Before we can decide whom to draft, we need to ask ourselves....what'
s wrong with this team and how did we slide so far down so fast?
For those of you having difficulty puytting your finger on it, I'll post the obvious choices (but feel free to throw in your own theories)...these are in no particular order.
1 - McNair is done/over the hill/washed up. We need a new QB.
2 - The OL is hurting and can't protect our QB and open enough holes for the run game. We need OL help.
3 - Chris Brown is not the answer and Henry is a drug test away from being out of the league. We need a new RB.
4 - We lack quality at WR. Sure Bennett is nice, but what's after him? Calico either isn't cutting it or hurt and the others are too young and not experienced enough to be dependable #1 or #2. We need a WR.
5 - Our DL is better on paper than on the field. We don't get a consistent pass rush and need DL help.
6 - Outside of Bulluck, we have no one. Though the 'new' guy will hopefully help, is Sirmon the answer at MLB? We need a LB.
7 - Despite having 2 first rdrs as starting CB's, we can't cover anyone! We need a CB.
8 - Maybe losing Lance hurt more than some thought and Tank is not the same player. We need a Safety.
9 - Our offense was inconsistent...maybe Chow is not good in the NFL ala Paul Hackett. We need a new OC.
10 - Our defense has been on the decline since Schwartz didn't have the best talent in the league on D. We need a new DC.
11 - Fisher has lost this team. They are undisciplined, don't hit hard anymore, aren't hungry and he's the leader of the ship. We need a new HC.
12 - Reese used to be lauded as one of the best GM's in the game, but he let Runyan, Kearse, Rolle and Mason all leave without getting anything in return. Worse, his drafting has been questionable and the players aren't panning out. A one year re-build is gonna turn into 3-4 years and end the Steve McNair era. We need a new GM.
Note, I'm offering things you could argue, NOT that I think all these things are wrong with the team.
I'm interested in hearing your thoughts and opinions. Please back it up with something (stats, on or off the field example, ect).
Gut
s wrong with this team and how did we slide so far down so fast?
For those of you having difficulty puytting your finger on it, I'll post the obvious choices (but feel free to throw in your own theories)...these are in no particular order.
1 - McNair is done/over the hill/washed up. We need a new QB.
2 - The OL is hurting and can't protect our QB and open enough holes for the run game. We need OL help.
3 - Chris Brown is not the answer and Henry is a drug test away from being out of the league. We need a new RB.
4 - We lack quality at WR. Sure Bennett is nice, but what's after him? Calico either isn't cutting it or hurt and the others are too young and not experienced enough to be dependable #1 or #2. We need a WR.
5 - Our DL is better on paper than on the field. We don't get a consistent pass rush and need DL help.
6 - Outside of Bulluck, we have no one. Though the 'new' guy will hopefully help, is Sirmon the answer at MLB? We need a LB.
7 - Despite having 2 first rdrs as starting CB's, we can't cover anyone! We need a CB.
8 - Maybe losing Lance hurt more than some thought and Tank is not the same player. We need a Safety.
9 - Our offense was inconsistent...maybe Chow is not good in the NFL ala Paul Hackett. We need a new OC.
10 - Our defense has been on the decline since Schwartz didn't have the best talent in the league on D. We need a new DC.
11 - Fisher has lost this team. They are undisciplined, don't hit hard anymore, aren't hungry and he's the leader of the ship. We need a new HC.
12 - Reese used to be lauded as one of the best GM's in the game, but he let Runyan, Kearse, Rolle and Mason all leave without getting anything in return. Worse, his drafting has been questionable and the players aren't panning out. A one year re-build is gonna turn into 3-4 years and end the Steve McNair era. We need a new GM.
Note, I'm offering things you could argue, NOT that I think all these things are wrong with the team.
I'm interested in hearing your thoughts and opinions. Please back it up with something (stats, on or off the field example, ect).
Gut
Well, since you've been gone we signed Givens, who is not a starting receiver but will add depth.
In the 1st round, I feel we should draft Young and in the 2nd, access our problem at MLB, and sign D'Quell Jackson. Thornton and Bulluck should be a good partnership next year and i'm looking forward to that
We've signed Chris Hope, so that access our FS problme and in the process, moved Thompson to SS and released Tank to the Vikings
We don't need an OC, although Chow needs to rethink his give ball to TE's tactic. If this team does not go forward this year, then Fisher's string that he is holding onto will snap IMO. I don't like our DC but then again, I don't know who else is out there that can do a better job with the team we have
No 100 yard rushing game made me angry last season, if Brown and Henry don't produce next season, then IMO they're gone.
