NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Bruce Matthews played more NFL games than any other offensive linemen in his 19 seasons, and his longevity and talent attracted plenty of publicity to a position normally ignored.

But Matthews finally retired last month, and the Titans must fill the void and await judgment on how well they can replace a probable future Hall of Famer.

"In the long run, I think we'll do really, really well," said Titans offensive line coach Mike Munchak. "If we have the offense we think we can, it's going to be up to how we block up front."

Replacing Matthews isn't as easy as finding one player to slide into his slot on the depth chart. Matthews played every position on the line during his career, and he started nine games at center and seven at left guard in 2001.

"When he retired, we said you don't replace him," coach Jeff Fisher said. "You do the best you can. People have to step up."

Four-year veteran Gennaro DiNapoli will take over at center, and three-year veteran Zach Piller will play left guard, where he started nine games last season. Jeff Smith and Aaron Graham, free agents signed this season, will add depth and handle snapping for punts and field goals.

Fisher isn't concerned about his offensive line slipping. Left tackle Brad Hopkins spent each of his nine previous seasons alongside Matthews on the field and in the locker room.

"They know what it takes to be good and be consistent and play week in and week out and be competitive on the practice field," Fisher said. "Just because Bruce's not here doesn't mean that the experience that we've had with him will not benefit this team."

But lack of experience by other players could be a factor. Piller, DiNapoli, right guard Benji Olson and right tackle Fred Miller combine for just 17 years in the NFL.

Hopkins said the linemen know they must prove themselves.

"The guys have enough pride in themselves. Everybody pretty much knows what's expected of them, and if they don't get it done, then it's more embarrassment for them," Hopkins said.

The Titans go into the season well-prepared. DiNapoli started two games at center last December, and Tennessee won both games, beating Green Bay 26-20 and winning at Oakland 13-10. Against Green Bay, the Titans rolled up 423 yards offense.

Munchak said that gives the Titans confidence they can win with DiNapoli and all he needs now is preseason work. DiNapoli has the added advantage of spending all his time at center instead of splitting his duties at guard.

"Now he can truly concentrate on being the best center he can be," Munchak said. "Because of that, he'll improve a lot for us over the next few weeks."

DiNapoli was a fourth-round pick of the Oakland Raiders in 1998, the 109th pick overall, out of Virginia Tech. The 6-foot-3, 287-pounder started nine of 14 games in 1999, and the Raiders rushed for more than 100 yards in seven of those starts.

The Titans chose DiNapoli for a conditional draft pick in August 2000, but he didn't play that season. He played in five games last season, including his two starts.

Piller and Olson give the Titans a pair of physical guards at 315 pounds each. DiNapoli serves as a fast lineman with great hands that can grab and stop blockers. Munchak said DiNapoli also can run with linebackers.

DiNapoli wants the starter position full time.

"In the NFL, you get an opportunity very few times. You have to take advantage of every opportunity you get. I've worked extremely hard at both positions," he said. "I'm going to do the very best I can, and hopefully, we'll see good things out of this line this year."

The offensive line sees the most change this season. With McNair and Eddie George healthy, the Titans believe they're on track to one of the NFL's best offenses this season.

"It's just a matter of taking care of those guys," Miller said. "We take care of them, and they'll do all the right things."

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