Tennessee Titans Thread

helimachoptor

The draft has started
The question now is what is in store for the Titans this year.
As the season came to an end it became clear that the Titans would need to beat AFC South Champions the Texans and hope for some favourable results elsewhere to make the wildcards.

Losing Finnegan was a blow and I think it will be seen this season what a loss it was. I like Wimbley and I think he'll move between DE and LB throughout the season.

The Hass will start but I expect Locker to displace him about 1/3 of the wya through the season. Britt being fit is key but for me I think passing will focus on Britt (if fit) and Cook JR.

C2J needs a good season and will need to start this season a lot better than last season.

My prediction for AFC South is below.

Texans 11-5
Titans 10-6 Wild Card
Colts 7-9
Jags 7-9

Dohnny Jepp

I'm glad we have gotten rid of Finnegan, He was a scumbag and brings a bad name to the team.

I think it will become apparent this year how explosive our offense is. We were unlucky last year with the injury to britt and cj's issues, but i expect with a full pre season and less pressure cj to take off like he has in previous years. In the time britt has been on the field he has shown himself to have the talent of an elite reciever, he just needs to stay healthy.

A lot of mocks have us taking OL first round. I'm not sure if I'd like that, Our line should be solid this year with the addition of SH, but I do realise that is not a long term solution.

Every year it seems like we need a pass rusher, we just can't pick one that will perform and I think we need to do the same this year, take OLINE and corner, the best player available between them positions, unless an elite talent drops very far that is worth moving up for them.

I'd also like to see locker start from day 1. Maybe the titans are doing things right, but its tough seeing your team draft a qb, and teams who drafted qb's after us, starting them last season. I always believe that if you take someone in the first round, he has to be starter.

I can see us challenging the texans closely thuis year, I think the differences in D seperate the two teams, with the texans D being superior.
I think we're good enough to make it to the playoffs.

FUUUUUUCCCCCCCCKKKKK I MISSED THE DRAFT AWHEBAWJKFBDJKAWBNR

Heffo001

Really looking forward to next year. The selection of Wright in the first round shows that the Titans focusing their efforts on building a top class offence. With CJ in the backfield and Locker/Hasslebeck throwing to Britt, Wright, Washington, Williams and Cook there's a lot to look forward to offensively. On offence I'd still like to draft a Centre at some stage as Amano was terrible last season, after that possibly a guard in one of the later rounds or if a top one falls to us but it's not vital this year.

On D I'm happy enough with the starters in place in almost every position and I think it's just a matter of improving slightly where possible and adding depth. I think if a weakside linebacked such as Zach Brown or Lavonte David were to fall to the Titans in the 2nd round it would be an amazing pick-up and solidify one of our weaker position on D as well as complete a young and talented Linebacker core. I don't think Wimberly will play LB for the Titans as from what I've heard he can only really play LB in a 3-4 with his hand in the dirt. I think he'll be a full time DE and will add a much needed pass rush so adding one or two players on the DL at some point in the draft to add to the rotation would be a good move. Other than that I would add another corner at some stage to provide depth seen as Finnegan is gone and the Titans have had great success drafting corners in the later rounds of the draft.

All in all I think with a few more decent picks in the draft, the Titans have a chance at a wildcard spot at least despite facing a tough schedule.

mikemac1

Dohnny Jepp wrote: »

I'm glad we have gotten rid of Finnegan,

I'm surprised at that

When Titans beat Ravens in Week two he was the best player on the field
Well Finnegan on D anyway and Kenny Britt for offense

I know about his reputation but he's gets a grudging respect for being great at his role

helimachoptor

mikemac1 wrote: »

I'm surprised at that

When Titans beat Ravens in Week two he was the best player on the field
Well Finnegan on D anyway and Kenny Britt for offense

I know about his reputation but he's gets a grudging respect for being great at his role

Me too, For me he was a tough player and yes he did do a few questionable things but he was such a tough D man. You knew if you got the ball near CF you were going to get absolutely hammered.
That fear is now gone.. remains to be seen what the impact will be.

Eire-Dearg

I was personally sad to see Finnegan go.

