I propose An INVASION!

http://blogs.chron.com/fanblogtexans/2009/05/peek_at_the_titans_offseason_a.html



Fan blog at Houston Chronicle.com about OUR Titans. I'm a lifelong Oiler/Titan fan since 1973. These Texan fans are getting on my last nerve.

I invite you to read the exchanges, list your comments, & I'd be interested to see if any of yoos guys' posts would be published, should you choose to join in on the fun. Enjoy. The HTML won't post, so the reading may be hard, but bear with me.

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FanBlog: Texans
A fan blog with Jeremy Rice
« A peek at the Colts offseason. | Main

May 22, 2009
Peek at the Titans offseason, and you can now follow Brian Cushing
Todd Schmerler over at player Press LLC, sent me an e-mail letting me know that Brian Cushing has his own website complete with twitter feeds and such.

Here is the link.

http://www.briancushing56.com/



This is the third part of series in which we will look at our Rivals in the AFC South and break them down by position, strength, weaknesses, and how they did in the draft as well as an early prediction on how they look going into 2009 training camp.

This week we take a peek at the Titans offseason.

Tennessee Titans

I picked the Titans to finish last in the division last year. Mostly because I thought Mike Heimerdinger would be bad for Vince Young, and that he would really struggle. I also didn't think Albert Haynesworth could stay motivated enough to duplicate another year like he had in 2007. Vince did struggle under Heimerdinger, but Vince reacted in a way I didn't expect or see coming. Vince's confidence was shattered last season, if he has already pulled himself back together I would be very surprised. I'm not writing Vince off, but he needs to have a very good pre-season under center to start to rebuild the confidence he has in himself. He also needs to realize that playing QB in the NFL is a thinking man's game. All that natural ability to make plays should be used, but if that's what you rely on, teams will find a way to minimize your effect.






Titans need Vince doing less of his sweaty man bonding act.


Once Kerry Collins was put in as a starter I was a bit worried they would improve. Collins would cut down on the tunrovers that had killed them under Vince. I figured their defense was so good, that if Collins could limit the turnovers the defense would always give them a chance to win, but 13-3......wow. By the end of the season the Titans were not the same team. Collins was clearly wearing down, and with Haynesworth injured they drop two of their last three games.
They plan on handing the keys over to Collins again, who clearly has a better grasp of how to play quarterback in the NFL. Yet, his future will rely on how well their defense can play with out fat Albert punishing offensive lines. Collins can not carry this team. The Titan run game which is solid and explosive with the speedy Chris Johnson, needs the rookie receiver Kenny Brit to mature early and contribute to keep teams from loading up to stop the run. If teams are able to force Collins to throw at the 59 percent clip he did last year Vince will be in the on deck circle pretty quick.



2009 off season
Free Agency Additions

Demarcus Faggins CB UFA 5-10 182
Signed from Texans, will be 30 before camp starts. 4th or 5th corner at this point, doenst have speed to play the outside. Can play special teams but isnt a demon.

Jovan Haye DT UFA 6-2 285
Smaller one gap type 3 tech that had struggled in Carolina before becoming a starter with Tampa bay. Quick tackle that lacks the strength to really eat up blockers. Interesting signing, I didn't see him as a fit for their needs, but with the zone teams in the division he is a very good pursuit tackle.

Mark Jones WR UFA 5-9 185
Special teams returner man. Very fast and agile. Can play some back up slot reciever if needed.

Patrick Ramsey QB UFA 6-2 225
Should be and excellent third QB for the Titans.

Nate Washington WR UFA 6-1 185
Could be a free agent steal. Washington has all the tools just hasn't put it all together yet to become consistant. Needs to improve routes and catching the ball away from his body, but can out athlete several corners and win the battle for the ball. Has very good top end speed.


Free Agent losses

Chris Carr CB UFA 5-10 180
return guy, who became decent nickleback with Titans. Signed with Ravens.

Albert Haynesworth DT UFA 6-6 320
When motivated can simply overwhelm offensive linemen. Will he be motivated in a non-contract year? Signed with Redskins.

Brandon Jones WR UFA 6-1 212
Really improved when Collins came in and had his best year in 08. Signed with the 49ers.

