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2005 Team Report: Tennessee Titans
Quarterbacks
Starter: Steve McNair
Starting QB: Steve McNair had an injury-plagued 2004 season that caused swirling rumors of retirement. McNair returns and has been reported throwing the ball "with zip," but questions remain since he lost Derrick Mason, his favorite receiver, and since his annual injury problems seemed to really catch up with him - especially his back injuries. Still, the 2004 pass offense showed it could click and Drew Bennett emerged as a top receiving threat. While it would be foolish to underestimate the facts that, as of press time, only three wide receivers are on the roster and that Tyrone Calico is still an injury question, the Titan's two tight ends and their starting running back Chris Brown are all good receivers. McNair's 2005 outlook should be approached with cautious optimism - and a backup plan. He can make things happen with his legs, which adds nice fantasy point production, and he should still be considered one of the top passers in the league, but his annual injury situation should cause you to take a backup quarterback quickly if you take McNair early.
Backup QB: Billy Volek earned every dime of his salary and had a statistically outstanding year in 2004 while filling in for McNair. In 9 starts, Volek had multiple touchdown games six times and threw for more than 300 yards three times. In those same 9 starts, he completed over 61% of his passes, had 19 TDs against only 10 interceptions, and had nearly 2500 yards passing. Those are top fantasy numbers for a starter, let alone a backup coming in to hold down the fort. That said, Volek was erratic. When Volek was the unquestioned starter, he went three games throwing 138 times for 1187 yards and 9 TDs, but lost all three. He then went 1-1 in the next two games, and threw only 48 times for 286 yards and 1 TD. In short, Volek should be in your sights if you drafted McNair, is one of the top backups in the league, and won't be challenged by a third-string QB, but he will only see time if McNair is injured and will not challenge for the start.
Running Backs
Starter: Chris Brown
Starting RB: In 2004, longtime Titan Eddie George gave way to Chris Brown. But Brown was unable to shake the injury tag after missing most of his 2003 rookie season and after an injury-filled college career. Injuries drove him from several games until he ultimately missed the last three games of 2004 with turf toe. In his college career, Brown often played through nagging injuries, but would miss some game time. Brown has nice upside potential because of his talent. In 7 of the 11 games he played in 2004, he either went over 100 yards or scored a TD and he amassed over 1200 total yards, 6 TDs, and a 4.85 yards per carry average. Those are top-12 fantasy RB numbers, despite leaving some games after only one half of play. On the other hand, Brown's injury history and a potential RBBC situation with Travis Henry should keep your optimism cautious. Brown broke a bone in his hand after hitting a teammates' helmet in May, but appears to be fully recovered. Backup RBs: The Titans surrendered a third-round pick to the Bills for RB Travis Henry in July. Henry is a proven talent at RB, with consecutive 1,300 yard seasons in 2002 and 2003 before being relegated to a backup role in the second half of 2005. Henry will play an important role for the Titans since Chris Henry is not known for his durability, having missed 10 games due to injury in his first two seasons. Even if Brown remains completely healthy, Henry should see plenty of action in a rotation with Brown, and is the likely goal line back since he runs with more power than Brown does. After Henry, the Titans opted for rookie Damien Nash who beat out a cadre of other inexperience runners (including Jarrett Payton) in camp.
Fullback: Troy Fleming was a rookie in 2004 and saw some game time as a pass catching fullback and on special teams. He is expected to fill that role again in 2005 as he has the speed and quickness to evade linebackers in the short passing game.
Wide Receivers
Starters: Drew Bennett, Tyrone Calico
Starting WRs: The loss of Derrick Mason can not be understated, even if his release was necessary. He has been Steve McNair's longtime security blanket. He led the league in receptions in 2004 and was one of the most targeted wide receivers. The attention he commanded from defenses was certainly crucial to the emergence of Drew Bennett in 2004. Bennett really shined with 80 catches for 1247 yards and 11 TDs - notably, though, 8 of those TDs were in 3 late season games. Still, Bennett's combination of size, speed, and soft hands should result in fairly similar numbers in 2005 and he seems ready for the prime receiver role. The real question mark is the starter opposite Bennett. Penciled in is Tyrone Calico, who missed the bulk of 2004 with a knee injury after a promising rookie season. After tearing his ACL, whether the team can count on Calico as a starter will be one of the biggest questions the Titans face this season. Backup WRs: On the first day of the 2005 draft, the team used two third-round picks on Oklahoma's Brandon Jones and Indiana's Courtney Roby. Roby is a burner who recorded a blazing 4.33 time in the 40, but he is a developmental prospect despite starting every game the last three years. He is a bit on the smallish side at 6'0" and 189 pounds. Jones, on the other hand, is over 6'1" and 210 pounds, and he has experience in a big-time college program. Jones is much more likely to have an immediate impact and earn game time since he has skill as a blocker and may be physical enough to handle the pressure that NFL defensive backs deliver. The team's third WR selection, Roydell Williams, may ultimately have the most upside of the bunch, and is just as likely as anyone to emerge as a key contributor in multiple receiver sets. The Titans recently added veteran WR Troy Edwards into the mix, signing him to a two-year deal. Edwards, a former first-round draft choice by the Steelers, was the Jaguars' second-leading WR last year. He has the versaility to play split end, flanker, or slot; it is unclear exactly how he will fit into the offense at this point.
Tight Ends
Starters: Erron Kinney
The Titans and Steve McNair have always relied on the TE as receiver and the team regularly uses two-TE sets. The position is well manned in 2005 by proven veteran Erron Kinney and by 2004 second-round draft pick Ben Troupe. Kinney suffered an injury-plagued 2004 season and missed 7 games, but he played well when healthy. He was an efficient receiver and turned his 31 total targets into 25 catches and 3 TDs. Meanwhile, Troupe showed that he is the pass catcher the team thought they drafted. He had a catch in 13 of the 14 games he played. He finished the last three games strongly with two 75-yard games and his only TD of the year. Both TEs are over 250 pounds and block well, yet both are skilled pass catchers who can give linebackers fits. Troupe had surgery on his his fifth metatarsal bone (foot) in May, but will return for the regular season opener. Since the team usually carries three TEs, departed Shad Meier was replaced by Bo Scaife in the draft. Scaife is only 249 pounds, but is speedy, athletic, and has great hands. Place Kicker Rob Bironas : After the repetitive Nedney-Anderson-Hentrich soap opera of the last two years, the Titans are determined to find a place kicker who can also kickoff. Their early was strong legged Ola Kimrin, although after a mediocre results culminating in a missed extra point in the second preseason game, he was released. Bironas is fresh off a stint with the New York Dragons of the Arena Football League, and he showed promise in camp last year with the Steelers. He's shown promise this preseason, but has been inconsistent. Jay Taylor was signed when Kimrin was released. He finished out last year for Tampa Bay, following the demise of Martin Gramatica. Kick and Punt Returners Kick Returners: Courtney Roby, Adam "Pacman" Jones, Michael "Rabbit" Waddell The Titans did not extend an offer to restricted free agent WR Jason McAddley (their top KR last year). CB Michael Waddell (17 returns, 20.1 avg) and RB Troy Fleming (8 returns, 20.9 avg) were both part of last year's backup KR committee. Waddell needs to work on running within the scheme, and Fleming needs to hold on to the ball. First round draft pick CB Adam "Pacman" Jones returned both punts and kickoffs (23.4 avg) for West Virginia last year. Rookie WR Courtney Roby should see some work at KR during the preseason. Punt Returners: Adam Jones, Courtney Roby, Michael Waddell, Brandon Jones The Titans released their top PR from last year WR Derrick Mason. Waddell was backup last year (9 returns, 6.0 avg) and will likely compete with Jones for the top spot this year. Jones averaged 14.6 yards on punts last year and scored once. Tennessee really struggled on returns last year. Their KR average was 30th in the NFL, and the PR average was last. They need Waddell to eliminate his rookie mistakes, and/or have Pacman pick up where he left off at WVU. Offensive Line
Projected Starters: RT Michael Roos [r], RG Benji Olsen, C Justin Hartwig, LG Zach Piller, LT Brad Hopkins
As a run-blocking unit, the Titans are pretty good, but this group is clearly a liability when it comes to pass protection. The best word to describe this starting five is 'Maulers' as they all play hard and are better at driving off the ball than playing in space or pass protecting. Tackle Brad Hopkins is slowing down after a long, successful career, yet he is clearly the best lineman in this bunch. He will miss the first game of the season due to a suspension. Losing starting tackle Fred Miller and not finding a replacement will definitely hurt the starting unit as Todd Williams isn't near ready to step in as a quality starter, which opens the door for rookie Michael Roos. Guards Zach Piller and Benji Olsen are the strength of this unit and have good size, power, and tenacity. This group will continue to find some success in opening holes, but the Tennessee quarterbacks could be running for their lives again in 2005. Team Defense The Tennessee Titans, once a team built on a powerful defense, found themselves at the bottom of the pack in 2004. They were 27th in total defense and 30th in the league in points allowed. Head Coach Jeff Fisher definitely has his work cut out for him in 2005. Their Defensive Coordinator for the fourth year in a row will be Jim Schwartz. It's not likely to get any easier in 2005 either, as the defense lost a couple of key components in DE Kevin Carter and CB Samari Rolle. The word "rebuilding" is a scary one for fans, but that could be what they're looking at in Tennessee. The good news is that they've got a defense chock full of young players acquired in the last few drafts. The bad news is that for the most part they've either been relative disappointments or they've had to battle injury problems. But they have enough talent on defense to surprise some people and if some of the young guys can play to their potential, this could be a much better defense than many predict. Defensive Line
Starters: DE Antwan Odom, DT Albert Haynesworth, DT Randy Starks, DE Kyle Vanden Bosch
Starting DL: Antwan Odom, a 2nd round pick in 2004, has freakish potential, especially as a pass rusher. He struggled at times last year, but has added strength this offseason and could be poised for a breakout season. Former Cardinal DE Kyle Vanden Bosch once held great promise in the NFL. He was a second round pick in 2001. But injuries and a disappointing ability to get to the QB have hampered him. He brings leadership and run support to the team, offering a high motor with great effort on every play, but won't give the team an edge defensively. At DT, Randy Starks appears to be a monster in the making. Starks came on in the second half to start eight straight games and immediately made an impact. Despite starting only eight games, Starks had 4.5 sacks, which is impressive for a DT. The other DT spot is slated for Albert Haynesworth. Haynesworth, the Titans first round pick from 2002, has been somewhat of an enigma. He's been hurt on and off and never had the work ethic the coaches believe is necessary for him to prove his worth, but when he is on he can be dominant. Overall, this is a talented group with several players who have yet to reach their full potential. Backup DL: Travis LaBoy, also a 2nd round pick in 2004, is a high motor guy and a pass-rushing specialist. He had 3.5 sacks in limited duty last year, but was a disappointment in preseason and failed to capitalize on a great opportunity to win a starting job. Bo Schobel is a favorite of GM Floyd Reese and might be a sleeper. Bo, whose cousins Matt and Aaron are also playing in the NFL, started a couple of games toward the end of 2004 and will likely be the #3 DE to start off the year. DT/DE Rien Long started to live up to his potential in 2004, finishing second on the team with five sacks. With Long a liability against the run, look for him to spell Starks and Haynesworth in obvious passing situations. Jared Clauss is a high motor guy who the Titans drafted in the 7th round last year.
