Although they didn’t make the playoffs, the Tennessee Titans’ 2006 season ended on a high note with the team surprisingly reaching the .500 mark behind a 6-2 finish over the second half. All this has expectations higher for 2007, especially with the heroics performed by then-rookie quarterback Vince Young.
Young is a year older and wiser now, but the team took some hits in the offseason that could make matching last year’s 8-8 record an uphill climb.
What's New?
Despite several key losses, the Titans chose to stay out of the heavy bidding for top-notch free agents. Cornerback Nick Harper (Colts) was perhaps the team’s biggest free-agent acquisition, and he will fill in for Pacman Jones this year. But the team will have to adjust to more zone coverages to disguise his weaknesses in man to man. Gilbert Gardner (Colts) and Ryan Fowler (Cowboys) were added for depth and competition at linebacker.
Backup quarterback Tim Rattay and wide receiver Justin Gage, who recorded just four receptions with the Bears last year, were added to the offense. And shortly before the start of training camp, veteran Eric Moulds was added to the receiving corps, but his skills have obviously declined since his prime years in Buffalo.
NFL Draft Picks
1st Round - Michael Griffin, S Texas
2nd Round - Chris Henry, RB Arizona
3rd Round - Paul Williams, WR Fresno State
4th Round - Leroy Harris, C North Carolina State
4th Round - Chris Davis, WR Florida State
5th Round - Antonio Johnson - DT Mississippi State
6th Round - Joel Filani, WR Texas Tech
6th Round - Ryan Smith, CB Florida
7th Round - Mike Otto, OT Purdue
Who's Gone?
The priority heading into the offseason was to acquire more weapons for Young to work with on offense, but on paper it looks like the team took a step backward. Gone is the team’s leading rusher in Travis Henry, along with their top two receivers in Drew Bennett and Bobby Wade.
By now most have heard of the Pacman Jones saga as well that has him suspended for the entire season. His loss not only hurts the team defensively, because it limits what they can do, but the return game is likely to suffer as well. Jones was among the best return men in the game as well as an outstanding cover corner.
Defensive lineman Robaire Smith was lost to free agency as well, leaving the team a little thin in that area.
What Needs to Change?
When you rank 27th overall on offense and dead last in total defense, there’s not a whole lot that doesn’t need to change. The team came on strong down the stretch in ‘06, so those rankings are a bit deceptive at this point. But there are still some major concerns that could lead to struggles this season.
At this point, we still don’t know who the featured back will be on this team, if indeed there is one at all. Second-year player LenDale White will probably be given every opportunity to win the job, but a lack work ethic during the offseason makes me wonder just how dedicated he is. If he doesn’t prove to be a feature back, the team could turn to rookie Chris Henry or go back to oft-injured veteran Chris Brown. Most likely all three will see time early in some sort of rotation.
The team also needs at least one of their young receivers to step forward and play a key role this year. Moulds’ veteran presence is nice, but he’s no replacement for Bennett in terms of production.
Under Pressure to Perform
Vince Young - After all the dramatic wins in 2006, Young will be expected to duplicate, if not improve upon, his rookie success. The problem is, he has less weapons to work with this year, so more of the load will fall on his shoulders, which could draw some attention to the shortcomings in his passing game.
Bo Scaife - With the losses at wide receiver, Young will be looking to the tight end more than ever. And if the Titans passing game is going to be effective at all, he’s going to have to contribute even more than he did last year when he seemed to develop a nice connection with Young.
2006 Rankings
Overall Offense - 27th (300.6)
Rushing Offense - 5th (138.4)
Passing Offense - 30th (162.3)
Overall Defense - 32nd (369.7)
Rushing Defense - 30th (144.6)
Passing Defense - 27th (225.1)
Prediction - The 2006 season was a nice story for the Titans and Young, who were not expected to contend for the playoffs. Just breaking even should almost be considered a minor miracle. But unless Young really is Superman, this team looks poised to take a small step back in ‘07.
Record:7-9 and second in the AFC South