But Kendall Wright, damn am I excited for next year. Love that type of receiver and he's going to be the perfect foil for Britt and Washington down the field. His presence will also open lanes for CJ and hopefully show Jared Cook to realise his potential as a pass catching TE. I think we have the meat of a top grade offence for years to come, with Locker at the helm. From what we saw last year with him, I think he has the potential to be great as both a passer and on his feet. Great that he's been given time to bed in under Hasselbank, whom has fared very well as a starter.

Heffo001

I'm definitely sad to see Finnegan go as well, I thought he was a great character and a very good player as well. He's someone that a lot of opposition fans hate but is very popular with his own teams fans. Very aggressive and passionate on the field but seems like a great guy off the field and has done a lot of work for charity.

Having said that the Titans were never going to give him the salary he wanted and to be honest I kind of agree with them here, as much as I like Finnegan I'm not sure he's worth the contract he was looking for and we've also had good success drafting late round CB's in recent drafts (Finnegan, McCourty and Verner).

Heffo001

Quite happy with the picks last night. Zach Brown is a great raw talent and if he's wlling to be coached up he could be a star. Also his speed and coverage ability could be important when we play the Pats next year as well as the Colts twice with their new QB and their 2 new TEs. Really promising LB core now with Ayers and McCarthy.

Martin is a very solid pick and himself and Jurell Casey will be great against the run with Karl Klug to come in as a situational pass rusher on the interior. 2 needs filled with two good players.

Considering there are still a number of needs (CB, S and DE depth and improvement at C) I wonder if the Titans might be interested in trading a player for a late round pick. With the addition of Martin and the FA additions which will provide depth at DT I wonder if Smith or Sen'Derrick Marks will be seen as expendable. Trading a WR wouldn't be out of the question either as there are a number of players on the depth chart there as well.

helimachoptor

Griffin, signed on for 5 years. Good to have him on board.
Pretty solid and after loosing Finnegan good to have a player who's been around.

Titans also tipped as 1 of the 2 surprise packages for the SB

helimachoptor

Anyone care to predict how Johnson will do in the regular season?

He's seemingly put on a bit of muscle and is becoming a better power carrier.
will be interesting to see how it goes.

I'm going to go for circa 1050 yards, 12 TDs

Eire-Dearg

Didn't realise he cracked 1,000 yards last year, thought it was much lower.

All going well, I'd go for around 11 TDs and 1,100-1,300 yards.

JaMarcus Hustle

Think he'll recapture his 2010 for myself, although will probably be closer to 1,500 yards than 2,000 this time. Still the favourite for the leagues leading rusher all the same imo. The Titans O-line can't be as bad as it was last year, especially seeing as Hutchinson is now on board. Also, opposing defences can't sell out against the run this time. That was much easier for them to do last year with Kenny Britt out for the season but with him back and Kendall Wright now in the mix (not to mention Jared Cook at TE who should have a great year) teams can't do that anymore. CJ will also have a full training camp behind him going into the regular season, something he sorely missed last year. He sits firmly atop my Fantasy Football rankings this year

mikemac1

helimachoptor wrote: »

Anyone care to predict how Johnson will do in the regular season?


I'm going to go for circa 1050 yards,

Seems low

Tack another 500 onto that

helimachoptor

Hopefully i'm wrong, I'd like to see him get a great season in.

And JaMarcus you're correct with (hopefully) a fit Britt it'll give the defense problems and should lead to more yards and more TDs

matthew8

I don't think he's going to have a great season. Remember that it's not just the 2011 season that went bad, but he had plenty of bad games in 2010 too. I expect him to average only 4 YPC again with the defenses on the schedule, so it depends on how much they decide to lean on him. If I was the OC for the Titans I would focus more on the passing game.

helimachoptor

Titans kick off the preseason against my other team the Seahawks.

Stiull to be determined who'll be taking the starting position at QB, a few days ago it looked like Locker but it seems Hass has been taking more snaps over the last day or so.

Britt seems to be in a bit of a mood but on the plus side C2J seems back in business and ready to go, looking forward to seeing him on Sunday morning

helimachoptor

Marc Mariani is out for the season with a nasty broken leg, if you look at the video it looks like his leg gets caught behind his own player, nasty looking anyway.

C2J struggled big time against the Cards, he's really blown hot or cold this pre-season, but Locker seems to have had a better get against the cards which is good.

helimachoptor

Titans kick off with a sadly untelevised game against the Pats.. but to keep the Titans fans interested here are some interesting facts..

