Tennessee Titans
As a long time lurker and occasional poster I'm usually superstitious about posting my team because every time I have we've had an awful season. But since it's late and I'm not thinking right what the hell.
Last year the division was there for the taking and we crumbled. I blame the short off-season for not giving enough time for old man Hasselback and also Mr. Holdout CJ1K.
OFFENSE
QB - Both QBs should benefit from a full off-season. Competition heating up between Matt "The Real Ice" Hasselback and Jake "Silky Smooth" Locker...while Jake started out with an interception his first past in practice and looked raw, he's looked better and more comfortable as of late. Matt has been more consistent in practice...consistently completing both more passes and more interceptions. They continue to split reps and no decision on the starter has been made. Local talk says they're leaning towards Locker but I don't know how much to believe that considering the first half of the schedule.
RB - CJ1K looking quicker and more decisive. Says he's fine with a "pass-first" offense. Look for him to have a productive year. Javon Ringer and Jamie Harper are competing for the backup roll but Harper is running with power and authority so Ringer is definitely not a shoe-in for the backup roll and could possibly be beaten out my Harper.
WR - Ah Kenny Britt..such talent...such stupidity. After his run-in with the law this off-season (8th since the Titans drafted him in 2009), he missed an appointment with a trainer and then posted this gem on the internet:
He's still not 100% from last years injury and he's having some small setbacks so a suspension might serve him well. Kendall Wright (1st round pick) isn't up to speed and is confused at times but also has made some nice grabs and shows good effort. Nate Washingtion still solid. Lavelle Hawkins bothered by a nagging ankle.
TE - Jared Cook entires the final year of his rookie contract but is still not a reliable receiving option. Craig Stevens is probably the blocking TE option but the titans signed former Jaguar TE Joey Haynos so maybe they're looking for options. TE remains a weak spot.
OL - Fernando Velasco looks like he'll end up being the starting center since Amano was lost for the season. Michael Roos and David Stewart remain one of the top OT duos. Steve Hutchinson's addition will hopefully improve the run-blocking with Leroy Harries shifting over to RG.
DEFENSE
DE - After ranking 31st in sacks Kamerion Wimbley was signed to add some speed pass rush. Derrick Morgan's knee is 100% so that should provide some help too
DT - Last year's midround rookies Jurrell Casey and Karl Klug performed well and continue to look good. With the prospect of losing his starting position and maybe roster spot Shaun Smith lost 30 lbs, but it remains to be seen if that will be enough with Mike Martin looking good and Sen'Derrick Marks still around.
LB - The Titans signed LB Keith Bulluck to a one-day contract so that he may retire a Titan, good way to send him out. Witherspoon still trucking and Zack Brown showing some nice sideline to sideline speed. After stepping after Ruud's injury Colin McCarthy played well so expect him to be the starter at MLB.
CB - With the departure of Cortland "Short Man Complex" Finnegan the Titans look to fellow 5'10" short man Alterraun Verner to step up and be Andre Johnson's punching bag. Jason McCourty has emerged as a leader on defense is fast and athletic.
S - The two starters will be Michael Griffin and Jordan Babineaux. Despite their shortcomings they are a solid duo with Babineaux leading the team in tackles last season. No one else has much experience and to address depth at safety the Titans signed Tracy Wilson(formerly of the Jets). Rookie Markelle Martin looks raw and needs time to develop. He'll probably play special teams.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Bironas is Bironas and Brett Kern is a decent punter. Marc Mariani will probably continue to returns kicks and punts.
Looking Forward
With the 1st four games consisting of NE, @SD, DET, and @HOUS it's very possible we'll be looking at a 4-0
start. The schedule gets more manageable from there and once the Houston injuries kick in I expect us to cruise to a 9-7 division title.
And who needs Tebow when you have