Eric King CB UFA 5-10 185
Special teams demon, and back up corner. More quick than fast. Signed with Lions

Daniel Loper OT UFA 6-6 320
back up punch you in the mouth tackle, who struggles with not being a very good athlete. Think big mauling run blocker who stuggles in pass protection.

Chris Simms QB UFA 6-4 220
Seemed to be on the verge of putting it all togther before the injury in Tampa and fall out with John Gruden. A bit of and enigma now, but the Titans liked him a ton last year as their second QB.

Grade the Titans offseason
A losing Fat Albert makes them better!
B
C
D
F How could they let the best player walk?

View Results
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2009 NFL Draft

Rd 1, Pick 30 (30) Britt, Kenny WR I've called him a poor man's Andre Johnson. Not as athletic or fast as Johnson, but a powerful receiver with good size, runs good routes, and has the hands and catch radius to be a very good receiver.

Rd 2, Pick 30 (62) Marks, Sen'Derrick DT
explodes off ball, but lacks the strength to overpower. Has had a significant injury history.




Rd 3, Pick 25 (89) Cook, Jared TE
pass catching TE that could convert to H back in the Titan offense.



Rd 3, Pick 30 (94) Mouton, Ryan CB
The Titans have gotten away from the attacking style they have played in the past and have been a team that plays behind and off the front four. Mouton is a kid that fits that style, much more and instintive zone player than a man to man kid, where his lack of top end speed limits him.




Rd 4, Pick 30 (130) McRath, Gerald LB
Could be a steal, very instinctive player with good speed. Undersized for the inside where he is best at, but could transistion to the outside.




Rd 4, Pick 35 (135) Kropog, Troy OT
Another kid that could be a steal, scout buddy told me the Texans would have loved this kid. Lacks ideal lower body strength but is very smart, and good in pass protection. Will have to develop some, needs to add some strength.




Rd 5, Pick 37 (173) Ringer, Javon RB
In the Steve Slaton mold, not as explosive, but has a good motor and vision. Fights for tough yards.




Rd 6, Pick 30 (203) McCourty, Jason CB
Very fast corner prospect that just isn't very instinctive. Will be a project, that could pay off or he could simply fall off a roster. Should stick around as a core special teamer.




Rd 6, Pick 33 (206) Edison, Dominique WR
Project receiver, has good top end speed but does few other things well. Spread system route runner which usually means bad route runner. Size and speed make him worth a shot though.




Rd 7, Pick 30 (239) Durand, Ryan OG
6-5 310 has good size and can be a mauler at times, lack atheltic ability and is concidered a project player that may need a year on the scout team.




Rd 7, Pick 33 (242) Schommer, Nick FS
Tough smart small school kid that lacks elite lever skills but could stick on roster due to heart and special teams ability.




Grade the Titans draft
A filled all the holes and added depth
B
C
D
F No replacement for Fat Albert in there.

View Results
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Thanks~JLR

Posted by Jeremy Rice at May 22, 2009 11:12 AM


Comments
As I mentioned earlier. All that really matters here is for the Texans is that Haynesworth is gone.

I don't know the actuall stats, I do know that the Titans record takes a prety big drop off when Haynesworth is not there.

The Titans losing Haynesworth on defense is like the Patriots losing Brady on offense.

He is the anchor and you have to spend so much energy game accounting for him it makes everyone else better.

Also it is hard to predict how the loss of so much of the defensive staff will effect them.

One thing is for sure, you don't replace a Hayneworth.

I think in reality they lost a lot and I am not that impressed with what they have added. They lost one of the biggest impact players in the game and they did not add any from my point of view.

Of course it's the Budster, he is one of the worst owners in the NFL. The only good thing the guy has done is kept Fisher and he nearly blew that a couple of times.

Great post!~JLR

Posted by: GB at May 22, 2009 12:52 PM

Please go in-depth on HOW Bud is one of the worst owners? Just curious. You're so way off. Also, if capable, please refrain from using the age-old fact that he moved the Oilers to Tennessee. Using that excuse just makes people sound more stupid than you already are.

