Yes, there is a quarterback controversy in Nashville. Is it an embarrassment of riches, or an embarrassment in terms of confusion? Kerry Collins, acquired just a few weeks ago, will get the start; Vince Young, the big-time rookie, will possibly play a series in each half (he had 6.2 yards a carry in pre-season), and Billy Volek sits while he waits to be dealt. Yes, Volek is probably the best of the three right now, but Collins has always put up some numbers. And word out of the Titans' camp is that he's picked up Norm Chow's offense quickly. Chad Pennington, off an injury, can usually keep the Jets in games, but he won't have a good supporting cast to work with. The offensive line is rebuilt and should experience growing pains, while the running game, without Curtis Martin, will use a committee headed by Kevan Barlow and Cedric Houston. That's not as promising as Chris Brown and Travis Henry on the other side (LenDale White may or may not play). For the Jets, there are more problems. The receivers aren't scary. Finding a pass rush in the new 3-4 alignment will be tough with John Abraham gone (Shaun Ellis had just 2.5 sacks last year). Thirty-five year-old Eric Mangini is still finding himself as a head coach, having created a QB battle between Pennington and Patrick Ramsey when none should have existed, and putting players through practices which may be too excruciating. Right now Tennessee looks a little further along than this New York crew, though that may change during the season. On the technical side, the Jets have covered just four of their last 18 as a road dog.
THE PLAY: TENNESSEE |
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