Despite still hoping and praying for Richard Collier, we've still got an important game coming up this week against our Divisional Foe, the Tennessee Titans. To help us get a better perspective on the game, I reached out to Jimmy from Music City Miracles to get a little insight on the Titans. I answered some of his questions as well, so be sure to visit MCM to check that out later today!
Big thanks to Jimmy for doing this!
1. Give us a quick run-down of the offseason. Who are you excited to have? Who will you miss? What pieces are missing?
Jimmy: The Titans lost offensive guard Jacob Bell and defensive ends Travis LaBoy and Antwan Odom. I really don't think the Titans will miss any of those guys. Bell is a good player, but the Titans signed another good player, Jake Scott, to replace him.
LaBoy and Odom were hurt all the time. They signed Jevon Kearse to replace them. Kearse isn't The Freak of old, but he isn't done either. They will use him in the right situations, and he will replace the sacks lost by the departures of Odom and LaBoy. They will also count on second year defensive end Jacob Ford and rookie William Hayes in the defensive end rotation.
The Titans still need a receiver. They brought back Justin McCareins and drafted Lavelle Hawkins but none of those guys are difference makers. I am probably the most excited by the addition of TE Alge Crumpler. He should be a good safety valve for Vince Young and should help improve the red zone offense which was dreadful last season.
2. Chris Johnson is fast, there's no doubt about that, how do you see the Titans using him in what could be a three-headed running monster in LenDale, Vince, and Johnson?
Jimmy: It is no secret how much Jeff Fisher loves to run the ball. The rumor has been out there that LenDale and CJ are going to be splitting the carries 60-40 with LenDale getting the 60. I wouldn't be surprised to see the carries divided up that way because old/new offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, who I should have mentioned above about additions, is going to find a lot of ways to get CJ the ball. I expect a lot of screens, and a lot of plays where CJ either motions out or just lines up at wide receiver. He creates a lot of matchup problems for the defense.
3. Speaking of Vince, what do you expect out of his development this season?
Jimmy: He will be better. Heimerdinger worked wonders with Steve McNair when he was here before, and there is no reason to think he won't do the same for VY. It looked like last year's offensive coordinator tried to keep him in the pocked. Dinger will let him be what he is. Things might be a little rough at first while learning the system, but once it gets all installed it will look good. I expect VY to take a big step forward this season.
4. Everyone knows Albert Haynesworth and KVB on your defense, who are some guys in the Linebackers and Defensive Backs that we should be watching out for?
Jimmy: Keith Bulluck has been the leader of this defense for years. He is the most underrated linebacker in the NFL. He always shows up in big games.
Also watch out for Cortland Finnegan. He is starting to get recognized around the division, and ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky named him the AFC South's rising star. He can flat out fly and plays nasty.
Maurice Jones-Drew is the guy that will be keeping Fisher up. He, like Chris Johnson, creates a lot of matchup problems for opposing defenses with his speed and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.
I expect this to be an ugly football game with a lot of defense and running the football game. Of course I expect the Titans to come out on top with a Rob Bironas game winning field goal.
5. Call it. What do you think of this Sunday's game? Who's got to have a big game to win and which Jaguar might be keeping Jeff Fisher up at night?
Jimmy: Maurice Jones-Drew is the guy that will be keeping Fisher up. He, like Chris Johnson, creates a lot of matchup problems for opposing defenses with his speed and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.
I expect this to be an ugly football game with a lot of defense and running the football game. Of course I expect the Titans to come out on top with a Rob Bironas game winning field goal.
Thanks for the Answers!
-Chris
by River City Rage on Sep 3, 2008 1:23 PM EDT
1 comment
Email
Print
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