The Texans sorry a** owner hasn't done a darn thing except luck out the the Los Angeles crew (that was offered an expansion franchise FIRST) couldn't get it together.

Bud has won titles (AFL) drafted Earl Campbell, Mike Munchak, Eddie George, Steve McNair, Bruce Matthews (ALL present or future hall of famers) & signed Warren Moon, another hall-of-famer ... I'm sure the list goes on.

Your guy has drafted like an idiot. Like pure CRAP. 8-8 is your idea of a GREAT year. sadsadsad

FACT
PWNED

You'll never PWN us when it comes to Bud Adams. You can have him. As for the titles, they were what, 50 years ago? What has his little team done in the 48 or so years since? One superbowl appearance? You can have him, Tennessee can have him. ~ Crimedog

Posted by: Gene the PIG at May 22, 2009 04:27 PM

Big, slower, "route" recievers usually dont make much impact in first few years. Well see how C Johnson/L White do with 8 in the box.
And K Collins is no spring chicken. I look for a bigger fall from Tenn than Indy this year, of course, well see what happens-Jeff Fischer is very good.

I agree Doc...we shall see! ~ Crimedog

Posted by: Doc P at May 22, 2009 04:37 PM

He also needs to realize that playing QB in the NFL is a thinking man's game.

When I made that remark to Mr. Young's Athletic Supporters back in '06, I was shouted down. Recently, when another ChronBlogger quoted Texans OT Eric Winston saying that the NFL differs from the college game in the level of intelligence you must have, and I pointed out that's the primary reason why Mr. Young didn't make it, I was again shouted down.

So, thanks for saying it here. Since it's your blog, I guess any shout-downs you get, you can just delete.

Short of vulgar, abusive cursing, we don't delete any comments that differ from our views. If anyone knows that, it would be you fool! LOL!! ~ Crimedog



Posted by: fool at May 22, 2009 06:21 PM

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcsouth/0-9-274/Spotlight-or-searchlight-for-Texans-safeties-.html


I have linked here an article by AFC south blogger, Paul Kuharski examining the Texan's safety issues. It is a good read.I do not think our secondary will be expose because I think our pass rush will finally improve with the Bush/Kollar system of shooting the gap.


Now on to the topic at hand. I am going to make a bold prediction that the Texans will WIN the division. I think our front seven will finally get the job done. I agree with the your scout that we did not mask our coverges in the past, but when we signed Eugen wilson that changed. Our linebacking core is the best it has ever been and the versatility it allows us to do will only make it better. Ryans(MLB) and cushing (SLB)will be the starters, which opens up a competitive battle for WLB. Diles, June, and Adibi are all capable starters and we will have 2 coming off the bench. I believe diles will win it.What I like about our defense is since cushing is not the best in coverage and an able pass rusher on third down we can move him to the speed rusher position, move diles to the strong side and have june come in and cover on the weakside. I do not think Barwin will be ready to be the speed rusher at the beginning of the season. I think our front four will get pressure. I do not know what they will do with the tackle position. Smith will move inside on 3rd down but I do not know if okoye will stay on the field on 3rd down.My point being that our defense will improve from last season because we are more versitile and our defense is not as complicated as it was last year. We will do a few things but do them really well.

THe question comes to Matt Shaub. Matt shaub is in the most important year of his career with the option coming up next season. He will have to prove he is a franchise QB this season. I have seen flashes. He needs to answer some questions. Can he cut down on turnovers? Can he last a full season?Can he improve our anemic red zone offense?
My answer to these questions is yes, I think he will make the probowl next year.


I think the colts will finish in 2nd place. Although we lost both games to them we proved last season that we could hang with them and the only thing that seperated us from them is they knew how to win and close out and we did not. I think we will come of age this season. The colts are old but still have the potent offense.As I mentioned before I think our defense will be drastically better.

I believe the Jaguars are going to finish 3rd. They are going to be playing a last place team schedule as oppose to a first place schedule. I love what they did in their draft with Britton, Monroe, Dillard, and Jennings. They had the 2nd best draft next to us. They signed Torry Holt and tra Thomas, who have a few more productive seasons left.This was the hardes team to place for me because as mentioned before they are a peak and valley team, so they could realistically finish at the top. Although i think this is our year.

