Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Vintage Fisherball Edition

by August West on Nov 3, 2008 8:49 AM CST in Linkage Comment 50 comments

8-0... Wow. Just... wow.

Against one of the best passing offenses in the league, or boys showed the bend but don't break style that we've long employed against the Colts. I expect to see a more smash mouth effort against the Bears next week, especially if Sexy Rexy is in the pocket.

This was a tough win coming off of a short week and an emotional win over the Colts, but the Titans continue to focus on the task at hand with uncanny steadiness. You could have swapped a few names and numbers out there and convinced me it was 1999 again because that game was the exact kind of heart attack-inducing slugfest Fisher has mastered over the past decade.

Not sure if the announcers explained it since I was at a packed bar for the game, but the Tennessean got an explanation for the confusing series of set-ups right before the half:

With three seconds remaining in the first half, the Titans lined up Rob Bironas for a 63-yard field attempt. After a timeout, Green Bay sent a return man into the game in the event Bironas' kick fell short.

With the returner in position, the Titans snapped the ball to holder Craig Hentrich, who took a couple of steps forward and then took a knee, ending the half.

"In my mind, I was ready to kick it," said Bironas. " … The only problem you have is that it's 63 yards. If it doesn't get there, you've got a returner bringing it back against nine linemen so the odds are he's going to be a lot quicker than the rest of us out there."

How freaky is it for LenDale to be the RB who averages 9.7 yards pre carry on 0 TDs, while Crazy Legs ended the game with 3.7 ypc, and a TD?

Boom King's day ended early, but Jacob Ford (2 sacks and a forced fumble) responded with the game of his life right when we needed it. The depth on the defensive line has been much, much better than it was last year and it's helped to probably 2 wins we wouldn't have been able to close out last year.

PFW shows some love to Stephen Tulloch, who did an exceptional job covering for Bullock Sunday. Dave McGinnis has done an exceptional job teaching Tulloch how to harness his athleticism and play like a true pro, which makes Fowler one of the league's premier back-up MLBs.

Peter King still has the Giants ahead of the Titans: how does this man feed and clothe himself with such little brain activity?

Is it time for the Titans to start tuning up for the playoffs? This is the kind of talk our guys have to block-out moving forward.

There's a whole lot of internet out there, so if you have a link you'd like to submit for tomorrow's Morning Links, email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com! (Be sure to include your commenting handle so I can give you semi-anonymous credit.)

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I agree with everything, but...

…the Giants were very, very good yesterday as well. I mean, I’m pretty sure that the Titans could have beaten the Cowboys under similar circumstances, but still, that was a Hell of a convincing win. They actually DISMANTLED the ‘Boys. A true ass-whupping if I’ve ever seen one.

DannoE

"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
Go Titans!

by DannoE on Nov 3, 2008 9:03 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

cowboys flat out suck

without romo. no big feat there. brad johnson is awful, so is bollinger. all the expensive offensive toys get you nowhere if you are too stupid as a franchise to keep a decent back up QB.

by hal41605 on Nov 3, 2008 9:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Chiefs could darn near beat these Cowboys

Michael Roos doesn't eat pitas because NOTHING BREAKS THE POCKET ON HIS WATCH!!!

by August West on Nov 3, 2008 9:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Giants

are 7-1, defending SB champs, and hold wins against tougher opponents than we have faced.

I know Peter King is not the most popular guy around here, but he’s right. Giants deserve #1.

by BeansCarter on Nov 3, 2008 10:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They got blasted by the Browns. I don't care if we are playing the boys choir, we haven't lost.

I hate Music City Miracles!

by gramsey712 on Nov 3, 2008 10:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That argument works for the first few weeks, but by halfway through the season

it’s bunk to me: wins is wins and losses is losses. We can only play the teams that are on the schedule…

Michael Roos doesn't eat pitas because NOTHING BREAKS THE POCKET ON HIS WATCH!!!

by August West on Nov 3, 2008 11:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the only reason

these teams have losing records is because our defense beats them up so badly …

by vancouverTITAN on Nov 3, 2008 7:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Titans still should be ranked ahead of the Giants

I seen Eli Manning stink it up a few weeks ago. The Giants are good when Eli is. However the Titans are good even when the qb isn’t.