355 Rushing yards running back Chris Johnson needs to reach 6,000 for his career. The only other Oilers/Titans with as many: Eddie George (10,009) and Hall of Famer Earl Campbell (8,574).

112 Consecutive starts by tackle Michael Roos. It’s the second-longest streak in the NFL for an offensive tackle, trailing Jeff Backus.

24 Sacks allowed by the Titans last season. Only the Bills (23) gave up fewer sacks.

2,129 Yards after catch for Titans receivers in 2011. The total led the NFL.

17.5 Average yards per catch for wide receiver Kenny Britt since he entered the NFL in 2009. That puts him sixth among all receivers from 2009-11.

Key points in the first games

After suspension Britt is going to need to be awesome along with Cook and Washington, a shame Mariani is injured (hopefully nothing permanent)

On the D, The Titans look to have a solid front 4 with Ayers and McCarthy really need to put in good shifts and stay healthy.
Interesting times ahead!

helimachoptor

Pretty poor performance at the weekend

When i heard Gates was out I was thinking the Titans would push for the win, but fcuk me they were a shadow of the team from last year.

C2J is moaning about the o-line and yes they are partly at fault but he needs to stop being so predictable with his runs and try to create something instead of running the same lines.

Locker.. people already calling for Hass to be back in. Stick with him, he is going to be a great QB but there was always going to be bedding in period.

Secondary is a concern, TEs have killed us.. What is the answer? Well when Gates doesnt play I'm sure they guys felt a bit better...

helimachoptor

My 2nd post in a row starting with "poor performance this weekend".

I never expected a Titans win..however I was hoping for them to push the Texans for a while at least and that did happen, but too many mistakes especially on offense.

The Titans are just not clinical enough when it counts. on 3rd and 4 they dont make it when 8 out of 10 teams would.

Johnson had a better game, but i think at this point the Titans should be happy to finish (a distance) second behind the Texans.

helimachoptor

Locker may be done for the season according the NFL.com

The article says that they will probably try a non surgical fix to is shoulder, but if it pops out again it will be surgery and then a 4-6 month fix time.

Step up The Hass..

helimachoptor

Good if stuttering win on Thursday.
Johnson with an OK game, if he kept up that type of yardage it would at least give the Titans a legitmate ground threat and ease the pressure on the QB and WRs and probably give Hass/Locker more time in the pocket.

Also Kenny Britt, catch the ball!!

Dohnny Jepp

helimachoptor wrote: »

Good if stuttering win on Thursday.
Johnson with an OK game, if he kept up that type of yardage it would at least give the Titans a legitmate ground threat and ease the pressure on the QB and WRs and probably give Hass/Locker more time in the pocket.

Also Kenny Britt, catch the ball!!

I thought it was more the steelers being bad than us being particularly good.

I hope locker comes back very soon, because we're gonna have a very high draft pick so it'll be an opportunity to grab a QB in next years draft if he doesnt start playing well.

micromary

Going to Tennessee this weekend but unfortunately will they are playing away in Buffalo this weekend and I won't be in Nashville on the 28th:(. Good win yesterday against Pittsburgh. 2-4 is not a good start however

helimachoptor

Jepp I'm happy for the win! Performance can be raised ( a lot!)
There's no getting away from the fact both wins have been very close to being loses and on another day the titans would be 0-6 now

helimachoptor

Well.. good offensive performance yesterday for the most part.

Hass with 66% completion rate
C2J just short of 200 yards with 2 TDS (the big question is can he do the same next week?)
Harper seems to have established himself as the go to guy on short down scenarios.

Hass spread the ball well with 8 players getting catches

Wimbley had a good game aswell and McCourty had an important in.

A couple of things, Titans just dont seem clinical enough on 3rd down.

A couple of times in was 3rd and long and Hass threw 2 dinky passes over the top to Washington for a gain of 3 yards or so, thats a ridiculous pass as in both instances he was covered so his gain was most likely going to be very limited.

Both the receivers and QB need to know where the 1st down line is.

On defense, our tackling was still poor with guys just throwing there bodies at someone else, why are the defense not wrapping up the RB or WR when they tackle :mad:

But now at 3-4, tough game against the Colts next week!

