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AFC South breakdown - Tennessee Titans
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AFC South – Tennessee Titans – 2007 Record 10-6: 3rd place AFC South
Is he the guy? That is the question facing third year quarterback Vince Young and make no mistake will determine the near future for the Titans. Young has showed flashes of why the Titans took him three years ago but has also regressed in many areas. The usual excuse is the lack of big time receivers but at some point Tennessee needs to find out if this is the franchise player of the team.
There are plenty of new players in the fold for 2008 as the Titans hope to break into the playoffs again this season. Like the NFC East, this division had three playoff teams and with the Colts and Jags looking strong the Titans will need to step it up to hang with the big boys and also hold off the suddenly exciting Houston Texans.
The big addition in free agency was tight end Alge Crumpler who should be a nice security blanket for Young along with helping in the red zone. After drafting speedster running back Chris Johnson, the teams first round pick, the ground game should be in solid hands with Johnson and power runner LenDale White. Of course not much attention was paid to the wide receiver spot other than bringing back Justin McCareins and drafting Lavelle Hawkins in the fourth round. Offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger returns and has promised to open up the offense to accommodate Young’s style. Young only had nine touchdown passes last year. The running game will be the bread and butter on offense and the Titans have a good offensive line with two positions changes. Free agent Jake Scott takes over for retired Benji Olson at right guard and at left guard, three people are fighting it out to start. Questions remain however, and yes, it’s about Young, the receivers and adapting to the new offensive philosophy.
On defense, coordinator Jim Schwartz applies relentless pressure with standouts Kyle Vanden Bosch and tackle Albert Haynesworth. They are disruptive and combined with a solid physical secondary this should be a good unit. Defensive end Jevon Kearse returns and is also expected to help although we don’t know how much he has left in the tank after bolting the Eagles.
Head coach Jeff Fisher is one of the best coaches in the league and it was quite a victory for the Titans to make the playoffs last year. Fisher feels the team is improved and without dealing with the Pacman situation, camp has been much more enjoyable. Will that translate on the field?
Prediction: 3rd AFC South
Playoffs: No playoffs.
