Questions for Titans Success in '08 Goes Beyond Young and Haynesworth
Jeff Fuqua
Jul 21, 2008
As training camp opens Friday, we've seen a number of articles on the key questions facing the '08 Tennessee Titans they will have to answer positively if they want to take their game to the next level. I'll quickly agree with the two I've read the most with the first being "Can Vince Young take his game to the next level?". The attention given to Young's development in both his mechanics and reads will likely stay in the spotlight throughout the upcoming season and is the top question facing the Titans offense.
On the other side of the ball, can Albert Haynesworth stay healthy and motivated to repeat his dominating performance of '07? It's been pointed out that Haynesworth holds the key to whether the Titans D is ranked fifth or 25th and I, without a doubt, agree that is the top question the defense needs to answer entering the season.
With those two questions among the bigger ones being asked, let's look at five other questions which are on the next tier of importance as the Titans enter training camp.
Can LenDale White Stay Healthy and Productive?
After playing all 16 games in '07 with over 300 rushing attempts, it's easy to overlook the fact that White has often been hurt throughout his short NFL career. His rookie season saw him return slowly from a hamstring injury and deal with other miscellaneous bumps and bruises for most of '06. This was followed by playing last season with a torn meniscus which required arthroscopic surgery at the end of the season.
Though gutting out a 1,100-yard rushing season while hurting is a positive indication of White's desire, I'm concerned if he'll stay healthy enough to be productive 16 games this upcoming season. I think the Titans have concerns as well as they've "updated their file" on Ron Dayne and a few other running backs this offseason.
Regardless of how well Young develops has passing game, the offense will always be run-focused. I haven't seen enough positive in Chris Henry to think the Titans would have an answer if White were to go down for an extended amount of time.
Will the Offensive Line Remain a Strength?
Though many have asked questions of the defensive line due to the loss of Antwan Odom, Travis LaBoy and Randy Starks, I think as many questions face the other side of the trenches. Regardless how many felt about Benji Olson's play his last couple of seasons, he was experienced and consistent. Jacob Bell was also a solid starter and the unit, as a whole, was one of the team's strengths in '07.
Maybe Eugene Amano is ready to step in and the addition of Jake Scott will upgrade Olson but, because this group hasn't logged games together yet, it could take some time before this unit gels. Add to this that the 37-year old Kevin Mawae is entering his 14th season and I think it's fair to question if the OL can be as good at least early in the regular season.
Will the Titans Vet Free Agents Live Up to Expectations?
Count me among those who have serious questions about Alge Crumpler, Jevon Kearse and Justin McCareins and how much they'll contribute this season to the success of the Titans. As much as I want Young to have a big target across the middle, the bidding war for Crumpler wasn't anything close to what was expected and the 30-year old settled for a two year deal and only a $1 million signing bonus. In this day and age, that points to some major concerns of his knees and questions concerning his durability by a lot of teams.
The Freak wants to be an every down DE. I love having Kearse back in two-tone blue but I think it's fair to question whether or not a 32-year old speed rusher can be counted on to stay on the field only two years removed from major knee surgery.
One knock on the Titans WRs last season were the drops. McCareins had more key drops last year for the Jets against the Ravens than I remember any Titan having. It led to him being demoted and I think it's fair to question whether or not he'll be an upgrade to any number of WRs already on the roster.
Will Craig Hentrich Continue to Be Effective Enough?
For a ball-control offense, having a strong punter is essential and Hentrich has been a weapon for the Titans for years. Recent surgery and comments by the 37-year old, 14-year vet raises concerns as to whether or not punting will remain a strength for the Titans in '08.
After neck surgery this offseason, Josh Miller was signed. Though it could just be for insurance and an extra leg in camp, Hentrich has had a number of back issues he's dealt with over the past few years. Comments from Hentrich himself this week such as "... my good punts are getting a little worse and my bad punts are really bad" are hopefully tongue-in-cheek but raises some eyebrows.
Will the Titans Rookies Make a Bigger Impact?
For me, this is the difference-maker. In season's past, the Titans have been known to ease first-round picks into the lineup. In many cases, few rookies see more than special teams play. The result is the Titans rarely get a lot of production from their rookie class beyond the first-rounder.
Chris Johnson will make his mark on special teams but Offensive Coordinator Mike Heimerdinger has to make CJ the big play weapon the Titans have lacked. Jason Jones may be asked to play at DE against the run and move inside in the DT rotation. Craig Stevens has to make an impact early blocking in short-yardage and red zone packages. William Hayes and Lavelle Hawkins both need to step up and find a niche where they can produce sooner rather than later.
If this year is typical of most, training camp and the preseason generates as many questions as it answers as few things can be decided until well into the season. But, thank goodness, camp is finally here so some of these questions fans have been debating for six months can begin to be answered.
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| NEXT GAME |
Kansas City Chiefs
10/19 - Noon |
| LAST GAME |
| Titans |
13 |
| Ravens |
10 |
| Passing |
K. Collins:
17/32, 163 yards,
1 TD, 2 INT,
LG 26, 52.0 rating |
| Rushing |
C. Johnson:
18/44, 2.4 avg,
LG 13
|
| Receptions |
B. Scaife:
7/72, 10.3 avg,
LG 15 |
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2008
TEAM STATS |
|
Total Offense
|
24th
|
|
Total: 286.4
|
| Passing: 167.4 |
| Rushing: 119.0 |
| Scoring Avg.: 23.0 |
| Total Defense |
1st |
| Total: 267.8 |
| Passing: 172.0 |
| Rushing: 95.8 |
| Scoring Avg.: 11.2 |
2008
STAT LEADERS |
|
Passing
|
| K. Collins |
|
Attempts: 115
|
| Completions: 64 |
| Yards: 740 |
| Touchdowns: 3 |
| Interceptions: 3 |
| Passer Rating: 73.1 |
| Rushing |
| C. Johnson |
| Carries: 85 |
| Yards: 381 |
| Average: 4.5 |
| Touchdowns: 2 |
| Receiving |
| B. Scaife |
| Receptions: 20 |
| Yards: 226 |
| Average: 11.3 |
| Touchdowns: 1 |
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