The tiny Titans will finish in last place, their defense had too much turnover in the off season with the departure of haynesworth and Shwartz. Not to take anything away from the titans but they played a third place schedule last season. I think Kerry Collins will come back to earth this season. I think we will eventually see Vince Young at QB due to an injury to Collins(hopefully weak 2 against Texans). Their stingy defense of the past will give up more points and I do not think that their unstingy offense will be able to generate enough points. Their Oline is very old and I could see them having injury issues.

Sorry for the long post I just cant wait for the season and really believe we will win the division this year.

No need to apologize, it's good stuff!! I did enjoy the read by the way, and my opinions and thoughts on our safeties is pretty well documented. While I hope the guys we have on hand will emerge and play better in the new scheme and with an improved pass rush, I still think we lack a big-time, game-changing, play-making safety. But then, several very dominating and effective defenses over the years haven't had one either. So someone at another position has to fill that role, because it won't be any of our current safeties. ~ Crimedog

Posted by: truth at May 23, 2009 03:02 AM

Great blog, Crimedog! I was telling people when VY was drafted that I would give him 5 years in the league, and I was laughed at. Hmmmmmm.....
Yeah, I see the Tittans falling big this year, but who knows. You're right about Fisher being a very good coach.
Oh, and note to Gene the PIG.... dude, does your daddy/uncle know you're nipping at his moonshine???? You can't even type straight. Get a life - Bud Adams was offered a business venture in Oklahoma BY HIS OWN FATHER SO HE WOULD LEAVE TOWN. You can have the guy.

Thanks Larry, but this write-up is Jeremy's...~ Crimedog

Posted by: Larry in Richmond at May 23, 2009 06:48 AM

Please go in-depth on HOW Bud is one of the worst owners?

That's already been done. Read LOSER TAKES ALL: BUD ADAMS, BAD FOOTBALL AND BIG BUSINESS by Ed Fowler. He makes all the case that needs to be made.

The Houston Oilers, from 1960 through 1996, had a "winning" percentage of 0.460. Don't even try to go there.

Bud has won titles (AFL) drafted Earl Campbell,

And traded him.

Mike Munchak, Eddie George, Steve McNair, Bruce Matthews

Ask those guys what THEY think of Bud Adams. Especially McNair.

Anyone trying to compare these two owners, and taking the position that K. S. "Bud" Adams, one of the WORST owners in football, with a team in the BOTTOM THIRD of winning percentage in the history of the NFL, who has NEVER won a championship since the days of the "Mickey Mouse League," who was the ONLY owner who voted against merger with the NFL, and whose team had THREE winning seasons in its first DECADE in the NFL, with two one-win seasons and one 3-win (while the younger Dolphins, for example, went unbeaten one season on its way to the championship), and whose name is a curse on the lips of nearly every Houston football fan, will have a very, very tough time even getting out of the gate.

YOU are "pwned" my friend, and you don't even know it, because all you can do is throw out a handful of names from a team that had a 36 year existence.

Very pitiful. You embarrass yourself. How many Hall of Fame prospects (and by the way, Eddie George and Steve McNair aren't, not even close) do you think the Steelers had between 1970 and 1996, for instance? The Cowboys?

Ouch! ~ Crimedog










Posted by: fool at May 23, 2009 10:42 AM

But we don't frequently differ - just occasionally. Shoot, you probably "differ" with your wife more than that!

Who, me?? No way, she has me trained better than that lol...that's what she tells me anyways lol...~Crimedog

Posted by: fool at May 23, 2009 10:44 AM

Hi Crimedog:

I don't like to get into arguments with other bloggers, but I must say that I profoundly disagree with Gene the PIG.

I don't think that Mr. Adams is without some good points, but in mind, he jilted Houston for the money he would make with the new stadium in Nashville. It was a pure and simple money deal. He didn't care about we loyal fans who had followed the Oilers for years, he only cared about the money he could make. I think the same way about Mr. Adams and the (now) Titans that I think about my exwife. "She did me wrong and I could care less about what happens to her, now."

