mere business. You might argue that that's impractical, but some impracticalities are worth it just to be human. I try to support that in life, and I support it in sports too. Better Fisher's aggressive loyalty than Belichikian indifference.
Paul Kuharsky: Belichick certainly strikes me as loyal too, I just don't think he'd ever keep a dud like Lamont Thompson or DeRon Jenkins on the field just to prove it. As I've said about Fisher for years, if the worst complaints a city has about its coach are that he's overly loyal and too conservative -- well, a lot of other cities would love for that to be all they had to cry about on Monday talk radio.
I'm with you on receivers. They've made it clear they don't value the position like others do. But still, spending all the mid to late draft picks on the spot, the hit rate has to be better. A lot better.
Adam in Alexandria, VA: Hey Paul, I would like to see the Titans alter their approach to the draft. I would like to see more of a focus on college production as opposed to combine stats. Likewise I would like to see them take the best player available more often. I know that's easier said than done, and easier done when you don't have a lot of holes. They have a history of both throwing picks at a position of need, and reaching on players. This has happened under both Floyd Reese and Mike Reinfeldt. The way that they have filled in holes in free agency the past couple of years has given them the opportunity to draft BPA. Two years ago they still reached in the 2nd & 3rd. Last year they seemed to take a more solid approach. I hope they stick to it.
Paul Kuharsky: More of what found them Johnson and Michael Griffin and Roos and less of whatever led them to Pacman Jones, Vince Young and Chris Henry. Easier said than done, certainly.
Michael Pablo: The Titans are simply too conservative in all aspects as a franchise. It would be nice if the front office stopped believing that every player on the roster is replaceable.
RocketsForever3: The Titans really need to add some deep routes to their mix. They are extremely strong on the run and fairly good with the short pass, but unless the wideouts make a move past the linebackers, they very rarely threaten opposing teams' long safeties. This could change with the excellent addition of Nate Washington and possibly Henderson, but at the moment, the Titans are way too predictable when it comes to play making, which in turn results in low offensive outputs and losses to solid passing teams (i.e. the Jets last year).
someone53927: I'd like to see the offense opened up more, it's an easy response to the question cause I think most Titans fans would like to see it...but look at some of the past Super Bowl winners/losers and you won't see many one-dimensional teams in there, and even the ones that you would consider one-dimensional lean towards the passing game (Cardinals, Colts).
I like Jeff Fisher, I like the approach to free agency and how they don't overspend, I like the emphasis on defense. I just wish they would open up the playbook and emphasize the passing game a little more. We all know Chris Johnson is a beast and is going to get the ball 20 times a game, but if you had a passing game that was more potent and emphasized by the coaching staff, that could do wonders towards causing opposing defenses to have to gameplan for an aerial attack, thus making Johnson all the more effective.
Maybe it goes back to that other entry talking about the Titans' lack of receiver development and whether it's poor drafting, scouting, coaching, whatever. I'm hopeful that with the addition of Nate Washington and the re-signing of Collins the passing game will be emphasized more. It was in those couple years when Heimerdinger was last coordinator, and look what happened then, Derrick Mason blossomed, Drew Bennett blossomed, and Steve McNair was co-MVP one year. I don't expect a Colts/Cardinals attack...just more emphasis on the passing game.
Paul Kuharsky: It took Eddie George's drop-off as he tried to come back from a toe injury for the Titans to really open things up with McNair. I think they want to do more in the passing game, but as long as it is Jeff Fisher's team, it's going to lean heavily to the run and on the defense.
Titanfan109: I feel like the front office is a place that needs to be changed. I like that the Titans give kids at small schools a chance to develop, but look at all the wasted draft picks we have had in the past 2 years. I think that if you can draft a player from a school that is more suited to the NFL than you should look there.
I love the run first offense philosophy and play tough straight up defense. However, I feel at times it is taken to the extreme. Some more blitz packages would be beneficial to our secondary. I will admit there were a few games that we let the ball fly on first down, which was good to mix up the defense.
