Tennessee Titans Morning Links: October 9 Edition

by Aditya T (smashville) on Oct 9, 2009 8:29 AM CDT in Tennessee Titans Links

Tennessee_titans_30x21 Most people give Jeff Fisher the benefit of the doubt that he will turn things around and keep his job. The poll is largely in favor that he can.

But if any coach can hang in there and get things turned around and make something positive out of a 0-4 start, it is Jeff Fisher. I have always been impressed with him and the Titans franchise has been lucky to have him for so long. They have been through this before — the Titans started 0-5 in 2006 and finished 8-8 — and there was talk then of getting rid of Jeff. But they were smart enough not to do that. He's proven that he can get his team out of this situation.

Tennessee_titans_30x21 The Colts are getting ready for anything this week, including a CJ/Lendale/Ringer/VY Wildcat, even though there are no signs that it will happen. If it was going to happen, I would expect that it would have already happened , and we wouldn't wait until we are 0-4 to try it.

Tennessee_titans_30x21 Merrill Hoge is up to his antics again, still thinking that Kerry Collins is a better fit for this team than Vince Young. He thinks it's insulting that Vince would even be considered.

Tennessee_titans_30x21 The 2001 season was a lot like this one, coming off of a 13-3 season the year before and starting 0-3. The only difference is that the 2001 team managed to win their fourth game. Former Titans who played that year says this team needs to find an identity fast because there is no chemistry right now.

Click past the jump to see which quarterly award the Titans picked up.

Tennessee_titans_30x21 CBS's first quarter report grades the Titans with a failing grade, also picking up the "Most disappointing team" award. We also pick up the same award at Fox Sports' quarter report.

Tennessee_titans_30x21 Kuharsky has the interesting question "Why don't the Titans screen more?"

Tennessee_titans_30x21 I wish people would stop giving us the upsets this year. Fox thinks that we will win 23-21. We all know that the Titans play better as an underdog.

Tennessee_titans_30x21 Nashville made the list of best sports cities at 12, but Jimmy thinks that's bogus. Pittsburgh comes in at number one, deserved since the they have two world champions: the Steelers and the Penguins.

Tennessee_titans_30x21 The Preds are still undefeated, raising the thought that the Titans' struggles may be good for the Preds.

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we don't screen more

because heimerdinger has lost his mind.

The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.

by hal41605 on Oct 9, 2009 8:41 AM CDT reply actions

Maybe this says it all

“I am not a patient person”. Heimerdinger

Not sure I’d be bragging about that.

by JimR on Oct 9, 2009 9:00 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

After thinking about this, I'll elaborate

If the OC coach, of all people, does not have the patience and dicipline to plan, drill in practice, and adapt types of plays that require specialized techniques and precise timing, then we will be relegated to a one-dimensional, simplistic offense with limited chances for success – and that’s regardless of who the QB is.

by JimR on Oct 9, 2009 10:07 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Yeah, that's bad

Numbers are worse:

CJ 2009 (excluding HOU gimme)- 13/48
CJ 2008- 43/260

Looking at the 2008 numbers, among the Top 25 backs, CJ had the second lowest yards per catch. That’s a product of him getting few screens, but it’s also really disappointing since he’s such a good, explosive runner.

As far as the line that suggests “we don’t run screens because we’re not good at them”, well that’s not acceptable. Adapt the scheme to the talent, Johnson is underutilized in the passing game.

by WC22 on Oct 9, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions

Agree

Some of Dinger’s statement just sounded like lazy coaching. That’s bad – inexcuseable, really.

by JimR on Oct 9, 2009 11:03 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Re: Merrill Hoge

What a moron. I’d love to pick this a part, but the article did it already.

“His job is to put the ball where the wide receivers can catch it,” Hoge said. “He did that. He made great throws during the course of that game, and they were dropped. If those catches are made, they probably win that game.”