I am grateful to Mr. McNair for investing the lion's share of his fortune into bringing the Texans to Houston. Mr. McNair wasn't responsible for those poor drafts. If he has a fault it is that he is too loyal to employees who turn out to be incompetent (thinking Casserly here).

Thanks Mr. McNair. Mr. Adams, I hope you get what you deserve. Texans - let's have a great year and let's beat those Titans.

Dan in Panama City, Florida

Hi Dan! I'm with ya brother, in fact, I'd venture to say some out there actually would prefer their ex-wives over Mr. Adams if given the choice...they can have him, I could care less what he does, or what his team does, except when it comes to what they do against the Texans. ~ Crimedog

Posted by: Dan_in_Panama_City_Florida at May 23, 2009 11:20 AM

Hey how about covering the Texans instead of the Titans

If you'll notice, Ryan, we are covering all of the Texans divisional opponents, because what they do greatly impacts the Texans more so than other teams in the league. So by covering the teams that have the greatest impact on our team, we are by proxy covering our own team. In order to better educate ourselves on our team, we must also educate ourselves on those teams that we face. Makes sense, no? ~ Crimedog

Posted by: ryan at May 23, 2009 11:44 AM

JLR & Crimedog;

As football greedy as I am, I would be happy if the Texans split(3-3)their games with their division foes this season. Contienued dominance over the Jag's and a split with the Titans and Colt's would be even better(4-2), but I am really stressing the want and need of Kubiak having the Texans ready on game day; especially when they play the Raiders.

"They are who we thought they were", holds weight two years ago--the Texans were supposed to be 10-6 last season, in my opinion. I want Kubiak to have his team ready for war come game time...no excueses.

I'm with ya there Lynnmicha, but I'm not going to be happy with a split. I want us to go 5-1 in the division. You pick the two teams I want us to sweep, and they ain't the Jags lol...~ Crimedog

Posted by: lynnmicha at May 23, 2009 02:10 PM

Titans have a great coach and a system which seems to serve them well. The very fact that you picked them last and they finished first says a little bit about their organization, The fact that Bob Lanier screwed up the negotiations with Bud and told him to take a hike is no reason to ignore his Titans success while our Texans have little to brag about.

I guess "success" is in the eye of the beholder, eh? ~ Crimedog

Posted by: ben at May 23, 2009 03:01 PM

I was wondering when the equilibrium in my life would be restored. I had not heard fool bash Vince in months. Welcome back fool. Fool is back and stronger than ever.

Anyways as I mentioned in my previous post, I think we will get a chance to see Vince Young try and redeem himself after a disappointing season last season. I do not see kerry Collins being productive or healthy enough to start.

I hope we do see VY this season! (See my response to Lynnmicha as to what I hope we do in both meetings) ~ Crimedog

Posted by: truth at May 23, 2009 04:07 PM

In regards to Mr. Young, fool mentioned his aptitude for NFL level play. It isn't that he was decried as being incorrect-merely for beating a dead horse. While I am no VY fan in terms of his NFL career-he isn't wearing my team's colors-there is no reason to CONTINUE to bash the man.

As to Tennessee over achieving-I agree to a point only because I thought VY was gonna be the QB and personally I thought-correctly-KC would be a more dangerous foe. I personally thought Tenn would 11-5 and be the WC from our Division. I think that Tenn will drop quite a bit this coming year. I also believe that this Division is a 2 horse race-Indy and US. I think J-Ville has alot to prove after last year. So I am thinking based on my ever eternal optimism that the Texans go 11-5 as do the Colts but the Colts grab the Tie Breakers to grab the Division. The Texans win thier WC game then lose in Round 2.

Just my thoughts
Carlos

While you're being so optimistic, why have us lose in round 2? LOL! ~ Crimedog

Posted by: clamus at May 23, 2009 04:24 PM

Jeremy, I also figured the Titans for the bottom of the division last season, but Fisher's just a helluva coach who consistently molds his teams into his image. Year in & year out, the Titans are a tough, hard-nosed, run-first team offensively, and an aggressive & hard-hitting team defensively. You always know what you're gonna get with a Fisher team, and more often than not, it's a successful formula.

