2008 Tennessee Titans AFC South Preview

The 2008 edition of the Titans should be an exciting thing to watch. After offseason rumors were running ramped about quarterback Vince Young wanting to retire after his rookie season, things settled down a bit. Albert Haynesworth was slapped with the franchise tag, and talks have remained stagnant regarding an extension. He’s said he would sign the tender offer if Tennessee agrees not to place the franchise tag on him next year and allow him to become a free agent. The loss of Haynesworth would be a significant turn of events, and would really push this team backwards.

KEY ADDITIONS:

1) Justin McCareins – The Titans didn’t have all that impressive of a wide receiving corps last year. They had two players reach the 55 catch plateau, and no one had more than 750 yards receiving. McCareins will enter the lineup looking for time in the slot. That should help open things up for Justin Gage and Roydell Williams. While he may not catch 50+ balls, McCareins will get reps and will get the ball in his hands.

2) Alge Crumpler – Crumpler was the best pass catcher in Atlanta for many years. With the Falcons moving to an obvious rebuilding phase, they dumped Crumpler. Crumpler now gets his chance to shine with Vince Young throwing the ball. Crumpler is used to having a running quarterback (Michael Vick), and Young should benefit from Crumpler more than Crumpler will from Young.

3) Jevon Kearse – “The Freak” has not gotten off to a good start in his return to Tennessee. He has already been arrested for DUI, and has disappointed the coaching staff. While the Titans hope Kearse can regain his “rookie form” that doesn’t always pan out the way you’d like. Just ask the Buccaneers and Michael Clayton.

4) Chris Carr – Carr comes to the Titans as a backup cornerback, but more importantly as a kick returner. A speedy Carr was an undrafted free agent that was picked up by the Raiders. All he did was become the Raiders all-time kick return leader. Look for Carr to get plenty of looks at returning the football.

KEY LOSSES:

1) Chris Brown – Brown was more beneficial to the Titans than his 462 yards and 5 touchdowns suggest. He is a former 1,000 yard back, and has a career average of 4.3 yards per carry to go along with 16 touchdowns. He leaves for Houston where he will look to give some relief to Ahman Green.

2) Antwan Odom – Odom became a force on the defensive line last year lining up next to Albert Haynesworth. Odom accounted for only 21 tackles, but 8 of them were sacks. He was finally able to break out in 2007 (perhaps because of a contract year?) and departed for Cincinnati to help them try and replace Justin Smith.

Key Weaknesses:

Wide receiver has been a thin position since the days of Derrick Mason and Yancy Thigpen for the Titans. Justin Gage and Roydell Williams simply are not breakthrough players who can bust a game wide open. In order for quarterback Vince Young to come into his own, the Titan coaches and owner are going to have to look into getting a playmaker at running back and receiver in order for this team to reach the next level.

Key Strengths:

The key to the defense (like most teams) starts in the trenches. Kyle Vanden Bosch and Albert Haynesworth are two of the best in the business. Assuming Haynesworth signs his franchise tender, he will once again lead a unit that is very impressive against the run. Look for Haynesworth to be in Hawaii come February.

2008 Predictions

The Titans are still a playmaker or two away on offense from being able to compete with the Jaguars and Colts. Vince Young is entering his third year, and needs to mature as a quarterback. If he throws 9 touchdowns to 17 interceptions again this year, be rest assured that Tennessee won’t have to look far to see who their next playmaking running back should be. Most quarterbacks aren’t successful as being a running quarterback before a throwing quarterback.

Here is a look how the 2008 schedule looks for the Titans:

Week/Opponent

1 Jacksonville

2 @Cincinnati

3 Houston

4 Minnesota

5 @Baltimore

6 Bye

7 @Kansas City

8 Indianapolis

9 Green Bay

10 @Chicago

11 @Jacksonville

12 New York Jets

13 @Detroit

14 Cleveland

15 @Houston

16 Pittsburgh

17 @Indianapolis

The Titans play in a competitive AFC South. They are still a step behind both the Colts and the Jaguars, and need another playmaker or two on offense to help them compete. Expect the Titans to split with the Jaguars and Texans and get swept by the Colts. A 2-4 division record should be expected.

As for the rest of the league, wins against Cincinnati, Houston, Kansas City, Chicago, the Jets, Lions, and Browns are possible. A finish of 8-8 or 9-7 should be expected, and the Titans will be on the outside looking in come playoff time. Look for them to hopefully get Vince Young some help in the offseason as they need to help his development along.