Interview: Houston Chronicle's John McClain
Jeff Fuqua
Jun 15, 2009
Over
the next few weeks, goTitans.com will interview a number of the media
who cover the Tennessee Titans. Our second interview is with John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
What is your opinion of the Titans draft and what role will the top selections play in '09?
I thought they would take a defensive player like Rey Maualuga when he
was on the board, but it's hard to argue with Kenny Britt, who's
developed more than most rookie receivers. I thought they got good
depth at a number of positions, like cornerback. Sen'Derrick Marks
needs to get a lot stronger. Jared Cook could help them as a rookie.
He's an H-back, not a true tight end. Keep an eye on Ryan Mouton. He's
small, but he's a playmaker.
What do you think the loss of Albert Haynesworth and the addition
of defensive coordinator Chuck Cecil will impact the Titans defense
this season?
Losing the Haynesworth of the last two seasons will hurt. Remember,
though, he was in the last years of his contract. I think he'll start
fast with the Redskins, but he'll get more of those nagging injuries,
and they'll take longer to heal. Losing the Hayesworth of the first
four seasons, well, that's not a big loss. Had they given Haynesworth
the big bucks to return, I don't think he would have been the same
player. Fisher has a lot of confidence in Cecil. Schwartz did a good
job in place of Williams, but it took some while to adjust. Cecil
should do a good job replacing Schwartz, but it's going to take some
time to adjust. Cecil may have to blitz more with Haynesworth gone.
Cecil will add some new wrinkles.
What Titans players do you expect will have a breakout season in '09 on offense and defense?
On offense, I think rookie WR Kenny Britt will catch at least 40 passes
and give them a dangerous weapon in the red zone, especially on fade
routes and quick-hitting slants. That's not a lot of passes, but the
Titans don't throw that much. I think he'll be one of the surprise
rookies. On defense, I imagine most would say one of the talented young
linemen, but I'm not so sure it won't be Stephen Tulloch. This is his
fourth season, and it's time for him to take his game to the next
level. If I were going to pick a lineman, it would be tackle Jason
Jones. He's listed as the backup behind Jovan Haye, but Jones is a
better pass rusher, and it's all about opportunity.
Can Vince Young push Kerry Collins for the starting QB spot this season?
No. If he does, Collins should retire.
What do you anticipate as the biggest change for the Titans offensive this season?
They've added two wide receivers in Nate Washington and Kenny Britt.
They added an H-back in Jared Cook. It makes you think Mike
Heimerdinger wants to throw the ball more, right? Wrong. Heimerdinger
isn't the head coach. Jeff Fisher is. What they've added are expensive
decoys. There'll be no change unless Chris Johnson and LenDale White
are injured. And if one is, get ready for Javon Ringer. At Michigan
State, he had a higher percentage of his team's offensive carries than
any back in college football. Should fit right in, huh?
What do you see as the position the Titans will look to improve or add depth to before the start of the regular season?
Linebacker. They're getting older on the outside. They need a good young headbanger.
What will be some of the top positional challenges we can expect to see this training camp and preseason?
Defensive tackle with Hoye and Jones, wide receiver with Britt and Gage.
With LenDale White in his final season, what do you anticipate him
needing to do in order for the Titans to offer him a long-term deal?
They can offer him a long-term deal as a backup, but he'll want
starter's money. He's not going to get it from the Titans. If he rushes
for 1,200 yards and scores at least 10 touchdowns, he'll be attractive
on the market. He's got to keep his weight down and avoid controversy.
Which players do you feel are "on the hot seat" and need a solid
training camp/preseason in order to make the '09 53-man roster?
Chris Henry first and foremost with the addition of Javon Ringer.
Perhaps Alge Crumpler with the addtion of Jared Cook.
Do you feel the Titans have done enough to make a push for the Super Bowl this season?
The Titans are a legit Super Bowl contender. It would help, of course, if they didn't host Baltimore in the playoffs.
John McClain
covered the Oilers from 1977 through 1996 when they left for Tennessee
and currently covers the NFL and Texans. He is a past president of the
Pro Football Writers of America and a member of both the Pro Football
Hall of Fame Selection Committee and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame
Selection Committee. He can be heard in Nashville on 104.5 The Zone.
|
|
| NEXT GAME |
TBA
|
| LAST GAME |
| Titans |
17 |
| Seahawks |
13 |
| Passing |
V. Young:
17/28, 171 yards,
1 INT, LG 29,
RT 63.2 |
| Rushing |
C. Johnson:
36/134, 3.7 AVG, 2 TDs, LG 12 |
| Receptions |
N. Washington:
6/83, 13.8 AVG,
LG 29 |
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2009
TEAM STATS
|
|
Total Offense
|
12th
|
|
Total: 351.4
|
| Passing: 189.4 |
| Rushing: 162.0 |
| Scoring Avg.: 22.1 |
| Total Defense |
28th |
| Total: 365.6 |
| Passing: 258.7 |
| Rushing: 106.9 |
| Scoring Avg.: 25.1 |
2009
STAT LEADERS
|
|
Passing
|
| V. Young |
|
Attempts: 259
|
| Completions: 152 |
| Yards: 1879 |
| Touchdowns: 10 |
| Interceptions: 7 |
| Passer Rating: 82.8 |
| Rushing |
| C. Johnson |
| Carries: 358 |
| Yards: 2006 |
| Average: 5.6 |
| Touchdowns: 14 |
| Receiving |
| K. Britt |
| Receptions: 42 |
| Yards: 701 |
| Average: 16.7 |
| Touchdowns: 3 |
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