Dohnny Jepp

No turnovers, Only allowed 2 sacks. and CJ2ktd.

The most important thing though is that even if we are behind come the dying minutes of the game we are very much capable of winning. It's great having that belief as a fan that we can do that.

helimachoptor

Dohnny Jepp wrote: »

No turnovers, Only allowed 2 sacks. and CJ2ktd.

The most important thing though is that even if we are behind come the dying minutes of the game we are very much capable of winning. It's great having that belief as a fan that we can do that.

Big time, my only worry is and i know this well from Madden is that you can only win shootouts for so long.

The Defense needs to step up more often to force a punt and give the offense a chance to put some distance between the Titans and other team.

In saying that it was a really enjoyable game to watch

micromary

Oh dear. Another late lose. The Titans are having all these close games without putting anybody away! I listened to the game against the Bills and almost crashed the car on the way to Knoxville! The Bills should have won it but that I suppose is the Titans story this season. I doubt they are going to make the play offs with these loses.

helimachoptor

No i dont think so either, again the Titans struggle tomake stops at key times.

The OT TD the RB basically broke 3 tackles to get into the end zone

micromary

Agree. The Titans look to have a nice stadium btw. However don't think I will be heading over to Nashville again to see a game!

helimachoptor

Looks like the Cookie Monster could be leaving..
I for one will not like to see it happen.

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20121029/SPORTS01/121029007/Titans-receive-trade-request-from-Cook?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CSports&nclick_check=1

HigginsJ

helimachoptor wrote: »

Looks like the Cookie Monster could be leaving..
I for one will not like to see it happen.

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20121029/SPORTS01/121029007/Titans-receive-trade-request-from-Cook?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CSports&nclick_check=1

Wow that would be a big loss for Titans no? Cook is very talented.

helimachoptor

Yep, I think it would be a trade for a defensive player while we could do with a beefing up giving up cookie who's one of our main offensive threats is not good business

micromary

Oh dear. Season over for Tennessee. Must be a horrible afternoon in Nashville for Titan fans. 28-2 and it is not even half-time against the Bears!!!!

Dohnny Jepp

Great way to put last week behind us. CJ is really back on form and is looking more dangerous than any other HB in the league.
I don't know what to say about lockers performance, I really like the guy and I like how he brings a running threat which also benefits CJ, and I love that he threw 2 TD's and no INTS, but 9 for 21 isn't great.
The D decided it would like to play some football too. I thought a better defensive showing than Broncos and Seahawks this weekend.
My favourite stat though is no turnovers, 3 of the 4 games we've had zero turnovers, (FU bears).

Dohnny Jepp

I think We'll win 4 of our last 6 games. I think we'll beat the jags x 2, colts and jets, and lose to packers and texans.

Won't be enough to make wildcard though

helimachoptor

The D won this game, if the D was playing as normal im sure it would have been more of a contest.
Great to go into the bye week with such a win though.
The team should train hard and be pumped for the Jags game (which should be a win imo)

On Locker yeah his completion % wasnt great, but he has been out for a few weeks so i'd put it down to him being rusty.
He'll benefit with the bye week, he's come through a game without an injury and now has 2 weeks to get his accuracy back up

helimachoptor

Anyone staying up for the game tonight?

tommyhans

Yep i am. Is it on the red button?

helimachoptor

Was on BBC I think!

Wasnt a good game despite the turn overs.
The Titans continue to struggled on 3rd downs with 2 out of 13 (i think)

Locker also not good but C2J broke off a great run for the TD.


2 games left, would be great to get 2 wins but can see a packers kicking and then a tight game against the Jags.

helimachoptor

Some more rumours that Cookie is going to leave.
He feels nto enough forward progress is being made..

Dohnny Jepp

This is the kind of draft class that the titans really need.

I love the idea of taking Warmack with out first pick which most experts seem to believe will happen. I know taking an offensive guard in the top 10 is normally avoided but I think he is the best prospect in the draft.

I then would like us to take a pass rusher with our second pick. We missed out on JPP by one pick 2 years ago and a player who kinda reminds me of him is Ansah, Not much experience but great ability.