I am a humble fan, a great humble fan.

by Joy Kat on Nov 3, 2008 9:40 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Fair point.

DannoE

"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
Go Titans!

by DannoE on Nov 3, 2008 9:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

look...

I’m not downgrading our accomplishments, and the discussion is subjective anyways, but I will point out the following:

The Giants are 2nd in the NFL in points scored. 5th in Total Offense, 17th in passing yards, and 2nd in rushing yards. Let me draw attention to that passing stat. The Giants are 17th in the league in passing yards. 208.8 yards a game. The Giants are built like the Titans; they are not dependant on a aerial assault, and the numbers prove it.

On the Defensive side of the ball, the Giants are 4th in Points allowed, 3rd in Total Yards surrendered, 2nd in passing yards surrendered, and 7th in Rushing Yards surrendered.

This is a balanced team that is excellent in every single category except passing. The Giants are good whether or not Eli plays well, much like Titans are good whether or not Collins plays well.

Though Power Rankings are discretionary by nature, they are not merely a popularity contest. BCS rankings, for example, pay close attention to not only strength-of-schedule and record in ranking teams, but also score differentials. In my opinion, a top team should anhiliate weak opponents, and should win convincingly against good ones. The Giants have demolished Seattle, Dallas and St-Louis. They also hold wins against the Steelers and the Redskins. We have yet to beat a team of the caliber of either the Steelers or Redskins.

By the way, how much fun is it to debate whether we are the absolute best team in football, or only the second best? I love it.

by BeansCarter on Nov 3, 2008 11:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It is awesome to be having that debate

By the way, who really cares?

Titans Blogger at Music City Miracles even though gramsey hates it.

by Jimmy on Nov 3, 2008 11:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

nobody

it’s just something to fill the time till the next game!

by numbertenox on Nov 3, 2008 12:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No kidding. What a great thing to be arguing.

Much better than who we will be taking with the number 1 pick in the 09 draft. Poor sad Lion fans.

I hate Music City Miracles!

by gramsey712 on Nov 3, 2008 12:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Where are all the Jay Cutler lovers today?

I hate Music City Miracles!

by gramsey712 on Nov 3, 2008 9:47 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

still right here

but boy has he had a rough couple of weeks

Michael Roos doesn't eat pitas because NOTHING BREAKS THE POCKET ON HIS WATCH!!!

by August West on Nov 3, 2008 9:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He has no help.

I mean, one WR, no running game, and no defense. It’s asking a lot for a 3rd YR QB to be the savior of an otherwise HORRIBLE team. That said, I’m sure that somewhere, Floyd Reese feels mildly vindicated.

DannoE

"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
Go Titans!

by DannoE on Nov 3, 2008 9:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It wasn't a lot to ask at the beginning of the season where every other comment on this site was about how awesome Cutler was.

It’s just funny how quick that ends.

I hate Music City Miracles!

by gramsey712 on Nov 3, 2008 9:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

and his one WR is a Class-A jerk who will almost certainly end up suspended or in jail soon.

Michael Roos doesn't eat pitas because NOTHING BREAKS THE POCKET ON HIS WATCH!!!

by August West on Nov 3, 2008 10:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ex lover here.

I am a humble fan, a great humble fan.

by Joy Kat on Nov 3, 2008 10:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

By the way, I believe this is gonna be the year of the Jimmy.

Alabama (which makes me throw up in my mouth a little bit) and the Titans.

Too bad the Cubs couldn’t hold up their end of the bargain.

I hate Music City Miracles!

by gramsey712 on Nov 3, 2008 10:11 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Joe the Plumber, what about him ?

I am a humble fan, a great humble fan.

by Joy Kat on Nov 3, 2008 10:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the way florida put it on georgia

i think the gators are gonna have PLENTY of say in bama’s season come the sec championship game

by hal41605 on Nov 3, 2008 10:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Florida is on quite the roll right now. I thought Bama would be a national title contender in 2010, so I will take a BCS bowl in 2008. It’s a good place to start.

Titans Blogger at Music City Miracles even though gramsey hates it.

by Jimmy on Nov 3, 2008 11:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Eh... I would pick 'Bama to put Florida away.

IMHO Bama is more consistent. Florida has been hot and cold. Plus, though Tim Tebow is good, he’s still only a poor man’s Vince Young. He can’t come in and just DOMINATE the way Vince did. Meanwhile, Bama will kick your kick you ass so hard, your butt will come up out of your mouth.