That said, I just don't see how this won't be a down year for the Titans, and no way in the world will they go 13-3 again. Ramsey was a nice pick-up at QB, because you have to wonder how durable Collins will be. I mean, I really respect what Collins has done in his career, but the years are piling up for him. I really wonder if the Titans will carry 3 active QB's on game days...it sure would be interesting if Collins (as starter) goes down, and if Ramsey goes in as #2 (ahead of Young). I'll be very interested to see how that unfolds.

Prediction-wise, you gotta figure around .500 or maybe a bit better for these guys. With Fisher in charge, I can't imagine how they could do much worse than that. J'ville still looks to be in the cellar this year, and I don't think the Titans will slide that far down unless Collins goes down for a big chunk of the season, and the Titans decide to see what Young can do (instead of playing it safe with Ramsey).

I've got tremendous respect for Fisher and what he's done in his career. I was glad they hired him (when they were a Houston team) and he has proven to be the right choice, despite only one superbowl appearance. That still equals one more than any other Oilers head coach. ~ Crimedog

Posted by: Graz at May 23, 2009 07:50 PM

"gene the PIG" must be a very young fellow and wasn't around when Bud Adams earned the nickname "bottom line Bud"....He evidently doesn't remember Bud Adams firing the most popular coach Houston ever had...He probably wasn't born when the Oilers had back to back 1 -13 seasons in the early seventies...Maybe this guy is just an agitator...

Lennie

Or as fool point out, trading the most popular RB in team history...The people of Houston and the many fans of the Oilers elsewhere pulled for the team despite Bud Adams. Not too many out there are toting jersey's with "ADAMS" on the back. ~ Crimedog

Posted by: Lennie Schmidt at May 23, 2009 09:41 PM

LOL fool,
I just read your post about "Gene the Pig" and his love for Bud Adams. That was awesome. I think you just won that argument unanimously.

We now know the official definition of "PWNED" ~ Crimedog


-------------------

Waiting to see if MY new post get published:

What were Earl Campbell's stats the year he was traded? Uhhhh ... FACT! PWNED! What was the Oilers record? Were we an aging team, or a team with upside? Use your brain, if you have one. What were Earl's stats after he was traded? Fact! PWNED! I loved the guy more than any of you worthless Taints did. Eat me. He was horrendous towards the end & you know it. Bum ran him into the ground. Ran him 'til he crippled him. FACT. I suppose that's Bud's fault too, right? I'm rolling my eyes at YOU, IDIOT. I mean, Fool. Change your name to Idiotfool.

Back up your statements about Steve McNair hating on Bud. Don't just pull out irrelevant verbal turds from your :grrr::grrr::grrr:. Back it up. G'head. Football is a buisness. Decisions are made by EVERY team, year in, year out. Some good, some bad. Quit acting like your babysitter took your dolly away from you because it's bedtime. The city of Houston didn't even put up a fight to keep their team like the city of Clevesuck did. Embarrassing. If you hate Bud so much, why are you still crying crocodile tears into your malt-o-meal all of these years later? Why are you acting like such an internet warrior on a lop-sided fan blog VS. an impartial stranger who just happened by? Be happy with your 8-8 destiny, & SHADDUP.

My only hope would be if the NFL would've let the Titans whip yer damn asses while WEARING the Luv Ya Blue uniforms ... but alas, you're but a crap expansion team. No history. No winning seasons. No real rivalries to get worked up for. Just a 40-72 record, a hope that the greatest college athlete in your states history fails as a pro, & a name you ripped off from an old WFL team.

sadsadsad

Suckit, loser. I hope you wallow in your loser-mentality misery for another 50 years.

 

:ha:

Hey, it's the off-season ... what can I say?

They're STILL mad that they traded Earl Campbell. He was MY hero, & even I knew he was done. Bum Phillips (as great as I thought he was) basically ran Earl into a wheelchair.

How do they blame Bud for EVERY single franchise mistake, & yet say their owner has absolutely NOTHING to do with their bad decisions?

Oh well ... I don't see us on the decline, as many of them do.

 

It's too late for me ... save yourselves. Don't do as I have done, people. :ha: :wink2: