2007 Outlook:
Vince Young saved the Titans from getting the 1st pick in this year's draft. After Kerry Collins went 0-3 at the beginning of the '06 campaign, Young was named the starter and went on to an 8-5 mark winning six in a row. Young's ability to find the open target or make the play himself, earned him the 2006 Offensive Rookie of the Year. There isn't much hope for Titans fans that the situation in Nashville will get any better. With the loss of Travis Henry and Drew Bennett things are shaky at best. Rookie Chris Henry, the first round pick from Arizona looks like he'll get the nod to take the bulk of the running game. Lendale White showed up in Nashville at a reported 260 lbs and found himself the back-up to Henry. The skill positions are in trouble as well, with Givens finally back from two knee surgeries he's the number one target for Young to throw to. But that's not saying too much for the wide receivers. The Titans defense also didn't improve much in the off-season, and looks like the '06 trend will continue into 2007. Don't expect much from the Titans this year as they will struggle to stay above .500.
2007 Draft Review:
Tennessee had some major holes to fill coming into the 2007 draft. With needs at running back, defensive end, and a good corner to replace Pacman, the Titans grabbed safety, Michael Griffin, in the first round and then RB Chris Henry in the 2nd. The next few picks were spent on a group of talented wide receivers: Williams, Davis, and Filani. Tennessee had better hope a couple of these draftee's stick and make a difference or else the passing game is in trouble. Tennessee tried the quality not quantity scheme a few years ago and to no surprise it didn't work. Not much could have been done to save the 2007 season, so regardless it's hit or miss because they missed the bulls-eye this year. Draft Grade:C-
Key Acquisition:
Nick Harper joins the Titans and fills and immediate need. With the loss of Pacman Jones to suspension, Harper will jump right into a starting position and will be needed to upgrade a troubled secondary. The former Colt tied the team record of three interceptions, ranked sixth on the team with 73 tackles and started 15 games at left cornerback. The Titans may have given him a few too many dollars, but he fills a large need.
Key Departure:
Travis Henry is now in Denver leaving the Titans scratching their heads. Lendale White showed up to work fat and Chris Henry now has the nod as the starter in Tennessee. The running game in Tennessee looked decent last year once Henry was given the opportunity to establish himself. Chris Henry now must step up and fill in for Travis Henry who started the season slow but busted out in week 6 going for over 1,200 yards with 7 TD's. Henry has looked sharp in the pre-season thus far as the athletic back seems to have great field vision despite his youth.
Offensive Preview:
The Titans will rank in the bottom third of offfenses in the NFL this season. That much is known. The questions they must answer are who will step up at key positions and provide some building blocks for the future. At RB, Chris Henry will be afforded every opportunity available to him. If he falters, look for Chris Brown to harness the load with Lendale White getting some of the goal line carries. Brandon Jones is an interesting prospect at WR as he enters his third season. At TE and QB, the Titans look settled with Young and Troupe. Look for the Titans to scramble to score many points this season as, despite what Jeff Fisher says, this truly is a rebuilding year for the Titans.
Defensive/Special Teams Preview:
The Titans have some playmakers on the defensive side of the ball with Harper, Bulluck, and Haynesworth. Throw in the fact that ends Laboy and Vanden Bosch will be applying a heavy rush and the Titans have the resemblence of a respectable defensive unit. They will need it all season long. Look for the Titans to be a 15-17th ranked defense this season making them a possible #2 DST on your club. Their DST did take a hit with the suspension of Jones as he was a dynamic return specialist, returning 3 punts for TD's last season. Kicker, Rob Bironas, actually picked up his production towards the end of last season and could be a sleeper at the position will the lack of red zone production the Titans are likely to see.
Season Prediction:
The Titans must find themselves offensively after losing key veterans, Travis Henry and Drew Bennett to free agency. They have some young talent, but it will not be enough to appease the fans in Nashville. Despite Fisher's phenomenal track record, his pants will begin to flame as the Titans will usher in a losing season and hope for a top 10 draft pick next season. Looking at the schedule it will be amazing if the Titans can come out with 6 wins.
Projected Finish
5 Wins, 11 Losses (4th AFC South)
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