MAN, i'm looking forward to the draft!!!
In the 1st round, I feel we should draft Young and in the 2nd, access our problem at MLB, and sign D'Quell Jackson. Thornton and Bulluck should be a good partnership next year and i'm looking forward to that
We've signed Chris Hope, so that access our FS problme and in the process, moved Thompson to SS and released Tank to the Vikings
We don't need an OC, although Chow needs to rethink his give ball to TE's tactic. If this team does not go forward this year, then Fisher's string that he is holding onto will snap IMO. I don't like our DC but then again, I don't know who else is out there that can do a better job with the team we have
No 100 yard rushing game made me angry last season, if Brown and Henry don't produce next season, then IMO they're gone.
MAN, i'm looking forward to the draft!!!
Gut said:
Why don't you cheer for another team? YOU NEED A NEW TEAM!!
We signed Givens. Between he and Drew, a number 1 should emerge, and both are serious threats. We had good support from our rookies, who should improve this year. Add in the possibility of Calico being good again, and we don't need to do anything at WR.
Mex#1TitanFan said:
why don't you come back with some positives/objections to his post instead of just saying he needs a new team.:sad2:
It seems like the Titans stay in salary cap trouble, could part of the Titan's trouble be the way the FO manages the cap?
I actually think 2,3,& 6 are our biggest needs. We could wind up fixing any of them during the second round, since the first round pick will be used on our QB of the future. My choice for the use of our 2nd round pick would be:
1. First round quality RB: If Maroney, White, or even Williams (I wish) were to fall to us during the 2nd, it'd be hard to pass him up. While Brown and Henry are at times solid,most of the time this year they were inconsistent. No 100 yd. games this year? That has got to be fixed.
2. D'Qwell Jackson, MLB: Our other biggest problem is the defense has a whole, and our run defense in pacticular. The FO has already said they were looking for some speedy LBs. Jackson is the answer to that. He's a very good sideline-to-sideline player. He's also very good in coverage, so he'll be able to play on passing downs as well.
3. If Jackson was gone, I'd want us to get the top tackle available. Guys that come to mind are Eric Winston, Marcus McNeil, Jonathan Scott, and Ryan O'Callahan. If we were to pick Jackson in the second, we need to look for a way to package some of the 10 second day picks to get a third rounder back. (May have to put some of the picks with a player) Other tackles that are ranked around the third round include Daryn College, Andrew Whitworth, and Jeremy Trueblood.
4. The other option would be to take a corner/safety with the 2nd round pick. However, with the signing of Hope and resigning of Thompson, I think safety is unlikely. Corner will only be an option if a first round talent falls to the second. (Tye Hill has visited the Titans).
*The Unlikely Scenario* Don't forget that there is still a chance that we get Bush at #3. (Unlikely, but possible) In that case, we should use our 2nd round pick on either Omar Jacobs or Charlie Whitehurst.
In any of these scenarios, I think we need to look into trading back into the third.
JMO
1. First round quality RB: If Maroney, White, or even Williams (I wish) were to fall to us during the 2nd, it'd be hard to pass him up. While Brown and Henry are at times solid,most of the time this year they were inconsistent. No 100 yd. games this year? That has got to be fixed.
2. D'Qwell Jackson, MLB: Our other biggest problem is the defense has a whole, and our run defense in pacticular. The FO has already said they were looking for some speedy LBs. Jackson is the answer to that. He's a very good sideline-to-sideline player. He's also very good in coverage, so he'll be able to play on passing downs as well.
3. If Jackson was gone, I'd want us to get the top tackle available. Guys that come to mind are Eric Winston, Marcus McNeil, Jonathan Scott, and Ryan O'Callahan. If we were to pick Jackson in the second, we need to look for a way to package some of the 10 second day picks to get a third rounder back. (May have to put some of the picks with a player) Other tackles that are ranked around the third round include Daryn College, Andrew Whitworth, and Jeremy Trueblood.
4. The other option would be to take a corner/safety with the 2nd round pick. However, with the signing of Hope and resigning of Thompson, I think safety is unlikely. Corner will only be an option if a first round talent falls to the second. (Tye Hill has visited the Titans).
*The Unlikely Scenario* Don't forget that there is still a chance that we get Bush at #3. (Unlikely, but possible) In that case, we should use our 2nd round pick on either Omar Jacobs or Charlie Whitehurst.
In any of these scenarios, I think we need to look into trading back into the third.
