Sports in America
by: volsfan_82
NFL Preview: Tennessee Titans
Jun 11, 2007 | 6:44PM | report this

Vinsanity, the NFL style, went well last season as the Titans made a run at the postseason for the first time since 2003.  This year, they will make the playoffs while being carried by a quarterback that has changed the dynamic of this franchise like his mentor, Steve McNair, did.

2006 Record:  8-8, 2nd AFC South
Missed Playoffs

Offense:  Multiple West Coast
Quarterback:  Vince Young
Sure Merrill Hoge doesn't like him because he doesn't complete over 60% of his passes and doesn't read defenses well, but the kid knows how to win.  This year may be the breakout year for VY, as long as the offense plays with him.  Grade:  3.5 out of 5

Running Back:  Chris Henry
Henry, the 2nd round draft pick from Arizona, is the scat back in this 2 back system.  The question mark is LenDale White, the 2nd round pick last season.  Jeff Fisher is pissed at him for leaving minicamp so he may not be playing much.  Grade:  2 out of 5

Wide Receivers/Tight End:  Key Player-David Givens
Givens, who missed a lot of time last season, needs to step up.  With the loss of Drew Bennett, Givens has to be the force that the Titans thought he could be when they signed him to a big deal.  Ben Troupe is another key for this passing offense.  His ability to catch the ball over the middle will be imparitive for Young and the Titans.  Grade:  3 out of 5

Offensive Line:  Key Player-C Kevin Mawae
The Titans took a shot with Mawae and it payed off.  He controls that line with a lot to protect.  RG Benji Olsen is another key cog that needs to exceed expectations.  Grade:  3.5 out of 5

Defense:  4-3
Defensive Line:  Key Player-DE Kyle Vanden Bosch
Kyle is the glue that holds the line together, can you think of another player on this line who could be as important as him?  I can't.  Sure Albert Haynesworth is back(please don't step on anyone's face again) and Randy Starks is coming into his own at DT, but it's Vanden Bosch that put the most pressure on the QB.  Grade:  3 out of 5

Linebackers:  Key Player-OLB David Thornton
Thornton has to step up and play great for the Titans defense to succeed this year.  Keith Bulluck is a great OLB, but it was Thornton who they brought in last season and the defense seemed to improve because of him.  Grade:  4 out of 5

Cornerback:  Key Player-Nick Harper
Harper, who was brought in to play opposite Adam Jones(no more pacman references on this blog, unless we're talking about the game), will be the main corner instead.  Coming over from Indy in the offseason, Harper is a known commodity to the Titans and he should be able to be a great cover corner for them. Grade:  3.5 out of 5

Safety:  Key Player-Chris Hope
Hope had a great season for the Titans, with 121 tackles.  The only problem with that tackle total is the fact that he is a safety.  He should be able to come up against the run more and will get the tackles closer to the line of scrimmage.  Grade:  4 out of 5

Special Teams
K:  Rob Bironas
P:  Craig Hentrick
Bironas kicked probably the top field goal of the season to win against the Colts.  The 60 yarder split the uprights in December and it cemented his legacy in Tennessee.  Grade:  4 out of 5

Overall
The Titans need to stop the run this season and need to have someone step up to help out Givens, Troupe, and Young on offense.  I think both of these things will happen.

1 Comment | Add a comment   categories: NFL, Tennessee Titans
 
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PF
Jun 11, 2007
10:22 PM
The offensive supporting cast around Young is terrible. The Titans got a heck of a player in, former Seahawk, Kelly Herndon. He should help with their d-back situation.

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ABOUT ME


volsfan_82
I am an avid sports fan who attempts to watch/read about as many games as possible. Growing up in St. Louis, I am a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan. Not having an NFL team for most of my life, until the Rams showed up, I am a Tennessee Titans fan and I am also a University of Tennessee fan. I am a recent graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
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