I would then like us to take Tyler Bray in the third if he drops that far (i think he is a third rounder but with so many teams needing a QB I wouldn't be surprised to see him go in the second round. Locker hasn't convinced me he's our guy yet although I do really like him. So maybe a move like this might make Locker push himself harder and give some competition for the starting job in a year.

In the 4th I'd like us to go to our interior OL again. Maybe someone like Bailey? I hear he is well thought of, and is considered equally good on the left or right. We are sorted at tackle with Roos and Stewart. Once we sort out our interior I think we'll see massive production from CJ and a lot more protection for Locker. I think sorting our interior brings most benefit to the team.

In our 5th and final pick I'd like for us to take a chance on mathieu if he is still available.

I'd like for us to grab a CB in free agency. It's looking like there could be some very talented corners available in the market.

1) Warmack OG
2) Ansah DE
3) Bray QB
4) Bailey OG
5) Mathieu CB/Returner

What's your thoughts Heli?

helimachoptor

Happy someone has posted in here.. the tumbleweed was getting lonely!!

A lot of mock drafts are linking us with Chance and I must say from my limited views of him he seems a very good fit for the Titans. A power house blocker and one that doesnt seem easy to get past and get to the QB.

I think in the second round it will be a Safety, it really depends on who is left at this point, if Manti managed to fall this far i think he should be taken.

I cant see us taking a QB, Hass has said he's happy to stay and renegotiate his deal to be cheaper. He's realistic that he is back up, he will see some game time. I can see him staying for another 2 years so plenty of time for a QB considering Locker should be QB for 10 or more years. I see the Titans going Guard on this pick, but who again I'm not really sure

A good Titans site i am on, lays it out like this but their 1st pick is Between the top rated safety left and Chance (presuming he's there)

2nd round: Alex Okafor, DE, Texas
3rd round: Larry Warford, OG, Kentucky
4th round: Alex Hurst, OT, LSU
5th round: Cobi Hamilton, WR, Arkansas
7th round: Abry Jones, DT, Georgia



But if i was a betting man...

2nd round: Safety
3rd round: OG
4th round: DE
5th round: HB
7th round: WR

I can see us spending out money in FA, Munch knows this is his last season if he doesnt at least get to 8-8 (or show massive improvements with a lesser record) So he's going to splash the cash.
Cliff Avril getting linked already, would be a big plus for me.
Decent RB and a few will be available (Shonn Greene?!)
However... I think if Cromartie became available, he should be a serious target. I could also see the Titans go for a good WR, someone to help out when Britt is having an off day, while we have a lot of numbers a good WR who will catch is still needed.

Dohnny Jepp

I think if we don't go Warmack we'll be looking at Milliner at CB. He does look very talented.

We have lots of cap, which means we can be active in the Free Agency market.

I worry that Lockers accuracy won't ever be good enough. He has the intangibles and leadership qualities, he has the toughness and is good on the ground, he has a strong arm but he is just not accurate.

At the same time, its probably not best year to take a QB with so many needs.

I also think this is a pretty poor draft class for safety, so that might have to wait till next year.

helimachoptor

Dohnny Jepp wrote: »

I think if we don't go Warmack we'll be looking at Milliner at CB. He does look very talented.
We have lots of cap, which means we can be active in the Free Agency market.
I worry that Lockers accuracy won't ever be good enough. He has the intangibles and leadership qualities, he has the toughness and is good on the ground, he has a strong arm but he is just not accurate.
At the same time, its probably not best year to take a QB with so many needs.
I also think this is a pretty poor draft class for safety, so that might have to wait till next year.

I think at this point for round 1, it will be OG, S, CB but that may chance as FAs get named, you could get a proven guy for relatively cheap. But all the signs point to Chance being a star Guard for years to come.

also a couple of quiet rumours about the Titans trading down in the draft for a top pick next year if there are doubts about Lockers recover and general level of play.

Titans should be signing 4/5 really good quality players in FA, the only risk is if the Fins/Colts want them too, they have so much more cash that if it becomes a bidding war we'll lose

On Locker, I think the early dislocation really rattled him, hopefully he gets back in good shape and in the season gets time in the pocket to throw and in all honesty Johnson needs to be come a dependable RB and not a 1 in 50 play spectacular back, Locker is not Brady, he needs support from his back when he's feeling pressure and can take a few plays off. Forcing him to make passes because the RB is awful is not going to end well!