JMO
mdfan said:
We don't have any salary cap issues other than McNair
pshhh we will be back this season say all u want about how bad we are but they players we got now is good enough for .500 so get a new team like the colts
yes i agree, i think this year we will take quite a few teams by surprise, and im really looking forward to seeing vince in two tone blue, and taking our team all the way in years to come
Let me re-iterate...or repeat...those were options. I said up front they weren't what I THOUGHT was wrong with the Titans.
I've been following the Oilers/Titans since '89 so I've lived through the lean times before. I don't need a new team, but shooting for .500 is hardly a ra-ra moment. I preferred going to the Superbowl against the Rams and seeing one of the best Super Bowl's in history. I'm hoping we can get back there and win one. I'm also thinking this is the approach the Titans should be taking.
Givens is NOT a #1 WR and Chris Hope is NOT the second coming of anyone. However they are solid players.
As far as matching up our talent, I did this a couple of years ago. It's amazing that during the year people talk about how wonderfully talented our players are but when comparing them to others, they suddenly become mediocre. However, I will dig out the info and present the case against Schwartz.
Here's something to chew on...
If we draft a QB at #3, 2 things will happen. First, McNair will become a Raven (or not be a Titan). Second, the rebuilding will be extended another 3-5 years effectively ending any chance that older Titans will have a shot at returning to glory.
And lastly, just because I disagree or challenge the party line doesn't mean I don't support this team. I do support this team and have now for 18 years!
Gut
I've been following the Oilers/Titans since '89 so I've lived through the lean times before. I don't need a new team, but shooting for .500 is hardly a ra-ra moment. I preferred going to the Superbowl against the Rams and seeing one of the best Super Bowl's in history. I'm hoping we can get back there and win one. I'm also thinking this is the approach the Titans should be taking.
Givens is NOT a #1 WR and Chris Hope is NOT the second coming of anyone. However they are solid players.
As far as matching up our talent, I did this a couple of years ago. It's amazing that during the year people talk about how wonderfully talented our players are but when comparing them to others, they suddenly become mediocre. However, I will dig out the info and present the case against Schwartz.
Here's something to chew on...
If we draft a QB at #3, 2 things will happen. First, McNair will become a Raven (or not be a Titan). Second, the rebuilding will be extended another 3-5 years effectively ending any chance that older Titans will have a shot at returning to glory.
And lastly, just because I disagree or challenge the party line doesn't mean I don't support this team. I do support this team and have now for 18 years!
Gut
not that i wouldn't be happy with any of the top three qbs. i really believe that if we got leinart the rebuilding wouldn't take as long as anyone thinks. has there ever been a qb drafted by a team that his former o.c. is on? its really a unique situation that should be taken advantage of. it almost seems our offense, in the past year, has been being groomed just for this scenario. i mean with all the wr drafted last year, then picking up a vet this year. having the combo in the backfield and an athletic te who is on the verge of blowing up this year. it just seems obvious to me that leinart is the guy.
If you recall, when Chow came here, he had to learn OUR offense. Sure he's incorporated some of his offense, but it's not like we're running a college offense. So the thought that he already knows the offense is not accurate!
Second, Leinart would still have to learn the most difficult thing all quaterbacks have to learn in the transition - reading NFL defenses and adjusting to the faster speed. This is where Leinart actually has an additional problem. He's just like every other top QB to come out from a pro offense, but it's 50/50 whether he'll be able to learn that. But the speed gives Leinart an additional problem that Young and Cutler don't have. Leinart has an avg NFL arm so any mistakes are enhanced (meaning knocked down or picked off).
Lastly, Leinart is the slowest of the 3 QB's and the fact that our pass protection was pretty bad does not bode well for his development.
So I see no way Leinart can help us get ahead of a 3-5 year rebuild.
On the other hand, Vince Young could start and do what McNair did. Run and throw it to the TE on 3rd down to keep the chains moving even though his passing and defensive reads are much further behind. His superb mobility also lessens the effects of having poor pass protection til we can shore that area up.
Cutler might be the best of the 3. Not the upside of Young, but he is more mobile than Leinart AND has a stronger arm.
Of course, despite the fact that the Titans are SAYING they might start a rookie, Volek SHOULD be the starter this season if McNair is released.
Gut
Second, Leinart would still have to learn the most difficult thing all quaterbacks have to learn in the transition - reading NFL defenses and adjusting to the faster speed. This is where Leinart actually has an additional problem. He's just like every other top QB to come out from a pro offense, but it's 50/50 whether he'll be able to learn that. But the speed gives Leinart an additional problem that Young and Cutler don't have. Leinart has an avg NFL arm so any mistakes are enhanced (meaning knocked down or picked off).
