Overview:

Offense:

Fresh off a promising 2008, Kerry Collins struggled to duplicate his performance in ‘09 and the team followed suit. Tennessee turned to Vince Young out of necessity and after going 8-2 it was clear Fisher had made the change too late. Collins and Chris Simms give the Titans capable backups but expect Fisher to ride Young this year. Young has perhaps the best weapon in the NFL sharing the same backfield in Chris Johnson who combined 2,006 rushing yards with 503 receiving yard for an NFL record 2009. Outstanding production but the wear and tear associated with so many touches is a concern. Their problem? Spread the load while maintaining production. Kenny Britt could see improved production with a year of experience under his belt while Justin Gage (6’4”) has the size to go high for the ball especially in the red zone. Nate Washington has speed to go downfield but seldom did and had a bad case of the drops. All have correctable problems and have a huge upside. Jared Cook and Bo Scaife will likely share time at tight end. The offensive line is arguably the best in football allowing just 15 sacks and opening holes that allowed Johnson to scamper for 2,000 yards. Leroy Harris begins his first year at center but can play several positions while Tackles Michael Roos and David Stewart are big, strong and quick enough to keep the pocket clear for their QB. Jake Scott and Eugene Amano open holes for the inside rushing attack rounding out a big, strong front.

Derrick Morgan will step in for the departed Kyle Vanden Bosch, but the first rounder has the big shoes of a Pro bowler to fill. William Hayes and Jacob Ford will compete for playing time on the other side but with 19 sacks between them a year ago, Tennessee will get both ample playing time. On the inside, Jason Jones played less than half a season because of injuries which really hurt this unit as he can occupy multiple O Lineman. Tony Brown and Jovan Haye should have solid seasons with a healthy Jones on the field. Keith Bullock and David Thornton could be playing linebacker for another team, with Gerald McRath and Colin Allred penciled in as starters. Rennie Curran and Will Witherspoon are also in the running which make four players competing for two spots. MLB Stephen Tulloch is the only player with a defined role, as one would assume for a player that lead the team in both tackles and tackles for loss. Corner Cortland Finnegan, an ‘08 Pro Bowler is the only player guaranteed a spot for the 31^st ranked pass defense of a year ago. Jason McCourty and Ryan Mouton were forced into action in 2009 due to injuries but could be the best option at the other corner spot with a year of experience and familiarity with the system, however I see an open competition here. Michael Griffin and Chris Hope return to man both safety spots despite ordinary performances in 2009 although we’re probably in store for a training camp battle here as well.

K Rob Bironas is one of the best in the business with a big leg and punter Brett Kern puts distance on his punts so kicking the ball is the least of their worries. The return game needs work with another training camp battle to decide the winner.

The offense should be competitive with Johnson and Young at the forefront of their attack. Their defense fell completely off the map last season, especially defending the pass and their ability to shore up that are is key to how far they go in 2010. Tennessee won’t win the division but I do give them a chance at the wildcard.