DannoE

"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
Go Titans!

by DannoE on Nov 3, 2008 11:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Boomer Sooners will take it all

Sam Bradford for Heisman Trophy. He is terriffic.

I am a humble fan, a great humble fan.

by Joy Kat on Nov 3, 2008 10:20 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

You HAVE been drinking, haven't you!

I hate Music City Miracles!

by gramsey712 on Nov 3, 2008 10:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I sense a non beleiver .

You don’t like Oklahoma?

I am a humble fan, a great humble fan.

by Joy Kat on Nov 3, 2008 10:25 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I am a Husker all the way, but the way the Sooners beat em up

I can’t help but think they are going the distance. I saw OU lose to Texas, but that was an off day for the Sooners. Colt McCoy is good, but I think Bradford is a little bit better. Tim Tebow may win the trophy again, but I hope not. Why is he even playing anymore. He has a trophy and a title, move on.

I am a humble fan, a great humble fan.

by Joy Kat on Nov 3, 2008 10:30 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Cause he is just a junior this year.

So who does a one loss Oklahoma pass up? Alabama? Penn State? Texas Tech? A one loss Florida team?

I hate Music City Miracles!

by gramsey712 on Nov 3, 2008 10:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Do you think those teams are all going to stay undefeated?

OU does not deserve to be ranked ahead of any of em yet. I just think that after everything shakes out OU will be playing for a national title. I think they can beat Florida or Penn St. , Texas Tech is beatable. Nebraska should have beat them in OT. but our QB threw the ball to them. Alabama is the one I am uncertain about. They are very solid but who knows what will happen from here on out.

I am a humble fan, a great humble fan.

by Joy Kat on Nov 3, 2008 10:43 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Joy Kat, I'm sorry, and I know this is not a college football blog, but there is no way in hades that Oklahoma beats Florida. You have to be able to play defense to play Florida. And there is no defense in the Big 12.

I hate Music City Miracles!

by gramsey712 on Nov 3, 2008 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree about that. I do think that OU can compete with Florida

Texas can compete with them. The Big 12 South has a lot of potent teams. Yes the defense is suspect, but if you score enough points you can still win. I am not sold on Texas Tech yet, Graham Harrel is great and they did beat Texas but I don’t see them going all the way. Mike Leach is a good coach but hasn’t won anything big.

I am a humble fan, a great humble fan.

by Joy Kat on Nov 3, 2008 11:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sinse this got on a College Football topic, I just heard on the radio that Phil Fulmer

has resigned. He will finish the year and Mike Hamilton will start the search for a new head coach.

About time.

by DZone on Nov 3, 2008 10:49 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Since not Sinse

by DZone on Nov 3, 2008 10:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Jim Schwartz in Knoxville anyone?

I hate Music City Miracles!

by gramsey712 on Nov 3, 2008 10:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That sound you hear

is The Fat Pumpkin getting slammed up against the side of Neyland Stadium. I wish they would keep him. I like it when Tennessee is a non-factor.

Titans Blogger at Music City Miracles even though gramsey hates it.

by Jimmy on Nov 3, 2008 11:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Why do you have to kick us when we are down, oh Jim Jim.

Can’t you just take your #1 ranking and be quiet? Huh?

I hate Music City Miracles!

by gramsey712 on Nov 3, 2008 11:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

bite your tongue ass

by hal41605 on Nov 3, 2008 11:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry couldn't pass it up.

Titans Blogger at Music City Miracles even though gramsey hates it.

by Jimmy on Nov 3, 2008 11:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

nor should you have

by hal41605 on Nov 3, 2008 2:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i conceed

by hal41605 on Nov 3, 2008 2:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yikes!

Bite your tongue!

’Sides, I think Schwartz has probably got a good chance to wind up coaching the Lions or somebody like that. Why head for College?

What’s Norm Chow up to?

DannoE

"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
Go Titans!

by DannoE on Nov 3, 2008 11:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

since we are on the topic of college football...

please vandy for the love of all that is good, win one more game. it could be a whole new level of devastation if the dores finish 0-7 down the stretch.

by rolypoly32 on Nov 3, 2008 11:49 AM CST reply actions 0 recs