Lastly, Leinart is the slowest of the 3 QB's and the fact that our pass protection was pretty bad does not bode well for his development.
So I see no way Leinart can help us get ahead of a 3-5 year rebuild.
On the other hand, Vince Young could start and do what McNair did. Run and throw it to the TE on 3rd down to keep the chains moving even though his passing and defensive reads are much further behind. His superb mobility also lessens the effects of having poor pass protection til we can shore that area up.
Cutler might be the best of the 3. Not the upside of Young, but he is more mobile than Leinart AND has a stronger arm.
Of course, despite the fact that the Titans are SAYING they might start a rookie, Volek SHOULD be the starter this season if McNair is released.
Gut
Gut...
I haven't alot to state at this time. I form more opinions than I issue, but from reading your analysis it makes me wish you had been here for this past year. I hope you stick around all season long. You have really poured it all out and created an excellent thread.:cool2:
I haven't alot to state at this time. I form more opinions than I issue, but from reading your analysis it makes me wish you had been here for this past year. I hope you stick around all season long. You have really poured it all out and created an excellent thread.:cool2:
Gut, I agree with a lot of your points, two comments...
WRs- Givens may/may not be a "#1" WR, he did well on a team where the ball is spread around A LOT, he may be capable of much better numbers. Time will tell. I've mentioned before though, I have a lot of criticisms of the whole "number 1" idea. Lots of people inflate that idea and to call someone a "#1", they really have to put up stats in the top 10-12 WRs in the league. I think Drew is capable of top 20 numbers with some better support. Also, I think we have a really deep WR corps with a lot of potential. Once we get Jones back, we'll have 5 starting caliber guys, with the possibility of Calico showing something. I feel like the need for a #1 is cut down when we have a bunch of capable guys.
New QB- I do think bringing in a new QB will slow down progress, but not for as long as you say. I could see 2 more years of rebuilding rather than 3-5. Depends who we bring in, hopefully we'll see that picture shape up in the next two weeks...
WRs- Givens may/may not be a "#1" WR, he did well on a team where the ball is spread around A LOT, he may be capable of much better numbers. Time will tell. I've mentioned before though, I have a lot of criticisms of the whole "number 1" idea. Lots of people inflate that idea and to call someone a "#1", they really have to put up stats in the top 10-12 WRs in the league. I think Drew is capable of top 20 numbers with some better support. Also, I think we have a really deep WR corps with a lot of potential. Once we get Jones back, we'll have 5 starting caliber guys, with the possibility of Calico showing something. I feel like the need for a #1 is cut down when we have a bunch of capable guys.
New QB- I do think bringing in a new QB will slow down progress, but not for as long as you say. I could see 2 more years of rebuilding rather than 3-5. Depends who we bring in, hopefully we'll see that picture shape up in the next two weeks...
WPlantham, I agree with your round 2 strategy, but I don't think one of those RBs will drop, and we should draft whichever MLB or Olineman we think is best.
I've taken the liberty of combining #'s 10 and 11:
Our defense has been on the decline since Schwartz didn't have the best talent in the league on D. They are undisciplined, don't hit hard anymore, aren't hungry. We need a new DC.
Our defense has been on the decline since Schwartz didn't have the best talent in the league on D. They are undisciplined, don't hit hard anymore, aren't hungry. We need a new DC.
I agree....many are making excuses for Schwartz...not enough talent. THis is true, but even a group that is far less talented could be coached to play with a chip on their shoulder. Schwartz is gutless....takes no chances. If Peyton burns us for a 40 yard pass (when we blitz him) and we get a big hit on him right after he releases...I'd take that trade. He's going to get two 20 yard passes on us anyways (and not get hit) with our soft zone four man rush....Brian said:
Does that make sense to anyone?
Chris Brown is a fine RB he needs to stay healthy, he was the lone bright spot early on two years ago then bam injury problems. So leave that one out. They will probably draft a RB in the 4th or 5th but theres no one better than Brown in those rounds. If Bush were a Titan they would be even better there but they don't need a RB. I agree with you that the Titans give Mac his walking papers. (I'll will root for him/them (the team he goes to)to do good provided the Titans don't have a chance). The DC might need a change. The OC needs time to develop this year is the proving ground. FS and WR should be improved maybe not the best in the league but solid. No way they need a new head coach this year. I dont have time to finish now but there is an answer to every gripe form an optimistic stand point.
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