Also, I'm hoping the Titans will find players in the draft to replace some of our mainstays this year. I love Bulluck but we need to start grooming a OLB. KVB and the Freak need to have some protege's behind them as well. As much as this pains me, the Titans front office should try and emulate the Steelers and Patriots. We had a huge drop off for about 4 seasons, and you never see that from those two teams.
I love you Titans and I
will be cleaning out the garage as usual come draft day to relieve stress!
Our NFC West ace Mike Sando has been keeping track of free-agent movement by division and put together this excellent chart, which doesn't factor in any deals that may have been completed Friday morning.
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The most significant names by team, with asterisks denoting players still believed to be of interest by their current clubs:
Cornerback DeMarcus Faggins, safety Nick Ferguson*, defensive tackle Jeff Zgonina*, fullback Cecil Sapp*.
Safety Matt Giordano, linebacker Tyjuan Hagler, cornerback Keiwan Ratliff, running back Dominic Rhodes*, punter Hunter Smith, defensive end Josh Thomas.
Tackle Khalif Barnes, guard Chris Naeole, linebacker Mike Peterson, safety Pierson Prioleau, safety Gerald Sensabaugh, receiver Reggie Williams.
Corner/returner Chris Carr*, punter Craig Hentrich*, cornerback Reynaldo Hill, tackle Daniel Loper*, receiver Justin McCareins.
A misperception about the Titans' approach
The Titans don't write monster checks to other teams' free agents on the first day of free agency. We all know that. But they're hardly alone in being conservative. Peter King wrote this week about how Green Bay's assistant coaches had the first weekend of free agency off -- the Packers weren't going to be players in the early market either.
There are miles between free agency conservatism and doing nothing.
And I've been shocked at the e-mails I've gotten and the talk on Nashville radio that give great amplitude to the idea that the Titans "do nothing" in free agency, that they are cheap and unwilling to pay quality players.
If they are cheap to steer away from the kind of guarantees and total package that Albert Haynesworth got in Washington, then, yes, they are cheap.
Personally, I think they are pretty well built. You have to be to go 13-3, no matter the schedule or the playoff failure.
This is a team that's been able to overcome gaffes like Pacman Jones and Vince Young, misses like Chris Henry and Paul Williams, weak additions like Justin McCareins and Ryan Fowler and misfortunes like David Givens.
There is a long way between cheap and fiscally prudent.
Cheap teams don't bring in quality veterans from outside like Kevin Mawae, Chris Hope, David Thornton and Nick Harper. Cheap teams don't step up to re-sign Kerry Collins, Rob Bironas and Vincent Fuller or put a franchise tag on Bo Scaife. Cheap teams don't bring in Nate Washington and Jovan Haye to try to patch holes and upgrade positions -- to deals worth a combined $8.55 million in each of the next four years.
Are you cheap or are you smart if you lock up Cortland Finnegan, Michael Roos and David Stewart well in advance of free agency while their prices are still reasonable?
The Titans make their fair share of mistakes in personnel, for sure. Imagine if they hadn't blown the No. 6 and No. 3 overall draft picks as they rebuilt?
But the idea that they are afraid to write a check or lock up very good players is just inaccurate.
People getting all bent out of shape over the Titans' absence from big-ticket free agency should take note that while the Redskins win a lot in February and March, like most good teams the Titans are more concerned with November and December.
Update: A clarification on Fowler after hearing from some of you. It was too strong to group him with McCareins under the heading of weak additions. I don't think he performed to the expectations of the contract, but he is not a bad player. It was a rare instance, however, where a youngster pushed through a veteran when Stephen Tulloch took over as the starting middle linebacker just four games into the 2008 season.
Will Harvin's routes lead to Indy or Nashville?
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| Kim Klement/US Presswire | |
| Florida receiver Percy Harvin could be a first-round pick for the Titans or Colts. |
Is Percy Harvin a multipurpose receiver who will automatically make an NFL offense more dynamic? Or is he an inexperienced route runner who will have a hard time when a team needs him to fill a somewhat conventional role?
