Football Diner Review / Preview
Dallas Cowboys
by Paul Hopkins
23/6/2008
 
Tennessee Titans 2008 Review Overview After week one of the season if you'd told any fan of the Titans that they'd end the season as the #1 seed in the AFC, they'd have probably called for you to go and see a Doctor. But after the Vince Young drama show, this team knuckled down under the guidance of Kerry Collins and battered its way to a 13-3 record, and the #1 seeding. Only then to fall to the Ravens in the first round of the playoffs. So the season was a mixture of surprise, excitement at seeing them come together, but ultimately disappointment that in a Tom Brady less AFC they couldn't take advantage of their excellent regular season. Quarterbacks http://cache.deadspin.com/assets/resources/2007/12/kerrycollins.jpg At the start of the year, despite the strong reservations many had over him, Vince Young was still the clear starter of this team. However, during week one he was booed by his own supporters and allegedly refused to go back into the game. If only the drama had ended there. Despite the Titans reassuring everyone major question marks appeared over Young's mental state and he was rarely seen again in the year. In good news he kept his head down, worked and supported the team every way as the back-up. And who replaced him? Kerry Collins. Collins' veteran leadership steadied the ship and despite the expectation that they would run, run and run some more, he displayed some competency in the passing game in spreading the ball around effectively – but only when it was needed. Collins was tidy, efficient and managed the game. That was all the Titans needed out of him, and until they ran into the brick wall that was the Baltimore defence it worked. Grade - B Running Backs http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0eov4zI6Sn3vW/610x.jpg As a tandem there was arguably no finer duo in 2008 than Lendale White and Chris Johnson. An ideal combination as the third year White is the bruising battering ram, whereas Johnson is one of the fastest players in football. Together they carried the Titans throughout the season, until, much like Kerry Collins they ran into the Ravens defence in the post-season. In a tough division and conference the Titans averaged 7th on the run with Johnson leading the way at over 1,200 yards at 4.9 ypc. Lendale was not far behind at nearly 800 yards, averaging a shade under 4 ypc. A special mention has to be made for Ahmard Hall, whose outstanding blocking created the holes for these two, and who also contributed now and then from the backfield. Grade – A- Wide Receivers Much maligned over the years, the Titans receivers finally got some modicum of respect and recognition in 2008. Whilst it's still fair to say that they need a top drawer (or something even close to that) more than anything, Justin Gage in particular began to step up (i.e. be better than before) in 2008. A turnaround win in Jacksonville in particular, marked his coming-out party (of sorts) but even then he still ended the year with 6 TD's and 651 yards. Brandon Jones led the team in receiving yards but only had one touchdown to show for it. Whilst you respect and understand Jeff Fisher's risk-aversive run-first approach, if only this team got itself a #1 they'd be far more likely to be more than a one and done team in the post-season every year. Grade - C Tight Ends http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0aXK19F5SIaOs/610x.jpg In Bo Scaife the Titans continued to have a safe and dependable pair of hands for Kerry Collins, and this was evident in his team high 58 receptions. Alge Crumpler was picked up from Atlanta but failed to make much of an impact for which he made his name for the Falcons, only nabbing 24 catches. Grade - B Offensive Line Make no bones about it, David Stewart is the standout star on this Titans line. Adept in both the pass and rush protection he picked up where he left last season, along with other stand out tackle Michael Roos as both began to show their worth and why the Titans gave both six year extensions during the off-season. Anchoring the line, Kevin Mawae remained the heart and soul of the offence but age is continuing to catch up with him. After signing a big contract to come over from the rival Colts, Jake Scott somewhat flattered to deceive, particularly in his run-blocking. It will be interesting to track how he progresses in his second year in Nashville. Grade – B+ Defensive Line http://beat.bodoglife.com/wp-content/uploads/albert_haynesworth_200311_ap.jpg For the Titans everything starts within the defensive line. But just a week into the free agency period for 2009, a big question has already arisen. How on earth do you replace the enormous hole left by Albert Haynesworth's departure to the Redskins? The simple answer is that you can't replace or duplicate the impact Haynesworth had on this team. The impact he had on opposing offences and consequently that playing around him in 2008 was arguably immeasurable. But in 2009, they will have to do so. Haynesworth was clearly motivated to perform in the pursuit of big bucks, and he did so. But this was not a one man show. Tony Brown, Jevon Kearse and Kyle vanden Bosch (when not injured) all played a strong supporting role. Jeff Fisher had better hope that they step up in the absence of their 2008 MVP. First year rookie Jason Jones also showed flashes of strong potential and he will be stepping up into the line-up much more in 2009. Grade – A+ Linebackers It goes without saying that this group was strong again in 2008. Keith Bulluck is arguably the most under-rated linebacker in the game year on year. Whilst his pass protection ability can at times leave a bit to be desired, in run support he is outstanding. David Thornton compliments him well as does Stephen Tulloch. Combined in 2008 they added to the defensive foundation of the Titans. Grade – A- Secondary And then we had the final part of the defence. And unsurprisingly (perhaps considering the pressure being applied up front) they excelled also. http://theloveofsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/cortland-finnegan.jpg People scoffed when Nick Harper was brought in from the Colts, but his experience was invaluable, and his play was not too shabby either. Chris Hope was excellent as always. Michael Griffin's transition from college safety to pro corner continued to work well also. However, the new face of the Titans secondary has gradually become Cortland Finnegan and his progression continued in 2008. One slight knock on him might be his temperament as he always appears to be in the mix and often his aggression has boiled over into needless penalties being given away. But still, he remains a playmaker on a strong defence. Grade - B Special Teams Rob Bironas has more than earned his big contract from the Titans. For a team that employs a cautious approach which makes it unlikely that they will ever play anything over than close games it is imperative that they have a kicker they can trust. And in this guy they do. Similarly with their punting situation, the Titans have one of the most dependable legs in the game in Craig Hentrich. Grade - A Coaching http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/08Cfbz148sc7c/340x.jpg I said it in my review last year that Jeff Fisher was one of the best coaches in the NFL. After losing his starting QB in week 1, Fisher again demonstrated his ability to turn out a team that can compete and win against tough teams week after week. He continues to do so despite lacking in talent in comparison to those around him. And this is something he will have to get used to doing again now Albert Haynesworth has left to join the Redskins. Eventually however, questions are going to be asked about the ability to go deep into the post-season. Grade – A-