Titans Can Be Legitimate Contenders in 2008
JTB - July 27, 2008
Coming off a shaky 10-6 season and one and done appearance in playoffs, the expectations for 2008 should be higher. Earn a playoff berth and go deeper in the playoffs. Maybe I am drinking the cool-aid but I think the Titans can be a bonafide contender in the AFC this season and make a playoff run, provided they can stay relatively healthy for a variety of reasons.
First off, I LOVE what the team did in the offseason. Dumping Chow for Heimerdinger was needed and should result in immediate improvement for the offense. Heimerdinger has junked the entire passing offense and is committed to building the offense around the skill set of Vince Young unlike his predecessor. The front office did their part by investing long-term in the offensive line by locking up Tackles Michael Roos and David Stewart and free agent Guard Jake Scott. The Titans also brought in veteran TE Algae Crumpler, WR Justin McCareins, and DE Jevon Kearse in low risk deals and the team was able to work out a deal with All-Pro DT Albert Haynesworth to get him into camp and avoid an ugly holdout.
The draft appears to be very productive as all six draft choices look like they should be able to win roster spots and see early contributions. First round pick Chris Johnson is being counted on to get 15-20 carries a game and he likely will be in the mix as a return man as well. With his 4.24 speed and versatility, he could be the big play guy the offense has lacked for years and the most exciting Titan since the guy who's now in Dallas. Heimerdinger compares Johnson to Clinton Portis, who excelled in the same offense while with the Broncos. DL Jason Jones and DE William Hayes look poised to join the rotation and contribute from day one. The defensive line also gets a boost from the return of second year players DT Antonio Johnson and DE Jacob Ford, who both missed 2007 with season ending injuries suffered during last year's training camp. The Titans were bullish enough on the young talent that veteran DE Bryce Fisher was released just prior to the opening of camp. TE Craig Stevens and WR Lavelle Hawkins look to earn roster spots and are likely depth players to start but the upside on both is encouraging. LB Stanford Keglar should earn a backup OLB spot and become an immediate ST contributor and CB Cary Williams will have a chance to earn one of the last roster spots thanks to great measureables and a high upside at a position where the Titans need a young CB to emerge as a long-term replacement for Nick Harper.
This team is poised to have a great mix of experienced younger players, talent, and depth across the roster. Aside from RB, and that may be a non-issue if Johnson emerges as a lead back, the quality of depth should enable the Titans to both withstand inevitable injuries and have productive special teams units. At QB, Collins is a proven player who can step in and be productive. At WR, the Titans have a good mix of players competing for spots. A top 4 rotation of Gage, McCariens, Jones, and Roydell Williams is solid. If players like Mike Williams, Paul Williams, Lavelle Hawkins, or Biren Ealy emerge and earn PT so be it. TE is much deeper than a year ago with the additions of Crumpler, Blakely, and Stevens. The OL looks to be in great shape and is seven deep with the loser of the Harris/Amano battle at LG and Loper being the gameday depth. The DL situation was mentioned above. At LB, Fowler and Tulloch will battle for the MLB spot and the addition of Josh Stamer and rookie Keglar should round out a solid group. In the secondary, Fuller, King, Hill, and Lowry all have flashed the ability to play effectively. On special teams, Chris Carr has been a productive return guy in Oakland and the Titans have Josh Miller in camp as insurance for Hentrich as both the punter and holder.
The final reason to be bullish on the 2008 Titans - Vince Young. Unlike 2007, Young appears to be completely focused on football and energized about the offense under Heimerdinger. By all accounts, he's fully embraced the coaching and changes made by Heimerdinger and in year 3 he should be able to make a big leap in terms of production. In college, Young made similar progressions as a player from year 2 to year 3 and we all know how that played out. Most importantly, the Titans have upgraded the talent around Young despite what the media experts may think. The offensive line is arguably the strongest unit on the team (although the DL may be just as good). Johnson should be the RB upgrade needed. Tight end is much improved on paper and the WR position appears to be at least 4 deep.
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2008 Schedule |
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09/07 - Jaguars @ Titans |
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09/14 - Titans @ Bengals |
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09/21 - Texans @ Titans |
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09/28 - Vikings @ Titans |
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10/05 - Titans @ Ravens |
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10/12 - BYE WEEK |
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10/19 - Titans @ Chiefs |
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10/27 - Colts @ Titans |
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11/02 - Packers @ Titans |
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11/09 - Titans @ Bears |
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11/16 - Titans @ Jaguars |
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11/23 - Jets @ Titans |
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11/27 - Titans @ Lions |
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12/07 - Browns @ Titans |
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12/14 - Titans @ Texans |
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12/21 - Steelers @ Titans |
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12/28 - Titans @ Colts |