A Look Back – After losing six games by a huge margin and really being a non-competitive team, the Tennessee Titans made a huge change in their philosophy by benching QB Kerry Collins and turning to QB Vince Young. Young led the team to wins in eight of its final ten games and nearly all the way back to the playoffs. With Young the undisputed starter for this year’s team, hopes are high in Tennessee.
Key Addition – DE Derrick Morgan – Morgan was a great value pick for the Titans at #15 overall in this year’s NFL Draft. He will add to a pass rush that was woeful at times over the course of the last season. Without DE Kyle Vanden Bosch coming off the corner, Morgan is going to expected to immediately step into training camp and into a starting role.
Key Loss – DE Kyle Vanden Bosch – Vanden Bosch came over from the Arizona Cardinals in 2005, and he immediately became a hero for the Tennessee pass rush. He racked up a dozen sacks in two of the L/5 seasons and has accounted for 38.5 sacks in that time. Vanden Bosch is now playing with the Detroit Lions after leaving via free agency. Replacing him in the lineup is going to be difficult, but Morgan should be able to step in and at least somewhat fill the void.
2010 Will Be a Success if… – Young just continues to win games. It usually isn’t all that pretty when Young is under center, as his completion percentage is relatively low for a starting quarterback, and his TD/INT ratio is never all that impressive. However, there seems to be a point in every game where VY looks invincible, whether it be with a fantastic run or a ball on a rope. If that magic that we all grew to love at the University of Texas doesn’t disappear, the Titans will be fine.
The Crucial Game – A Monday Night Football game at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on October 18th will be key. The eyes of the entire NFL betting world will be on the Titans and Jags that night, and the winner of that game will probably have the inside track towards the postseason in the crowded AFC South.
Predictions – The Tennessee Titans aren’t going to sneak up on anyone this year, especially after watching RB Chris Johnson run for 2,006 yards last year. The schedule is difficult all season long, which could ultimately catch up with them. Tennessee is probably going to be a borderline playoff team once again, but for the second straight season, we don’t see this squad ultimately making the second season. The Titans season wins total is 8.5.
2010 Tennessee Titans Regular Season Schedule
9/12 vs. OAK
9/19 vs. PIT
9/26 @ NYG
10/3 vs. DEN
10/10 @ DAL
10/18 @ JAC
10/24 vs. PHI
10/31 @ SD
Bye
11/14 @ MIA
11/21 vs. WAS
11/28 @ HOU
12/5 vs. JAC
12/9 vs. IND
12/19 vs. HOU
12/26 @ KC
1/2 @ IND
A Titanic Hole in Tennessee’s Offense: Chris Johnson
Much like the Titan Atlas, who carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, Titans running back Chris Johnson carries the weight of his team on his. The Tennessee Titans all purpose back, who set an NFL record for yards from scrimmage in 2009, is in the midst of a bitter contract dispute. Without Johnson, the Titans are very thin at the running back position. Second on the depth chart is Javon Ringer, a second year player out of Michigan State who had a total of 48 rushing yards in 2009. Whether the Titans offense will be directed by Vince Young or Kerry Collins in Week 1 at home vs. the Oakland Raiders, it stands to be a tough day if Johnson is on the sidelines.
Currently, the Tennessee Titans are a seven (7) point NFL Week 1 odds favorite over the visiting Raiders in the season opener for both teams. The Raiders also have many question marks on offense; the biggest one being how will newly acquired quarterback Jason Campbell gel with his teammates? If Chris Johnson is out, this game looks as if it has “defensive struggle” written all over it. Even though both of these defenses ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in total defense in 2009, neither of these offenses have much firepower outside of Chris Johnson.
The outlook of this game rests squarely on if Johnson suits up or not. If he plays, the Titans should easily cover the seven points at home against a weak Oakland club. Also, the teams will likely go over the 41 points in the over/under with Johnson likely to score 2 or 3 touchdowns himself. On the other hand, if Johnson sits, this contest becomes very even. The Raiders have an up and coming defense with Rolando McClain and Nnamdi Asomugha and could cause problems for the lackluster Titans offense. With Johnson out, take the Raiders in a very close, very low scoring game.