That's the debate we can expect to hear for the next two months on the draft value of the Florida wideout, who could be in play in the late first round when two AFC South teams in need of a receiver -- the Colts and the Titans -- make their first picks.
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"He's a versatile player," one scout from the AFC South said, offering the positive outlook. "In those spread-type offenses instead of being polished route runners, they become versatile type players. Because you're a part-time running back, part-time screen guy, part-time reverse guy. You do a number of different things as well as being a receiver... The thing you have to keep going back to is he makes a lot of plays -- whether it's screens, reverses, catching the ball across the middle of the field and taking off. Somehow you've got to find players like that and find a position for them."
Come April 25, the Colts will be looking to restock at the start of the post-Marvin Harrison era and the Titans will need to consider, as always, a dynamic receiver who can stretch the field.
A guy like North Carolina's Hakeem Nicks is more polished, more of an outside guy and could be more ready to step right in and produce.
The Titans saw the sort of major impact vibrant running back Chris Johnson had for their offense as they went 13-3 last season. Would a wideout cut from similar cloth give them a dynamic duo? Or, if they broke with their long tradition of avoiding receivers in the first round, would they be better served with Kenny Britt of Rutgers, Darrius Heyward-Bey of Maryland or Nicks?
Like Harvin, those three are leaving college early. The Titans should at least be looking to upgrade at the No. 2 spot that was held by Justin McCareins when healthy. But, despite the deficiencies in their pass game, the team is loathe to play rookie receivers much. The top six-rated receivers in this draft -- Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin, who are expected to be gone early, Harvin, Heyward-Bey, Nicks and Britt -- didn't play full college careers. If one of them lands in Tennessee, the team is likely to preach patience. The Titans might have the pick spend more time on the bench than on the field.
ESPN had Harvin at 4.41 in the 40, while the NFL.com stopwatch had 4.37 at the combine. His speed wasn't going to be a question. He discussed durability in his podium talk where he also shrugged off the route-running questions, pledging to answer them for all at his March 18th pro day at Florida.
"I ran a lot of digs and posts, but as the season went on I didn't get to run a lot of them," he said. "A lot of our games were blowouts or they needed me to run the ball [as a back]. I've done it many times in practice so I don't think it'll be hard transition for me. I'm looking forward to my pro day, to show the coaches I can do it."
He didn't dismiss comparisons to Bush while saying he is this draft's most explosive player.
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Florida receivers have hardly been successful in the NFL in recent years, regardless of whether they played under Steve Spurrier, Ron Zook or Urban Meyer. Willing to talk about Bush, Harvin also boldly invoked the name of Carolina Panthers star Steve Smith. Perhaps he turns out to be as physical and tough as Smith, an explosive playmaker who's also shown those qualities, but Smith hasn't jumped to mind when I've seen Harvin play for the Gators.
"I'm a little bigger than him, but just as explosive in the open field and have a knack to make big plays," said Harvin.
The scout said it's easier to evaluate a running back who can do a lot of receiver work as opposed to a receiver who can do a lot of running back stuff. That could hurt Harvin, but it also could help ensure he lands with a team that has ideas for how to use him -- something that's taken a few years to happen in New Orleans with Bush.
For a front office that looks for players who fit in predictable boxes, Harvin is unlikely to be the guy. In Florida's offense, he excelled more often running to spots than following the sort of route tree an NFL team will present.
"At the end of the day, there are going to be a group of NFL teams that look at him and say, 'I don't care, we'll find a way to get him touches, we'll find a way to get the ball in his hands, he's just so explosive we have to have him,'" Mayock said. "I think I've got him No. 3 right now [among wide receivers] as a first-round pick. I like him. But I think there are going to be some teams that really like him and some that will say, 'I'm not sure what to do with him.'"
"If you're scared off, I don't think you're doing your work on a player like that," the scout said. "I don't think you can be scared of a player that makes plays and has great speed and scores touchdowns."
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky
By popular demand, here's the list of the Titans' unrestricted-free-agents-to-be.
