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Tennessee Titans – AFC South Preview

by Alexander Banks on Tuesday, August 14th, 2007

Tennessee Titans - AFC South Preview The Tennessee Titans have the playoffs on their minds after finishing 06' strong behind surging rookie Quarterback Vince Young. Unfortunately the Titans took some hits to player personnel in the off-season. Big question marks remain at Running back, Receiver and Defensive End. This is a very young team that will be put to the test early. Jeff Fischer and offensive coordinator Norm Chow lead a strong coaching staff so if Vince Young can improve on a stellar 2007 Tennessee could be competitive. SportsBetting.com has made the Tennessee Titans 60 to 1 odds to win the 2008 Super Bowl XLII.

Offensive coordinator Norm Chow has tailored made the offense around Vince Young’s abilities and the running game. Chow uses a West Coast offense that uses some spread formations and designed runs for Young. Vince Young is a winner and fun player too watch. While Young has room for improvement in his decision making and accuracy one thing is certain: He is a World-Class athlete. Expect Vince’s completion percentage to improve significantly after working with Chow in the off-season.

Travis Henry has departed from the Tennessee Titan backfield so second-year RB LenDale White will be the man. White is a big back with upside but has yet to produce. Backing up LenDale will be #2 Draft pick Chris Henry. Henry goes 230 lbs. And has some burst along with good hands but has not proven to be the genuine article yet. Their isn’t a true #1 wideout on the team so Young will be hard pressed to find the open man. WR David Givens has great hands but has been slow to come back from a knee injury and is unlikely to start the season opener. The O-Line returns all five starters from a group that played very well last season.

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz likes to play man coverage out of the Titans base 4-3 but lacks the talent at Corner back to put his DB’s on an island. Expect a mix of man and cover 2 schemes with an emphasis being placed on putting more pressure on the QB.

The D-Line can be a force if some key players step up their game. 6-6 320 LB. DT Albert Haynesworth can be a dominant player if he gets focused. DE Kyle Vanden Bosch is a 100% effort player that knows how to rush the passer. At the other end position Travis LaBoy has been hindered by injuries but has the ability to be a quality starter. DT Randy Starks is another player that has underachieved but has the potential with his explosiveness off the snap. OLB Keith Bulluck is the defensive MVP of the Titans. Bulluck plays with a mean streak and is an explosive hitter that can take over games. OLB David Thorton speedy backer that is good coverage.

The secondary and special teams took a big setback with the suspension of Pacman Jones. Safety Chris Hope is the only player in the secondary that played at a high level last year. CB Nick Harper was brought in to replace Pacman but he is only adequate. The Titans Special Teams are a well coached unit that has some speed. Kicker Rob Bironas has a strong leg but misses too many kicks. Punter Craig Hentrich is a steady player that is consistent with good hang time.

The Tennessee Titans are a young team that is improving. The defense has some upside and QB Vince young could emerge as a top echelon playcaller with experience. The offense lacks enough playmakers so the Titans are probably another year away from the playoffs.

Brad Marchetti Opening Day Tennessee Titans Power Ratings: 20-80 Scale

20- Poor
30- Well Below Average
40- Below Average
50- Average
60- Above Average
70- Very Good
80- Great

Coaching: 60
Quarterback : 60
Backs : 45
Receivers : 40
Offensive Line : 60
Defensive Line : 60
Linebackers : 60
Secondary : 55
Special Teams : 60

SportsBetting.com has posted NFL odds to win the 2008 Super Bowl:

Arizona Cardinals
45 – 1

Atlanta Falcons
60 – 1

Baltimore Ravens
20 – 1

Buffalo Bills
100 – 1

Carolina Panthers
25 – 1

Chicago Bears
15 – 1

Cincinnati Bengals
15 – 1

Cleveland Browns
150 – 1