NFL Preview: Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans


Key Additions:
QB Jake Locker (draft) 
LB Akeem Ayers (draft) 
QB Matt Hasselbeck (FA)
DT Shaun Smith (FA) 
LB Barrett Ruud (FA)
T Pat McQuistan (FA)
S Jordan Babineaux (FA) 


Key Departures:
QB Vince Young
LB Stephen Tulloch
TE Bo Scaife
DT Tony Brown 
WR Randy Moss
DE Jason Babin


Report:

The old is being replaced with the new. Gone is Vince Young and the new starter is veteran Matt Hasselbeck. The Titans also drafted QB Jake Locker to learn the system under Hasselbeck. One player that Tennessee doesn't want to go new with is RB Chris Johnson. Johnson has been holding out, and it appear the Titans are willing to make him the highest paid running back if he reports to practice. Johnson is one the best backs in the league, and is probably the fastest. If Johnson does not report they will have to use Javon Ringer and Jamie Harper as the main running backs.  Wide Receiver is a position that is not very deep. Starters Nate Washington and Kenny Britt are fast deep threats, but Britt has gotten into a lot of trouble with law during the offseason. The offensive line is very good. Last season, they allowed the six fewest sacks in the NFL and paved the way for Johnson who was the fourth leading rusher. 


The Titans are still the team that creates great defensive players, then they leave. DE Jason Babin and LB Stephen Tulloch have done that this season. The new players on the defensive line are Jason Jones and Dave Ball. They combined for 12 sacks last year and expect more pressure. Former first round pick Derrick Morgan needs to have a good season if he should start. The interior defense is big and can plug the running game, with players like DT's Sen'Derrick Marks and Shaun Smith. At linebacker Tennessee signed Barrett Ruud to take Tulloch's place. The outside LB's are veteran Will Witherspoon and rookie Akeem Ayers. CB's Jason McCourty and Cortland Finnegan are the pass defense for the Titans. Finnegan is one the dirtiest players in the league, voted by the players, and he can inside players heads. Safeties Chris Hope and Michael Griffin are good safeties for the good pass defense. 


K Rob Bironas is a good kicker, known for having the record for most field goals in a game. P Brett Kern was seventh in net avg. yards last season. KR Marc Mariani is a surprisingly good kick returner. 


Review:
Tennessee opted for a veteran quarterback in Matt Hasselbeck. He should be able to control the game better than Locker or Young. The defense in fine for a division win in the AFC South. The key factor is Chris Johnson, and whether or not he plays. If Johnson plays the Titans will be scrappy in every game.


Division Finish: TBA