The Changes I Would Make

1.  Middle Linebacker - To me, the defense begins and ends in the middle.  I've been chapping my friends for two years proclaiming that our greatest defensive weakness was Middle Linebacker. 

My point - in a 4-3 scheme, the Middle Linebacker position is the most important spot on the field.  A 4-3 scheme is premised by an axis in the middle or if you will, a three man triangle - two DT's, one LB.  All stunts, blitz's, mid range coverages move from this point.  The Middle Linebacker is the 'General" managing this position in a 4-3 scheme.  He calls the game according to the play from the middle.

Over the past several years, the Titans have masked this incredible weakness by the play of Albert Haynesworth.  In my opinion, you could have put Bironas behind Haynesworth and still come out with the same result.  We currently have only mid to lower grade middle linebackers.  If the defensive tackles can't make penetration, our middle suffers.  When our middle is weak, the ends are forced into double teams with chips from the TE's and RB's.  Thus, the lack of production from KVB, Kearse, and the other ends this year.

The Solution - Take the Middle Linebacker out for certain packages, and insert an extra defensive tackle/noseguard.  This will create more favorable matchups for the ends.  Bulluck and Thornton can manage the linebacking by them selves.  Or, develop a current defensive tackle on the roster to get some plays at Middle Linebacker.  Make it a priority in the offseason to acquire or draft a first rate Middle Linebacker.

2.  Create Formation Overloads - To me, both our offensive and defensive playcalling needs creativity.  If you watched the Steelers last night, you saw a new wrinkle offensive formation with 4 receivers to one side.  We need to use formations to create matchup advantages.  This could be done on the defensive side of the ball as well.  Griffin and Finnegan are perfect candidates for strategic placement in overload positions for run blitzes or even pass blitzes.

3.  Start VY and Shape The Offense Accordingly - I have always felt that the Titans have never really put their best scheme together to give VY the chance to show his skills.  We need to open the playbook with creative run plays and formations - VY in the shotgun with Lendale and CJ to each side?  Use some creativity to take advantage of your tackle positions on the o-line.  Pull the guards and most running plays for trap blocking - this will create back lanes and creases for the RB's when the play isn't developing. 

4.  Start Lendale - CJ has "one in a million" speed.  To me, he would be more effective if he came in after Lendale.  I would start Lendale to soften up the defense in the 1st quarter.  Then, as they become winded, bring in CJ. 

So far this year, it seems as if it's a big play or nothing with CJ.  Let's use Lendale to punish the defenders so that when we bring CJ into the mix, he can dash by them with his blinding speed.

Put CJ in at slot receiver in select packages with Lendale at the RB position.  Set up bubble screens to CJ or just throw it deep to him in the seem or on a wheel route.