Tag: Tennessee Titans (Page 39 of 40)

      Titans’ defense harasses Jaguars in 17-10 win; Vince Young hurt

      September 7, 2008 /

      David GarrardThe Jacksonville Jaguars are highly regarded as a potential Super Bowl contender this year, but they’re off to a rough start after losing 17-10 to the Tennessee Titans.

      • The Titans recorded seven sacks and intercepted David Garrard twice (he threw three all of last season). Cortland Finnegan had both interceptions after having one in his first two NFL seasons.
      • The Jaguars were held to 33 yards rushing (1.9 yards per rush), their fewest in a game since Oct. 1, 2006 when they were held to 32 at Washington.
      • Tennessee rookie Chris Johnson rushed for 93 yards (6.2 per attempt) in his NFL debut.

      I realize Tennessee is coming off a playoff season and Vince Young keeps them competitive with his athleticism, but this game was still a shocker. For the Titans to hold the Jags to only 33 yards rushing was impressive. And Garrard only threw three interceptions total last year, but threw two in one game Sunday. For a team that is often regarded as one of the more physical squads in the league, Jacksonville was manhandled Sunday.

      Speaking of Young, he continues to struggle in the passing game and eventually left the game on crunches after spraining his left knee. He threw for only 110 yards on 12 of 22 passing, and also added two interceptions. The home crowd even booed him on the second interception.

      The defense is going to keep Tennessee in most games, but this team needs Young to develop (not too mention stay healthy) in the passing game or else there will always be a ceiling on the Titans’ success.

      Fantasy Football, NFL

      Week 1 NFL Primer

      September 5, 2008 /

      Derek AndersonSunday’s Best: Cowboys at Browns, 4:15pm ET
      Without a doubt, this is the best matchup on the Week 1 schedule. The Cowboys have the best overall talent in the NFC and the Browns are hoping to prove that 2007 wasn’t a fluke. It’ll be interesting to see how Derek Anderson plays after suffering a concussion in preseason. Some in Cleveland think Brady Quinn should be the starter and Romeo Crennel might feel the same way if Anderson struggles in the first couple of weeks. The Browns spent the offseason rebuilding their defense, especially on the line where they added former Lions’ DT Shaun Rogers and former Packers’ end Corey Williams. The Browns defense will need to get pressure throughout the game or else Tony Romo and his plethora of weapons could pick apart a young, inexperienced Cleveland secondary. Dallas is a 6-point road favorite.

      Upset Watch: Texans at Steelers, 1:00pm ET
      The Steelers have been one of the toughest teams to beat at home over the years. But their offensive line is a huge question mark this season and the Texans have built one of the better pass-rushing lines in the AFC. If the front seven can stop Willie Parker and the rest of the Steelers’ running game, youngsters Mario Williams and Amobi Okoye might be able to get a good push and put pressure on Ben Roethlisberger. Pittsburgh defense will still be tough to score on (especially if Houston has no running game), but Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson are healthy and they could strike for some big plays. Even if they don’t win the Texans should be able to keep the game close throughout. Pittsburgh is a 6.5-point favorite.

      Brett FavreIntriguing Matchup: Jets at Dolphins, 1:00pm ET
      Brett Favre makes his Jets’ debut while Chad Pennington looks to exact revenge on his former team. The Jets are legitimate playoff contenders now with Favre under center, but it’ll be interesting to see if all the offseason shenanigans took their toll on the former Packer great. The Dolphins are void of talent on defense and if Jets’ RB Thomas Jones can get going in the running game and keep New York balanced offensively, Favre might torch Miami’s secondary. The Jets are currently 3-point road favorites.

      Other Notable Games:
      Jaguars at Titans, 1:00pm ET
      Can the Jaguars put their recent off field troubles behind them and prove that they’re Super Bowl contenders?

      Bears at Colts, 8:15pm ET
      It’s a Super Bowl rematch as the Colts open up their new home digs. Is Peyton Manning healthy?

      Bucs at Saints, 1:00pm ET
      These two teams might battle it out all season for the NFC South crown.

      Fantasy Football, NFL

      NFL Officially reinstates Adam Jones

      August 28, 2008 /

      Adam “Pacman No More” Jones has officially been reinstated into the NFL.

      Here’s what Jones had to say about getting reinstated: “It feels good man, you know, to get a second chance and I just have to take advantage of it. First and foremost, I don’t want to let myself down, definitely my little girl down. I’m thankful for Jerry, the fans in Dallas and my teammates for believing in me. I need to keep doing what I’ve been doing to get reinstated staying with myself and my teammates and staying away form those knuckleheads and just stay focused.”

      Did you think this day would come? “I never thought it would take this long but I’m just glad I’m getting another chance.”

      I’m sure Tennessee Titan fans can’t wait to see Jones help the Cowboys make the playoffs. What a joke that would be if he plays well this year. The Titans use a top 10 pick to draft him, he barely plays, gets kicked out of the league and then Tennessee winds up trading him for a warm blanket and some milk because that’s all they can get in compensation.

      What a rip off.

      JP’s Fantasy Spin: This is a boost to the Dallas defense, not so much for Jones’ cover skills (he’s actually having problems adjusting to the Cowboys’ zone scheme), but for his ability in the return game. The Cowboys now have a very dangerous punt and kickoff return man.

      Fantasy Football, NFL

      Breaking down the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates

      August 28, 2008 /

      Adrian PetersonAdrian Peterson certainly made it easy on voters last year. After rushing for 1,341 yards, 12 touchdowns and a 5.6-yard per carry average, Peterson was an easy choice for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

      So who is this year’s Adrian Peterson? Despite popular belief, the OROY doesn’t have to lead his team to the playoffs, as Peterson proved last year. He just has to stand out from the rest of the pack – easy, right?

      Below is a look at the OROY candidates for the 2008 NFL Season. I’ve ranked the top 10 candidates based on their chances along with reasons why (and why they won’t) win the award.

      1. Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons
      Ryan earned the starting quarterback job after a solid preseason, including completing 15 of 21 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons’ 17-3 win over Tennessee. Forget the huge contract and the fact that Atlanta wants to erase the thought of Michael Vick – Ryan can play. He looked comfortable, poised and completely in control running the Falcons’ offense and has enough weapons in Michael Turner, Jerious Norwood and Roddy White to be effective. As long as the offensive line gives him protection like it did this preseason, Ryan might be the best bet to win OROY honors. It also doesn’t hurt that he plays the quarterback position and will likely receive a ton of media attention.

      2. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers
      Stewart has run very well so far in preseason. He rushed 10 times for 100 yards in the Panthers’ third exhibition game and even had a fantastic 50-yard touchdown run that highlighted both his power and breakaway speed. Defenses contained Carolina’s ground attack last year, but that was largely due to ineffective quarterback play. Teams knew that the Panthers were going to try and run the football and often played with eight men in the box. But now that QB Jake Delhomme is healthy again, the Panthers’ offense should be more balanced and thus defenses will have to respect both the run and the pass. He’ll split time with DeAngelo Williams, but Stewart is going to get plenty of opportunities to make plays this season. Not only that, but he looks like a solid overall player.

      3. Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears
      The Bears parted with twinkle-toes Cedric Benson this offseason after multiple off-field incidents. The team drafted Forte in the second round and after Benson was released, and the rookie immediately became the starter. Forte has good size, runs hard between the tackles and shows some decent burst when he gets into the open field. But Chicago’s line has to hold up. Center Olin Kreutz, right guard Roberto Garza and right tackle John St. Clair are all decent run blockers, but there are major question marks on the left side of the line. Even so, Forte is going to have plenty of opportunities to make plays this season, especially if backup Kevin Jones can’t stay healthy.

      Darren McFadden4. Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders
      McFadden has loads of playmaking ability, but it seems that people are getting too caught up with his potential and not looking at the facts. The Raiders don’t have a great offensive line and Justin Fargas is still expected to get most of the carries in the run game. McFadden will get his opportunities to make plays (especially in the passing game), but despite many considering him the favorite to win OROY, it looks like there will be a ceiling on his production this year. Still, there is a lot to like about McFadden’s potential.

      5. Kevin Smith, RB, Detroit Lions
      Tatum Bell has been a massive dud since arriving in Detroit last year as part of the Dre’ Bly trade, so Smith will get the starting nod this season in the Lions’ backfield. The rookie has shown potential in preseason, but the offensive line is brutal so Smith might not see a ton of running room. Still, he flashed incredible potential and with nobody behind him to steal carries, Smith is going to be the focus of the Lions’ offense this season.

      6. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
      It didn’t help Mendenhall that he fumbled twice in the Steelers’ last preseason game, but he’s still expected to see plenty of carries this season as a rookie. He’ll split time with Willie Parker and will probably be used in short yardage situations and around the goal line. Pittsburgh’s line isn’t what it used to be, so expecting Mendenhall to put up huge numbers is probably unrealistic. But if Parker suffers a setback, the rookie will become the Steelers’ main back and thus his opportunities will skyrocket.

      Chris Johnson7. Chris Johnson, RB, Titans
      If the preseason was any indication, the Titans are going to find ways to use the explosive running back. Johnson has looked good running between the tackles (not usually his forte) in preseason and flashed the type of game-breaking speed that made him a first round pick. The Titans have a crowded backfield, but expect Johnson to get opportunities to make plays this year, especially in the passing game. He’s likely to split carries with LenDale White, which doesn’t hurt his chances because White often likes to fix himself a bed in Jeff Fisher’s doghouse.

      8. Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens
      With Willis McGahee still unable to jog after having a “clean out” procedure done to his knee this offseason, Rice is the current starting running back for the Ravens. Rice isn’t the biggest guy in the league at 5’8” and 205 pounds, but that didn’t slow him down in college. Despite his size, he’s proven he can run between the tackles and has often demonstrated explosiveness when he reaches open field. Once McGahee returns, Rice will be bumped to No. 2 so his chances of winning OROY are slim. But if he proves himself while McGahee is out, the Ravens will no doubt find a role for him in their offense.

      9. DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
      Anyone who watched the Eagles’ third preseason game against the Patriots saw what Jackson can bring to the field. The rookie was Philly’s leading receiving with four catches for 67 yards, but he did most of his damage on special teams, returning a punt 76 yards for a touchdown as time expired in the second quarter. With the Eagles starving for playmakers at receiver, Jackson could wind up being the sleeper for OROY, even though he’s currently not listed as a starter. Another thing to note is that Donovan McNabb likes to spread the ball around and Brian Westbrook is still going to get a ton of passes out of the backfield.

      10. Felix Jones, RB, Dallas Cowboys
      One would assume that Jones will step into the role once held by Julius Jones and complement Marion Barber in the Cowboys’ offense. But the rookie doesn’t appear to have a significant role in the offense yet. He’s expected to return kicks, so he might not see a ton of opportunities in Dallas’s backfield, at least not initially. Eventually he’ll probably see a 60-40 split in carries with Barber, but as of right now Jones looks like one of the long shots to win OROY.

      Fantasy Football, NFL

      Does Vince Young have enough weapons?

      August 23, 2008 /

      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.

      Fantasy Football, NFL

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