Titans needs: Rough season reveals major D gaps
At this time last year, the Tennessee Titans were riding high, coming off a 13-3 record, and Vince Young was way low.
Now the Titans are trying to re-group after a disappointing season and Young is the guy who will try and lead them.
Kerry Collins was benched when the Titans opened 0-6 and Young came off the bench to lead Tennessee to an 8-8 record. He was much improved over his first stint as a starter, showing that putting the time in could really pay off.
Now as he enters this season as a starter, the question is whether he can continue to improve. If he can, the Titans could be in the playoff mix again.
They do have holes to fill, especially on defense. But this is usually a good drafting team, so they might be able to fill many of them with younger players from last year's draft and this upcoming draft.
One thing's for certain: They aren't the confident group they were at this time last year.
QB: Young rejuvenated his career last season. After opening on the bench, he took over for Collins and played some of the best football of his career. He was confident, but the most important thing was he threw the ball better. The Titans had to be surprised, but now he's their guy. The coaches weren't exactly thrilled when he took over -- despite what they might have said -- but they seemed to embrace him as the season went along. Collins remains a capable backup behind Young. He can win one or two games if Young is hurt, but he isn't capable of leading the Titans to the playoffs anymore.
RB: Chris Johnson ran for over 2,000 yards and established himself as arguably the game's best runner. He is an explosive player who can go 70 yards when he touches it. He is also good as a receiver. Backup LenDale White saw his carries cut last season in large part because Johnson had so much success. White is still the short-yardage back. Second-year player Javon Ringer is a runner the team likes. Ahmad Hall is a good fullback, a sledgehammer into the hole.
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WR: For the first time in a long time, the Titans head into a season with little concern about their receivers. Nate Washington is a solid starter and Kenny Britt, who played a lot as a rookie, should be ready for a breakout season. He might be this team's best receiver in the upcoming years. Justin Gage remains a quality player, even though he doesn't run that well. They could use some help after those three. Lavelle Hawkins is the fourth guy, and he hasn't done much.
TE: Bo Scaife is the pass-catching tight end, but the rising star is Jared Cook, a second-year guy with a real chance to develop into a Pro Bowl player. He is big and can run. Craig Stevens is the blocking tight end. Alge Crumpler, the team's best blocking tight end, has moved on to New England so that leaves a void. Scaife signed his tender, so he's back with the team as a quarterback favorite in passing situations.
OL: This is one of the strong points of this team. The tackle tandem of David Stewart and Michael Roos is arguably the best in football. Stewart excels as a run blocker, while Roos is better in pass protection. Left guard Eugene Amano was re-signed as a free agent and Jake Scott played well at right guard. Center Kevin Mawae is likely leaving in free agency, but the team has high hopes for Leroy Harris, who might be more athletic. The Titans like their young developmental linemen, including tackle Troy Kropog.
DL: The Titans lost end Kyle Vanden Bosch, and that hurts. But he wasn't as productive the past two seasons. He was showing signs of slowing down. They like young ends Jacob Ford and William Hayes. Both have speed off the edge. They also signed restricted free agent Jason Babin, and the Eagles declined to match the offer. There isn't much depth behind those three, so they need help. Dave Ball is the depth. He's just OK. Tony Brown is a good player at one tackle spot, but Jason Jones and Jovan Haye need to do more next to him. Second-year player Sen'Derrick Marks needs to come on after a so-so rookie season.
LB: This is a major area of concern. Middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch is a decent player, but he's not a star. They let Keith Bulluck go, but signed Will Witherspoon to replace him. That's a downgrade. Keep an eye on Gerald McRath. David Thornton is the other starter, but he's coming off an injury-shortened season. They need help here in the worst way.
DB: Cortland Finnegan is a good player at one corner, a Pro Bowl-caliber player when he's healthy. But there will be a new starter on the other side. Nick Harper was let go. The battle to see who starts will be between young players Jason McCourty and Ryan Mouton. They have athletic ability, and the Titans like them, but experience is an issue. Safeties Michael Griffin and Chris Hope didn't play as well last season as they did in 2008. They have to be better. Is Hope's career (he turns 30 in September) winding down?
