The 2008 edition of Titans should look exciting. After offseason rumors swirled around quarterback Vince Young wanting to retire after his rookie season, things have settled down a bit. Albert Haynesworth was interrupted with the tag of freedom, and the talks continued in the extension. He said he would take his signature offer if Tennessee agreed not to put the franchise tag on him next year and allow him to become a free agent. Losing Haynesworth would be a significant turn of events, and would really set this team back.
KEY ADDITIONS:
1) Justin McCareins – The Titans didn’t all have a strong group of wide receivers last year. They had two players catch 50 yards, and not one had more than 700 receiving yards. McCareins will enter the lineup looking for time in the slot. Justin Gage and Roydell Williams should help open things up. While he won’t catch 50+ balls, McCareins will get reps and keep the ball in his hands.
2) Alge Crumpler – Crumpler has been the best bird feeder in Atlanta for many years. With the Falcons moving into an obvious rebuilding period, they fired Crumpler. Crumpler now gets his chance to shine with Vince Young throwing the ball. Crumpler is used to running quarterback (Michael Vick), and Young should benefit from Crumpler more than Crumpler will from Young.
3) Jevon Kearse – “The Freak” didn’t get off to a good start in his return to Tennessee. He’s already been arrested for a DUI, and has disappointed the coaching staff. While the Titans hope Kearse can regain his “rookie form,” that doesn’t always pan out the way you’d like. Just ask the Buccaneers and Michael Clayton.
4) Chris Carr – Carr came to the Titans as a cornerback, but more so as a kick returner. Carr Quick was an undrafted free agent who was picked up by the Raiders. He became the Raiders all-time kick return leader. Look for Carr to make many appearances to return to football.
KEY DAMAGE:
1) Chris Brown – Brown has been more productive for the Titans than his 462 yards and 5 touchdowns suggest. He is a former 1,000 yard back, and has a 4.3 yards per career average to go along with 16 touchdowns. He leaves Houston, where he will look for some support for Ahman Green.
2) Antwan Odom – Odom became a force on the defensive line last year next to Albert Haynesworth. Odom was credited with only 21 tackles, but also eight sacks. He was finally able to break out in 2007 (maybe due to a contract year?) and went to Cincinnati to try and help replace Justin Smith.
Key Weaknesses:
He was the thinnest wide receiver since the days of Derrick Mason and Yancy Thigpen for the Titans. Justin Gage and Roydell Williams are simply not breakthrough players who can break open the game. In order for Vince Young to come into his own, the Titan coach and owner will have to look to the team’s running backs and receiver as this team to would reach a higher level.
Key Strengths:
The key to defense (like most teams) starts in the trenches. Kyle Vanden Bosch and Albert Haynesworth are two of the best in the business. Assuming Haynesworth signs his late release, he will once again lead a very impressive unit against the run. Look for Haynesworth to come to Hawaii in February.
2008 Predictions
The Titans are still playing offense or two so they can compete with the Jaguars and Colts. Vince Young is entering his third year and needs to mature at quarterback. If he throws 9 touchdowns to 17 interceptions again this year, you know Tennessee won’t be looking too far to see who running backs. Most quarterbacks are not successful as a running QB before the shooting.
Here’s how the Titans look on the 2008 schedule:
Week / Opponent
1 Jacksonville
2 @Cincinnati
3 Houston
4 Minnesota
5 @Baltimore
6 good bye
7 @Kansas City
8 Indianapolis
9 Green Bay
10 @Chicago
11 @Jacksonville
12 New York Jets
13 @Detroit
14 London
15 @Houston
16 Pittsburgh
17 @Indianapolis
The Titans play in the competitive AFC South. They are still a step behind both the Cubs and the Jaguars, and need another player or two on offense to help them compete. Expect the Titans to split with the Jaguars and Texans, and get swept by the Cubs. A 2-4 division is to be expected.
The rest of the league, Cincinnati, Houston, Kansas City, Chicago, Jets wins. The Lions and Browns are possible. An 8-8 or 9-7 finish is expected, and the Titans will be on the outside looking in to the playoffs next season. I hope they get Vince Young some help in the offseason, as he needs help with his development.
