2005 Record: 4-12
CJ's Team Rank: 30
THE CHARLES JAY LINE
To win Super Bowl: 250-1
To win AFC South: 18-1
Total Wins: Under 6.5 -140, Over 6.5 +130
The Titans were the youngest team in the NFL in 2005, and that trend will continue to a certain extent, depending on how big a role the top draftees will play. This season will be a little unusual, in that the team is going without QB Steve McNair, but it's not as if he's been injury-free lately.
Billy Volek will at least initially step in under center. The veteran backup has gotten the job done when pressed into action, and in fact, in his ten career starts he has thrown for 2789 yards - that's the highest total for a QB in his first ten career starts in the last 35 years. There are two problems with that picture, however. One is that Volek himself has been susceptible to injuries in the past. another is that he is not the future for the Titans, and the big question in Nashville will revolve around how long head coach Jeff Fisher will wait until inserting top draft pick Vince Young into the lineup.
It is hoped that LenDale White, the rookie from USC who scored 26 touchdowns spelling Reggie Bush for the Trojans last year, can pump some life into the running game, but White lasted until the third round mainly because of character questions. The receiving corps is hardly scary; Drew Bennett (58 catches, 738 yards) is on hand, and David Givens (59 receptions, also for 738 yards) has been added from New England. Kevin Mawae, who has battled injuries, is said to be healthy, and if he is, the six-time Pro Bowler represents an upgrade to the offensive line.
The defensive line got some pressure on the quarterback last season, registering 41 sacks, due in large part to the efforts of defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, who had 12.5 sacks on his own. Keith Bulluck is a mainstay at the linebacker position. But the Titans need more in the way of playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. The secondary was a major weak spot, with just nine interceptions. Former Steeler Chris Hope provides just that at safety.
Special teams could make things easier for Fisher's team. The Titans finished in the NFL's top seven in both punt and kickoff returns last year, and has a relatively dependable field goal kicker in Rob Bironas.
But there is not a lot of firepower on offense, meaning former USC and BYU offensive coordinator Norm chow, in his second year in that job for Tennessee, has his work cut out for him. It's our estimation that even though Volek is a serviceable QB, Young will see action sooner rather than later, and while that should yield long-term results, it might take this franchise through some growing pains in 2006.
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