I think Elam and Reid are the best, but there are some doubts on just how good they are, I wouldnt be surprised to see one of them fall (for Elam due to his size) but there's a Safety from Georgia called Rambo... someone has to take him!!

HigginsJ

Dohnny Jepp wrote: »

This is the kind of draft class that the titans really need.

I love the idea of taking Warmack with out first pick which most experts seem to believe will happen. I know taking an offensive guard in the top 10 is normally avoided but I think he is the best prospect in the draft.

I then would like us to take a pass rusher with our second pick. We missed out on JPP by one pick 2 years ago and a player who kinda reminds me of him is Ansah, Not much experience but great ability.

I would then like us to take Tyler Bray in the third if he drops that far (i think he is a third rounder but with so many teams needing a QB I wouldn't be surprised to see him go in the second round. Locker hasn't convinced me he's our guy yet although I do really like him. So maybe a move like this might make Locker push himself harder and give some competition for the starting job in a year.

In the 4th I'd like us to go to our interior OL again. Maybe someone like Bailey? I hear he is well thought of, and is considered equally good on the left or right. We are sorted at tackle with Roos and Stewart. Once we sort out our interior I think we'll see massive production from CJ and a lot more protection for Locker. I think sorting our interior brings most benefit to the team.

In our 5th and final pick I'd like for us to take a chance on mathieu if he is still available.

I'd like for us to grab a CB in free agency. It's looking like there could be some very talented corners available in the market.

1) Warmack OG
2) Ansah DE
3) Bray QB
4) Bailey OG
5) Mathieu CB/Returner

What's your thoughts Heli?

Not a chance Ansah is around in the 2nd round. If he has a good combine he'll be a lock for top 15 (maybe higher)

I think Warmack will be a great pick for ye in the 1st round. CJ showed last year that he still possesses all the ability in the world and a you said anything to help protect Locker helps.

Will ye hold onto Jared Cook Jr. and will Kenny Britt get back to his best?

Dohnny Jepp

HigginsJ wrote: »

Not a chance Ansah is around in the 2nd round. If he has a good combine he'll be a lock for top 15 (maybe higher)

I think Warmack will be a great pick for ye in the 1st round. CJ showed last year that he still possesses all the ability in the world and a you said anything to help protect Locker helps.

Will ye hold onto Jared Cook Jr. and will Kenny Britt get back to his best?

Britt has been unlucky with injuries. I think he will have a great year and I dont think he is too far off elite when he is playing well.

Cook I'm not so sure on. There are some talented TE's in the draft so if he goes there are a number of options to replace him.

The draft seems deep in pass rushing talent and with an early second round pick I'm hopeful of us picking up someone talented.

helimachoptor

I think cook will be tagged mainly because he's not happy and thinks he can go to a better team. If he gets tagged and the titans are awful this year he'll walk, if the titans are better and essentially he gets more of the ball he'll stay. A lot if ifs though!

Heffo001

Dohnny Jepp wrote: »

I think if we don't go Warmack we'll be looking at Milliner at CB. He does look very talented.

We have lots of cap, which means we can be active in the Free Agency market.

I worry that Lockers accuracy won't ever be good enough. He has the intangibles and leadership qualities, he has the toughness and is good on the ground, he has a strong arm but he is just not accurate.

At the same time, its probably not best year to take a QB with so many needs.

I also think this is a pretty poor draft class for safety, so that might have to wait till next year.

Complete opposite imo. Maybe there's no one worthy of 10th overall though no one had Barron going in the top 10 until very close to the draft so someone like Kenny Vaccaro could make that jump this year. After that though the safety class is very deep for guys in round 2 and 3. TJ McDonald, Bacari Rambo, Matt Elam, Eric Reid and Robert Lester are some of the bigger names off the top of my head. There's also talk about Amerson being a better fit at FS then CB in the NFL, would be great having such a ball-hawk back there but there are big questions about his tackling.

With that talent on the board I would be surprised if the Titans didn't take a Safety in the first 3-4 rounds of draft this year, free-agency withstanding.

helimachoptor

I don't think Reid or Elam will survive past the 1st round, but for the Titans if they do it would be fantastic!