2008 NFL Preview > Tennessee Titans Preview
2008 Tennessee Titans Football Preview
Head Coach: Jeff Fisher
2007 Record: 10-6
Key Additions: RS Chris Carr, TE Algre Crumpler, WR Lavelle Hawkins, RB Chris Johnson, DE Jason Jones DE Jevon Kearse, WR Justin McCarreins, G Jake Scott
Key Losses: G Jacob Bell, RB Chris Brown, WR David Givens, DE Travis Laboy, DE Antawn Odom, G Benji Olson, Adam “Pacman” Jones, DT Randy Starks, TE Ben Troupe
The Titans astounded many last season by making the playoffs in the ultra-competitive AFC. Perhaps even more unexpectedly, the team accomplished this feat despite Vince Young’s regression during his sophomore campaign. Tennessee compiled a 4-2 record in perhaps the most competitive division in football last season, the AFC South, which featured powerhouse Indianapolis and a formidable Jaguars team. The Titans offered league observers a shining example of what strong line play on both sides of the ball can accomplish, even with a dearth of skill players on offense.
2008 Tennessee Titans Offense:
The Titans boasted one of the best offensive lines in the NFL last season. However, the team lost both starting guards in the offseason. Nonetheless, Tennessee seems to have found viable replacements in Jake Scott (signed from the rival Colts) and Eugene Amano. Tackles Michael Roos and David Stewart are both highly regarded, and although center Kevin Mawae is getting much older, he still played at a high level last season. Vince Young returns at quarterback, but it will be unlikely that the Titans will make the playoffs again if Young turns in another 9 touchdown, 17 interception performance. Unfortunately for the former Longhorns star, Tennessee did little to improve their skill positions in the offseason, besides signing Alge Crumpler and selecting speedy running back Chris Johnson with their first pick in the draft. Therefore, Young still has no receivers to throw to. However, Lendale White and Johnson should be able to enjoy some success on the ground and Johnson could develop into a pass catching threat out of the backfield.
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2008 Tennessee Titans Defense:
Except for left end, the defense is returning every starter from a unit which allowed 18.6 points per game last year, good for 8 th best in the NFL. The line is anchored by gigantic and powerful defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and sackmaster Kyle Vanden Bosch. Also, Jevon Kearse will try to resurrect his career in the town where it began, after spending the past four seasons in Philadelphia. Outside linebackers Keith Bulluck and David Thornton highlight a strong group of linebackers. Veterans Chris Hope and Nick Harper provide leadership in the secondary.
2008 Tennessee Titans Special Teams:
Chris Johnson will likely return kicks and rookie wideout Lavelle Hawkins and return specialist Chris Carr are competing for privilege to return punts. Place kicker Rob Bironas is steady and reliable, and veteran punter Craig Hentrich is still one of the league’s best.
2008 Tennessee Titans Expectations:
In order to attain another wild card berth, the Titans will need a much improved performance from Vince Young. However, the team did not make it any easier Young when it failed to substantially address the receiver position in the offseason. With significant improvements from teams such as the Jets and Browns, it will be difficult for Tennessee to make the playoffs again.
2008 Tennessee Titans Prediction: 3rd place in the AFC South
By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer
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