In the weeks leading up to the kickoff the 2008 NFL Season, I’ll take a look at position groups that could potentially lift teams to new heights, or bury them and their postseason hopes. Today I take a look at the lack of weapons the Tennessee Titans have in their receiving corps.
While Vince Young deserves praise for turning the Tennessee Titans’ fortunes around since being selected with the third overall pick in the 2006 draft, it’s no secret that the team would like him to develop more as a passer.
But does he have enough weapons to throw to?
The Titans signed longtime Atlanta Falcons’ tight end Alge Crumpler in the offseason and while Crump has struggled with chronic knee problems the past two seasons, he’s still a viable option in the passing game. Crumpler has excellent hands, runs smooth routes and looks healthier this season than he has the past two years.
But receiver looks like a weakness as Tennessee prepares for the 2008 season. The starters, Justin Gage and Justin McCareins, are both capable, but are also limited. Roydell Williams, Brandon Jones, Biren Early and Chris Davis have all been given the opportunity to make plays this preseason, but outside of maybe Early, none has stood out.
Even though the receivers are marginal at best, it won’t matter how good the wide outs are if Young doesn’t develop as a passer. Outside of a couple of drives, Young hasn’t looked good this preseason and continues to show a lack of sound fundamentals.
One issue he continues to have is that he won’t square his body to his target while throwing to the sidelines. Young tends to “get out on his front foot” and use his arm to make throws instead of a combination of his arm, hips and legs. Young will continue to keep the Titans competitive with his legs, but if he doesn’t develop as a passer, defensive coordinators are implementing ways to stop him in obviously passing situations.
Many pundits were shocked Tennessee drafted another running back (Chris Johnson) in the first round of the draft instead of targeting a wide receiver. But Johnson will get looks in the slot and short passing game, which will help Young in the short term. The Titans had the same idea when they signed Crumpler – strengthen the short to mediate passing game until Young gets more comfortable going down field, then the team can add a quality receiver maybe next year. But as of right now, Gage and McCareins will have to do.