Collins completed 15 of 37 passes for 170 yards, one score and two interceptions against the Jets. His last 13 passes were incompletions. He did not complete any of his 10 attempts in the fourth quarter.

by SuperHorn on Oct 9, 2009 9:15 AM CDT reply actions

In today’s media climate, you can’t be surprised by anything, but the Tennessean continually giving Hoge a platform is kinda ridiculous, IMO. I know it’s all about hits, but it’s so transparent as to be insulting. Since when did him maintaining his opinion become newsworthy? Really bad coverage.

by WC22 on Oct 9, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions

i liek this quote from fox article picking us to win. couldnt ring more true.

This week, it’s about a team taking a stand and finding a way.

by ryansax on Oct 9, 2009 9:43 AM CDT reply actions

As long as Peyton Manning and Nick Harper are on the field at the same time, there isn't "a way".

by SuperHorn on Oct 9, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Defensive Leadership

To me, no player has emerged as the defensive leader this year. Several players including Bulluck, talk as if they’re the leader, but to be honest, I haven’t noticed it on the field.

Last year, Haynesworth raised the game for everyone else on the defense. Who’s doing that this year?

Bring Back Vince Young!

by pigskinpundits.com on Oct 9, 2009 10:44 AM CDT reply actions

There is only so much players can do

The Linebackers actually have played decently well. The young Defensive lineman are playing up to their ability. The problem is that this year, and it would be hard to predict this, the old players got old, so to speak. Kearse (although he has got a bit of fight in him), Vandenbosch, Harper, Thornton and even even Bulluck (although the last two are playing well, just not incredible), are having varying degrees of lesser seasons than they have expected from themselves in the past.

Harper and Vandenbosch have fallen off the map. I know KVB isn’t getting criticized as bad as Nick Harper, but that’s because it isn’t KVB we see getting boat raced by Receivers. But it is bad for KVB.

Kearse, Bulluck, and Thornton are having decent years, but are inconsistent and have been beaten by younger players. Bulluck has been caught out of position a couple of times this year that would not have ever happened in the past. Kearse has his moments but mostly can’t get pressure if his first move doesn’t work. And Thornton just is not that great in coverage anymore, and he can’t bust through blocks like before.

On the D-Line, I think the young guys need more playing time. It won’t solve everything, but it would keep Kearse and KVB fresher and the young guys are just playing better. They just are.

For Thornton and BUlluck, we just have to take the good with the bad.

For Harper, the team is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Mouton and McCourty are not good enough to replace him yet, but Harper is continually getting torched. So it seems like we’re stuck until Mouton or McCourty figure out how to cover NFL receivers.

Anyways, this whole “somebody needs to raise their game”. That sounds nice, but it’s stupid. Players get old, the Titans caught it at the wrong time, and none of our young players have the talent or have developed the talent to be transcendent at their position. It’s on the coaches to figure out a way to SOMEHOW limit the damage done, but this defense is not going to ever return to 2007-08 form this year. It is right now an odd combination of too old and too young.

T-Rac's Posse - T-Rac is one boss raccoon.
My personal Tribute to Air McNair

by T--Rac's Posse on Oct 9, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions

you didn't understand my point

Anyways, this whole "somebody needs to raise their game". That sounds nice, but it’s stupid.

My point, everyone on the field looks average without Haynesworth in the lineup.

These stats were true even during Al’s tenure with the team. When he wasn’t in the lineup, the stats were towards the worst in the league. When he was in the lineup, we were consistently top 5-top10.

I’m not saying everyone needs to raise their talent as I’m sure they are doing the best they can.

We just need better scheming to balance the weakness with the strength.

I thought Michael Griffin would be a beast this year. Why don’t we blitz him more??

Bring Back Vince Young!

by pigskinpundits.com on Oct 9, 2009 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions

that's just b/c...

haynesworth’s big ass was falling into the O line and with his size it doesnt take alot of pushing to make his way through that. (which made players like sapp and siragusa effective, just to name a couple) and haynesworth didnt raise anybody elses game, or else alot of other players would be stomping on ppl’s faces, he was just a big body that could demand a double team most of the time. and even with that you had to take the good with the bad, he was either going to get up for the next play or be limping to the sideline for a rest. and bullucks leadership should never be questioned he has done a very decent job, although he has been caught looking in the backfield which explains why he has been burned some times b/c he’s always been a good cover LB. and why would you want to blitz griffin if harp keeps getting burned? that’s alot of space left wide open. we can already stop the run!

