Know Your Enemy: The 2009 Tennessee Titans
by Jonathan Loesche on May 25, 2009 12:16 PM EDT
in Meta-Jaguars
29 comments
Quick Note: Happy Memorial Day BCC. In between grilling and drinking beer, just remember why we have this day off in the first place. Thank all the men and women who have served and died serving in the Armed Forces.
This is the first of a series of articles on the other teams in the AFC South. If nothing else, these should give us something else to talk about besides underwear practices and the ticket situation.
First up is the Tennessee Titans, the 2008 AFC South Champions. The Titans surprised many by being the team to dethrone the Colts, especially after the bizarre turn of events with quarterback Vince Young. However, after starting 10-0 the Titans finished 3-4, including a Divisional round home loss to Baltimore.
The Titans' most news worthy off-season move was letting Albert Haynesworth go sign the richest contract for a defensive player in history with Washington. I applaud them for letting him go. I think he's going to revert back to his old self of going at half speed with all of that guaranteed money.
Tennessee's draft class is headlined by Rutgers WR Kenny Britt and Auburn DT Sen'Derrick Marks. For the first time in years, the Titans spent a first round pick on a wide receiver. Britt figures to give Tennessee a reliable wide receiver to keep Chris Johnson from seeing too many eight man fronts. I really like Marks. While I don't think he has Albert Haynesworth's ceiling, I think he'll show up and give 100% every play. Which is something Haynesworth wasn't great at.
The obvious question is, will the Titans repeat as AFC South Champions or were the one year wonders?
1. Kerry Collins vs Vince Young
The Titans brought back veteran quarterback Kerry Collins after he had some time as a free agent. However, the move may end up only hurting the team in the long run. Vince Young has made headlines for various reasons since coming into the NFL. He started off with an infamously low score of 6 on the wonderlic, but then seemingly righted the ship leading the Titans to the playoffs in 2007. Then, following a series of bizarre incidents, lost his starting job to Collins in 2008.
I understand the Titan's decision to stick with Collins entering the 2009 season, however, that doesn't mean I agree with it. Collins will turn 37 this season and he is at best a short term solution to a long term problem. The Titans have to do something with the quarterback situation that will set things in stone.
I believe Young is at the same cross roads that Byron Leftwich found himself in during the 2007 offseason. He needs to regain his composure and show people why he was the third overall pick in the draft. If not, I believe his days as a Titan are numbered.
2. Chris Johnson and LenDale White
Chris Johnson finished second for Rookie of the Year. Accounting for over 1,500 total yards as a rookie, many saw Johnson as the steal of the first round. LenDale White led the AFC in touchdowns (15) and accounted for 773 rushing yards of his own.
The Titans will once again need the duo to account for over 2,000 total offensive yards if they want to repeat as AFC South champions.
3. The Titans Defense
Even with the loss of Haynesworth, the Titans still have Kyle Vanden Bosch and Keith Bulluck to anchor the defense. The Titan's defense finished 7th in the league in total defense, and they will need a similar performance to stay at the top of the division. Rookie Sen'Derrick Marks will need to make an impact early to help soften the blow of losing DT Albert Haynesworth.
I spoke with Music City Miracles blogger Jimmy about the Titans in 2009, and here are his thoughts.
1. What are your thoughts on first round pick Kenny Britt and the rest of the Titans’ draft class in general?
I love the Kenny Britt pick. This team has been desperate for a receiver for years, and they keep trying to fill that need by picking a group of guys in the middle rounds and hoping they find one that sticks. That hasn't worked at all for them. They saw a guy in Britt that they really liked, especially after hearing of his workouts with Rod Smith who Titans O coordinator Mike Heimerdinger knows from his time in Denver, and they took him.
2. Obviously the entire Vince Young saga is well known, what are your thoughts on it and what the Titans should do with him from 2009 on?
He should be in the same place in 2009 that he was in 2008, on the bench watching Kerry Collins. Vince's contract is set up in such a way that it has to be restructured or he has to be cut before the 2010 season anyway, so barring an injury to Collins where VY comes in and lights the world on fire, Vince will be playing in another city in 2010.
3. Realistically, how much longer will Kerry Collins be the starting QB of the Titans?
They signed him to a 2-year deal this offseason, and I think he will be the starter for both of those years and then retire.
4. Which AFC South team has the best chance to take the division title from Tennessee?
I am always going to go Colts as long as they have Peyton Manning (even though I hate him more than any player in the NFL).
5. Best case scenairo
13-3 and a Super Bowl Championship. This team will have to fill the hole that losing Albert Haynesworth made, but I don't think that will be as big of a deal as most people think. They added some weapons to go with Chris Johnson in the offseason, Nate Washington, Britt and South Carolina tight end Jared Cook, so the offense will be better last year.
6. Worst case scenario
Injuries to Chris Johnson and a couple of other key players where they miss significant time and this team could end up 6-10.
-John
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Very good article John
Very good read, thank you very much for all the research. I looking forward to the other 2.
I think their season is on Collins and the running game. if he or Chris Johnson will suffer an injury, they migght be in deep trouble. I think they have a shot to the playoff, but they will not defens the division title.
by Zoltan from Budapest on May 25, 2009 12:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice
I like getting the perspective of the enemy. I’ve been waiting for this post all weekend. Well done, bro.
I'm your huckleberry...
by viator on May 25, 2009 12:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Interesting
I’m looking forward to more of “Know Your Enemy.”
by SoCalStites on May 25, 2009 12:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Depending on my free time and when I get answers back from Stampede Blue and Battle Red
Probably one will be up every week
"The worst kind of non-smokers are the ones that come up to you and cough. That's pretty cruel isn't it? Do you go up to cripples and dance too?"-Bill Hicks
by Jonathan Loesche on May 25, 2009 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good article - thanks
It would seem that the Titans are coming to terms with the fact that VY isn’t an NFL passer—-very good analogy with Leftwich by the way.
by OGN on May 25, 2009 1:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good article
I think that the Titans are going to regress. Offense might have got a little better, but the defense got older even tho Albert Haynsworth didnt give 100% all the time, I think the defense will obviously miss him
by jags2732 on May 25, 2009 2:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, we should be able to run the ball against them. There should be no Immovable object.
I don’t see them stopping us again this season quite so easily. They have improved their WR’s, but either they will be going with Kerry Collins (One year older), or VY at QB. Neither scares me. Their RB’s scare me… that’s it.
The End Is Nigh... www.infowars.com
by silencecs on May 25, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
9-7
I bet the Titans go 9-7 and miss the playoffs. I don’t see their defense playing at the same level, they have lost Haynesworth, their key players got a year older, and they didn’t add any pieces that can contribute right away.
I still see great potential in Vince Young as a quarterback. I think the Titans are going to release a great player in a few years, and will pay for it down the road. Hopefully the Jaguars can grab him, groom him until Garrard retires, and Vince and Mojo can take us to another Super Bowl(I think Garrard will win a championship one day as well).
If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik
by Bestjagfan on May 25, 2009 9:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think I would cry if we ever signed Vince Young
but I will let you talk me into it if it ever happened.
by jstnblke41 on May 26, 2009 12:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Vince Young has great athletic abilities.
I also think he lacks decision making skills and maturity to become a great quarterback. Furthermore, he is far too erratic and inconsistent to benefit the Jaguars’ clock control, run oriented offense. He is comparable to Michael Vick in his athletic abilities, but Young is slightly slower, lacks the elusiveness of Vick, and also lacks the mental strength of Vick. In other words, Young gives up too easily. Aside from college, he has never shown a consistent mental drive to succeed, or the ability to overcome adversity. Basically, thus far in his career, Vince Young has not demonstrated the intangibles necessary to become a successful NFL player, not to mention a NFL quarterback. I honestly believe Garrard is in the same mold as both of the aforementioned players, but possesses better leadership abilities, accuracy, and determination at the expense of speed. I have no problem with that. In regards to a future quarterback, I believe Tim Tebow will thrive in the Jaguars system. Although I am a Gators fan, I am first and foremost a Jaguars fan, and I would not support a player who I do not believe will benefit the Jaguars. With that in mind, Tebow is very similar to Garrard in his playing style. His mechanics may be unusual (and faulty), but those are things that can be taught. What he brings is athletic ability and intangible qualities that are necessary for success. Lastly, his projected draft position is low enough for a top tier rookie quarterback for the Jaguars to seriously consider him. In summation, Vince Young sucks. Yes, he overflows with suckitude.
by Kbot on May 26, 2009 1:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thing Is...
Vince Young can develop all of these things you mentioned above. In 2007, when Young led the Titans to the playoffs, he showed leadership and the ability to win, with little talent around him on the offensive side of the ball. In 2006 Vince showed the ability to remain mentally tough and keep his head in the game. The Titans were down to the Giants 21-0 at the start of the fourth quarter. Vince scored three touchdowns in 15 minutes, and got Rob Bironas into position with 30 seconds left to win the game 24-21. The next week he beat another Manning, coming back from a 14 point deficit to win the game.
Vince Young can become a better passer. He has shown flashes of brilliance passing the ball throughout his career. If he got down here and worked with Mike Shula, he could become a legit passer. In Tennessee, Vince was told if the guy ain’t wide open, take off. The Jags could still give him the green light when it comes to running, but refine his accuracy.
I think Vince would fit into the Jaguars plans. I really think that we will see a slight change in our offense. We’ll still keep the power running, but I think we are going to move towards a more balanced offense, maybe Air Coryell, maybe not. But I see us passing the ball maybe 35-40 times a game, as opposed to the 25-30 we are used to seeing.
I disagree about TIm Tebow. I don’t see him being a successful quarterback. If he proves me wrong, so be it. I think the guy has great character and leadership abilities. But I would rather have Vince down here. I think if we get Young in a few years, and improve the defense, we could be contending for the Super Bowl within a few years after his arrival.
If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik
by Bestjagfan on May 26, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know, that 2007 season wasn't all that spectacular for him.
Vince Young didn’t lead the team to wins, they won despite having Young. He had five big games: week 2 vs. Colts, week 9 vs. Jags, week 10 at Broncos, week 12 vs. Texans, week 14 at Chiefs. I’m very lenient with my standards for a big game from Young. For me, any time he passes for over 100 yds/more td than int, or, he passes for over 200 yrds/any combination of td to int, it qualifies as a big game. In fact, I don’t even bother with his completion percentage. I would say that’s extremely lenient. Of those five games, they won two, vs Texans and at Chiefs. In those two games, he not only passed for over 200 yards, he also threw more touchdowns than interceptions! Amazing. However, I don’t want a quarterback who can win two games a year and everyone has to cover for him for the other fourteen games.
I don’t care how athletic someone is, if they can’t throw more touchdowns than interceptions in three separate seasons in the NFL, they’re not quarterback material. Even in that year when Vince Young “showed the leadership and ability to win,” he threw 9 touchdowns to 17 interceptions, and rushed for 3 touchdowns to 5 fumbles, with 1 fumble lost. He didn’t lead anything, everyone covered his ass. To put in simply, he’s a bust.
by Kbot on May 27, 2009 1:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah Man
I know it looks that way, and a lot of times the Titans did have to cover his ass, but I think with some good coaching he still has a chance to turn his career around. I could be wrong….
If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik
by Bestjagfan on May 27, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know what you mean.
He’s very talented, but his mental shortcomings just seem like too much to overcome. I’ve been a fan of Young since the Rose Bowl, and want him to succeed, but so far he’s been disappointing.
by Kbot on May 27, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
our worst enemy........
The Titans have been a thorn in our side for years, and if they can stay healthy, they will present a major test for the Jags this year. Even though I hate them with a passion, I really do have to give them their recognition. I believe the Titans have a great chance to return to the playoffs this year. It really all depends on how much losing Haynesworth affects the pass rush and the run stoppage. He was not the entire defense, but he was a huge piece of it. Chris Johnson will be a major factor also. The difference this year is that opposing defenses will know what to expect. Remember MJD’s rookie year when he would come flying out of the backfield and people would try to tackle him high?? He would just plow through everyone and take it to the house. Then the next year everyone knew that you had to tackle him low or suffer the consequences. Same type of scenario for Johnson. Defenses will know how to plan a little bit better to stop him. The guy really is a beast though. After week 1 of last year, I picked him up in all of my fantasy leagues. Another factor is, will Washington and Britt give the Titans the deep threat they need. And will Kerry Collins be able to get them the ball. I really liked Kenny Britt for the Jags, only if he were to drop to the second round though. I was definitely against taking a receiver in the first round. He Is a big receiver that has speed and great hands. And of course Washington has proven himself already to be a very, very fast receiver. So it all comes down to defense post-Haynesworth, rush productivity, and the deep threat.
And bestjagfan, I have to disagree with you about Vince. He is a good player and possesses great talent. But I think he lacks the superior decision making skills it takes to lead on offense in the NFL. Great speed, great arm, …………….slow mind…………..
frankDUBZ aka Frank Silba
by FRANKdubz on May 26, 2009 1:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Great speed, great arm, …………….slow mind…………..
What are you implying?
If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik
by Bestjagfan on May 26, 2009 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reading Comprehension
Brush up.
I'm your huckleberry...
by viator on May 27, 2009 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Loved your response to SI.
“HAHA! Everyone hates you, Mullins! How does that feel?”
and the fan favorite:
“HAHA! Everyone hates you, Mullins! How does that feel? GO JAGS!!!”
by Kbot on May 27, 2009 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good Write Up
I think you are pretty spot on with your analysis. The biggest two factors heading into this season is how much the Titans improve on O and how much losing Fat Al hurts our D.
As for our offense, I am more excited about Jared Cook than any of our other aquisitions. As a division rival I am sure you all are gladly aware of the Titans lack of any real red zone threat. I think Cook will improve that area for us which should make a huge impact.
The defence is still a huge question though. Haynesworth was a major factor of our success, but looking at the Steelers game last year proves our D is still formidable even without the big man up front. There is no doubt he will be sorely missed, but it is hard to judge the impact of his absence at this point.
At this point, I am just looking forward to seeing the season get started so we can all stop guessing and start cheering for our teams.
by Titan in WV on May 26, 2009 8:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I really wanted the Jags to get Jared Cook.
If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik
by Bestjagfan on May 26, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately you guys
I think losing Albert will be huge; like super huge. I agree your D played well against the Steelers, but even our DL played well against that Steelers OL. And our D had more problems than I could shake a stick at.
As for your offense I think an injury to Mawae would be catastrophic. I think Collins still has some strength in his throwing arm, but I’ve noticed that whenever he has to throw with power he loses a lot of his accuracy, and I only imagine that some of those “fortunately” benign inaccurate passes wont be so benign a second year. Garrard has seen how much luck can change in a year when it comes to interceptions.
by Ewdtrey on May 26, 2009 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like most of your picks though
except for Britt(not a horrible pick, but I think he will struggle) and Kropog (He had value where he was picked, but I don’t think he will amount to anything).
I really like the Cook, Mouton, McRath, and Ringer picks.
by Ewdtrey on May 26, 2009 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very good article
I like the enemy offering his perspective, too. I still believe that anything can happen this season, and it’s a good chance we will be in the running with the Titans this year. No way they duplicate last year’s success, but they will be more dangerous with the added weapons on offense.
BTW I hope we do talk more about the underwear practices as they happen – football season is still so far away…….. :-(
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the one who thinks he can.
by JagGameFace on May 26, 2009 4:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I am implying exactly what I said.......
He has great talent but lacks the mindset and the leadership to be an NFL quarterback. Was it last year that his mommy sent the coach and the police looking for him because he was “depressed”?? That not the type of leader I would want to follow. And what are you implying that im implying???? That he’s dumb? Or do you think I am racist or something?? If you only got a chance to meet me in real life, trust me, thats the last thing you would expect ever coming from my mouth or my mind.
frankDUBZ aka Frank Silba
by FRANKdubz on May 27, 2009 12:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It's All Good Bro
Sometimes its hard to grasp what someone is saying through text. My B.
If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik
by Bestjagfan on May 27, 2009 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I feel you........
frankDUBZ aka Frank Silba
by FRANKdubz on May 27, 2009 12:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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