Linebackers
Starters: MLB Brad Kassell, WLB Keith Bulluck, SLB Peter Sirmon
Starting LBs: This unit is led by star Keith Bulluck. Bulluck has come on the last three seasons to become one of the most productive LBs in the league, averaging over 100 solo tackles per year. In 2004, he had a career-high 152 total tackles, look for more of the same in 2005. After ending 2004 as the starting middle linebacker, Brad Kassell received an offer from the Lions in restricted free agency. The Titans opted to match the offer and Kassell now gets to start the season as the Titans man in the middle. Last season Kassell had over 100 total tackles and he's still young at only 25. Kassell finished the season very strong, getting 10 or more total tackles in his last four games, including an outstanding 18-tackle performance against Detroit in the season finale. Peter Sirmon starts on the strong side. Sirmon missed the entire 2004 season when a knee injury forced him into surgery, but he was a very productive starter in 2002 and 2003. Backup LBs: The Titans sacrificed some of their LB depth when they traded Rocky Calmus to the Colts in a cost cutting move. Taking his place as the backup MLB will be Robert Reynolds, a young LB (he turned 24 in May) who the team drafted in the 5th round a year ago. Rocky Boiman, yet another young draft pick (4th round in 2002), provides solid support and has a nice motor. He started a couple of games in 2003 and averaged 8 total tackles per start. Filling out the depth chart is Cody Spencer, a 6th round pick a year ago whose contribution will primarily come on special teams.
Defensive Backs
Starters: SS Tank Williams, FS Lamont Thompson, CB Andre Woolfolk, CB Tony Beckham
Starting DBs: SS Tank Williams has a world of talent and was off to a stellar 2004 campaign before being sidelined with an ACL injury. Since then, he's been rehabbing to be ready by opening day. Williams has the talent to put up a big year, but how he rehabs will be the ultimate question. With Lance Schulters now a Miami Dolphin, Lamont Thompson will step up at the FS spot. Thompson came on to start the last thirteen games of the 2004 season and looked good doing it. He had 54 solo tackles for the year. The team lost both starting cornerbacks to free agency when Samari Rolle signed with the Ravens and Andre Dyson signed with the Seahawks. 2003 first round pick Andre Woolfolk will start at one of the vacant CB spots. A wrist injury ended his 2004 season early, but Woolfolk should be fine and ready to be a starter in 2005. At 6'2" 197 lbs., Woolfolk has excellent size for a CB and good speed too. CB Tony Beckham only played the last five games last year due to an ACL tear. He has some nice tools and is confident, but is merely keeping the seat warm for franchise rookie Adam "Pacman" Jones. Backup DBs: The Titans, like most young teams, have depth issues. It's no surprise the team kept 11 defensive backs on the 53-man roster. If he can keep his head on straight, rookie CB Adam "Pacman" Jones will be a starter sooner rather than later. For now, he's the team's nickel back and is the only player in the secondary who has the requisite skills to project as a premier shutdown cover corner in time. S Donnie Nickey started six games last year, but it's unlikely he's anything more than a supporting player when it comes down to it. Rookie Vincent Fuller provides depth at possibly both positions in the secondary. He's a good tackler and locked down the nickel back job to start the season. Michael Waddell was a 4th round pick in 2004 who will begin the year as the #4 CB. Rich Gardner was a third round pick in 2004, who has dropped on the depth chart thanks to a disappointing preseason. Justin Sandy broke his ankle in the only game he played last year and Reynaldo Hill is a 7th round pick who showed enough in the preseason for the team to keep him around. Neither player figures to make much of an impact this year.
Last modified: 2005-09-06 14:02:41
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