|
Tennessee Titans2009 record: 8-8 (Third in AFC South)
|
|
Vic Carucci
In a division ruled by Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub, the Titans, as they showed last year, can only rely on Chris Johnson's swift legs.
Prediction: 5-11, last in AFC South
Steve Wyche
Vince Young and Chris Johnson will continue the offensive surge but the reliance on young players on defense could cost them.
Prediction: 9-7, third in AFC South
Pat Kirwan
Titans are tough and can run the ball better than most, but how do they stay up with the high-scoring teams on their schedule?
Prediction: 8-8, third in AFC South
Bucky Brooks
While they are unable to unseat the Colts, the combination of Vince Young and Chris Johnson makes them a team that few want to face.
Prediction: 9-7, second in AFC South
Jason La Canfora
I love how they play with VY at the helm. They seem to have sorted out some of the DB issues that haunted them last year.
Prediction: 10-6, second in AFC South
Michael Lombardi
Titans will be better on defense and won't fall behind early in games like last year. Team is physical, and Vince Young is much improved.
Prediction: 10-6, second in AFC South
2,500
As in how many yards Chris Johnson says he can rush for this season. Is he crazy? Maybe the crazy thing is that there are people who believe the dynamic running back can actually do it.
|
Jared Cook
The second-year pro was drafted to add a vertical dimension to the Titans' tight end corps. However, Cook failed to crack the lineup or make a significant contribution to the team's aerial attack. With the Titans' postseason hopes hinging on the development of the passing game, Cook needs to quickly emerge as a difference-maker for Vince Young. Stephen Tulloch
The undersized headhunter becomes the face of the Titans' defense after the offseason departure of Keith Bulluck. Though Tulloch stands less than 6 feet tall, his presence looms large in the middle as he acts a tackling machine between the tackles. He has ranked among the team's leading tacklers the past two seasons, including posting a team-high 94 solo stops a year ago. Given his outstanding instincts and relentless motor, Tulloch will continue to wreak havoc on foes attempting to find running room against the Titans.
Young can flourish
Vince Young isn't going to become an elite fantasy quarterback, but his versatile skill set does make him a potentially valuable reserve or matchup-based starter this season. It doesn't hurt to have a talented and explosive running back like Chris Johnson in the backfield with him, either.
Three pivotal games
Oct. 31 at San Diego
If there's one game from last season that Vince Young would like a do-over on, it's probably the Titans' 42-17 home loss to the Chargers in Week 16. Young threw two interceptions and lost a fumble on his way to a passer rating of 11.9. He'll be sure to improve upon those dreadful numbers this time around.
Nov. 28 at Houston
If history is any indication, the Titans will look to run at the Texans from every which way. Chris Johnson had his best game (284 yards from scrimmage, including 197 rushing) against Houston in Week 2 last season, and Young always gets up for games in his hometown. Both teams will jockey for position in the AFC South.
Jan. 2 at Indianapolis
The last time Young faced the Colts in a season finale was 2007, when he completed 14 of 18 passes for a 103.0 passer rating and helped Tennessee earn a playoff spot. That was the start of a long roller-coaster ride for Young that currently has him back as the starter. Who knows? Maybe a win here will get Tennessee into the postseason again. |