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| AP Photo/John Russell | |
| When the dust settles this offseason, Albert Haynesworth could be the richest defender in the NFL. |
They are in rough order of importance, with comments.
We'll give you similar lists for the Texans, Colts and Jaguars soon.
- Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth: In line to be highest-paid defender in football. A critical piece of what the Titans do.
- Quarterback Kerry Collins: The right guy for this team right now, on the field and in the locker room.
- Nickelback Vincent Fuller: Has provided continuity and steady play at a crucial spot.
- Tight end Bo Scaife: A quality target, but could end up being overpriced.
- Kicker Rob Bironas: Big, strong leg has been clutch for the most part.
- Return man/cornerback Chris Carr: Provided a huge boost to return games and was quality depth on defense.
- Punter Craig Hentrich: Has been great for them, but his game had dropped off some and he's talking retirement.
- Offensive lineman Daniel Loper: They like him a lot as a versatile backup.
- Cornerback Eric King: Finished hurt, but provides excellent depth when healthy.
- Wide receiver Brandon Jones: Coming off his steadiest season, but may be a No. 3 at best.
- Quarterback Chris Simms: He likes the team, the team likes him. But the No. 3 job is probably all the Titans can offer.
- Wide receiver Justin McCareins: Hard to imagine they can't or won't upgrade opposite Justin Gage.
- Cornerback Tyrone Poole: A veteran who was added late as insurance but never really needed.
- Cornerback Reynaldo Hill: The team made it clear by hurrying him to IR that he's got no standing left.
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Titans' starting wide receivers gave the same answer to the question: What, exactly, qualifies as a big play against the Ravens, who will bring the NFL's second-rated defense to town for Saturday's playoff game?
Their answer: Anything that produces a first down.
"We realize if we make two plays in a drive, that's going to get us down the field, onto the half of the field that we need to be on," Justin Gage said. "A big play against the Ravens is a first down. As long as you can keep the chains moving and get a new set of downs, that's good, that keeps their offense off the field, it keeps our defense on the sideline, they are able to rest up, it also gives our offense a chance to move the ball and put points on the board. Anything bigger than a first down at this time of the year is a big play."
Said Justin McCareins: "Against this 'D', just moving the chains and holding on to the ball, keeping it out of their defense's hands is very positive."
The Ravens gave up 4.5 yards per play this season. They allowed 11 pass plays of 30 yards or more and nine rushing plays of 20 yards or more.
When the Titans won 13-10 in Baltimore on Oct. 5, they ran 54 offensive plays.
Ten of them were for 10 yards or more with a long of 26
Fourteen of them were for a loss or no gain. (The Ravens had nine plays for a loss in 65 offensive plays.)
The Titans are willing to accept a certain amount of no gains or losses in their run game in exchange for maintaining their commitment to the run. Chris Johnson had runs of 13 and 11 yards early against the Ravens on October, but averaged 1.25 yards per carry on his other 16 touches in the run game. LenDale White's three carries produced four yards.
"I think there are going to be negative plays on both sides," Titans coach Jeff Fisher said. "You're going to have negative plays when you face a defense like them. You just have to move on, you correct it and you put it behind you. When teams are committed to run the football and you've got defenses that are committed to stopping the run, there are going to be some no gains and some losses."
The Titans are 76-12 in the last 10 years and 11-0 this season when they run 30 times.
Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky
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And for a hot stretch late in the season, they turned aggressive on defense despite some personnel weaknesses. But they failed to make the jump into playoff contender that they expected. Hurricane Ike shook them up early and an injury to
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Instead, they kept grinding, figured
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Then the pieces it added to help against the Colts and Patriots didn't pan out. The pass rush was the big defensive issue, and the two top draft picks,
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They were a playoff team in 2007 that was expected to slip, and once ABOUT THIS BLOG
Paul Kuharsky
Kuharsky joined ESPN.com in 2008 after 12 years covering the Oilers/Titans and the NFL for The (Nashville) Tennessean. The New Jersey native and Columbia graduate lives in Nashville with his wife and son.