"Waiting for the return of the Mac"
"Let VY loose, give him the chance to play his heart out. for himself, for the titans...and for mcnair"
"Titans & Texans fan, dont bug me w/your petty b.s., life's confusing enough."

by kg_2005 on Oct 9, 2009 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions

I disagree

I don’t have the statistics in front of me, but if you researched the last two years with Al in the lineup v. without, you’ll see my point.

For you to dismiss his talent as a fat blob who fell on people is retarded. Have you not watched the Titans the last two years? He spent more time in the backfield than the ref.

Bring Back Vince Young!

by pigskinpundits.com on Oct 9, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions

and just to add....

with jason jones being hurt, i would like to see alot more vickerson in the mix. b/c i said what i said, but that doesnt mean we still cant use someone close to his size, and he has shown some promise the times he has gotten into the game.

by kg_2005 on Oct 9, 2009 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Merrill Hoge

obviously has a personal beef with VY.

If he honestly looked at VY’s record (and specifically the last time he came in when the team was on a losing skid), he would realize that there’s some players that add a spark whether or not they may be the best “fit” on paper.

My question for Mr. Hoge would be this? What would KC have to do to lose the starting position?

Bring Back Vince Young!

by pigskinpundits.com on Oct 9, 2009 10:47 AM CDT reply actions

I never really understood the source of

Hoge’s animosity toward VY, but it’s unrelenting. So, anything Hoge says about VY should just be ignored because it is always driven by his personal feelings and not by any kind of objective analysis.

by JimR on Oct 9, 2009 11:10 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

I think Freud called it Penis Envy

just stopped by for a minute to check in on you kids… great links smash!

Music City Miracles blogger and official Jon Bovi tour manager.

by August West on Oct 9, 2009 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Hey, have you moved already?

We’re all expecting a invitation to the house warming party. :-)

by JimR on Oct 9, 2009 12:19 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Did you say ADub was having a party and all of MCM is invited?

Awesome!

Official MCM Hater!

Retire #9!

by gramsey712 on Oct 9, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions

That's what I hear!

by JimR on Oct 9, 2009 12:32 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

I'm in!

by hartley on Oct 9, 2009 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Sports Analysts

Hodge does have animosity towards Vince. When analysts makes things personal, that what makes journalism look bad. Have you ever noticed that Jim Rome doesn’t let athletes sit in the studio anymore after the confrontation with Jim Everett? Hodge wishes that he could have done the things in his career VY has done. Most critics have a bad case of jealousy and envy and their opinions are driven by that. Even if Vince wins 12 Super Bowls in his career this A***hole would be happy! Far as I’m concerened MERRILL HODGE CAN EAT A FAT ONE! I tell his Mama that!

MrDeeboi33

by MrDeeboi33 on Oct 9, 2009 11:20 AM CDT reply actions

yeah hodge...

is a sad case, should be lucky he gets the air time that he does, jealousy and envy are the two key words. b/c if he/everybody doesnt see progression being made then they need to get their eyes checked. everybody please take the full ride and particulary pay attention to the browns game (footwork KC could never even dream of) and the last chest pound & point to the heavens, or should i say, McNair…may you RIP.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl3wI1-DKWo

by kg_2005 on Oct 9, 2009 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions

Hate Merrill Hodge

I hate Merrill Hodge so much. I saw this coming miles away that he would say Collins is a better fit right now. He has been bashing VY since day 1, even after he was named ROY in 06. Every time i see him talking on ESPN i immediately change the channel because i cannot listen to the garbage coming out of his mouth

by Titans2009 on Oct 9, 2009 12:56 PM CDT reply actions

its a good time....

to go get your popcorn and soda when merrills talking, maybe its an underlying hate for his mother naming him that. if i had to guess his hate started way back when VY won the nat championship. how about giving some credit where credit is due.

by kg_2005 on Oct 9, 2009 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions