Tennessee Titans Morning Links: That One Needs A Nickname, People Edition
by August West on Nov 30, 2009 8:50 AM CST
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The increased accuracy, improved timing and sounder decision making of Vince Young were all on display yesterday, and we wouldn't have won had we seen anything less. I honestly can't think of a quarterback who has made bigger strides in a year and a half on the bench than Vince Young. That's a tribute to his hard-work, intelligence and maturity. The Vince Young we saw in 2006 and 2007 was hard to coach and overly-enotional. The Vince Young of the past five games must be soaking-up Mike Heimerdinger's lessons like a sponge. It's going to be fun watching him do what no one else in the NFL has done so far this year: smoke the Colts.
I agree with Jim Wyatt: though Vince Young's early list of comeback wins as a Titans is impressive, yesterday's 99-yard march takes the cake. Given that every single game is must win for us now, that was the stuff legends are made of.
Don Banks breaks-out a near perfect comparison for Vince's performance:
Elway-esque
The only one that would have been better was Montana-esque.
Jim Wyatt tells us that he's hearing LenDale was inactive for this game after being late to a walk-through on Saturday. It was the first game LenDale has missed since he was drafted. I'm guessing this was also a message to the veterans on this team whose playing time are in jeopardy: there's no room to be slacking.
Follow us through the jump as we give love, love and more love...
How great was it to see Kenny Britt, Lavelle Hawkins and Jared Cook play critical parts late in the game? We'd all expected Britt and Cook to step-up in their rookie campaigns, but Hawkins had been pretty much left for dead after being completely silent for a year and a half. He showed some nice skills and ability to get open we needed yesterday.
OK, this needs to be said: Nick Harper was not a complete disaster yesterday. He got beat twice, but they weren't for huge plays. He kept plays in front of him and provided excellent run support (led the team in tackles). I know that won't be popular, and I've been killing that man more than pretty much anyone on the internet, but I'll give him his due for his first good game of the year.
Mike Florio takes a look at the undeniable awesomeness that is Chris Johnson's 2009 season.
For all the improvements Chris Johnson has made this year, an anonymous NFL personnel man correctly pointed out the two most important areas he's improved:
"No. 1, he is doing a much better job of running inside," said the personnel man, speaking on condition of anonymity. "… And his pass protection is much better. He's become a complete back out there. He's always had the speed to outrun everyone."
The personnel man also noted that Johnson has much better lateral agility than he's given credit for. "(Johnson) can cut on a dime," he said.
In short, Johnson will be very difficult for Tennessee to take off the field as long as he stays healthy.
Dan Graziano of the AOL Fanhouse asks the question you'll hear a lot this week, and even more if we dump the Colts: Can these guys seriously pull of the miracle finish and make the playoffs?
Ron Hood was inactive because he was sick, according to Terry McCormick.
My boy spencer096 at MajorLeagueJerk.com says it all when it comes to the new VY:
And I feel bad for not getting into VY’s 4th quarter drive that was just about as good as it gets, but just go read a recap of his NC win and put Titans in for Longhorns and there you go. That TD to Kenny Britt was a helluva throw. Uncle Rico my ass.
Check-out the pics of T-Rac's Posse's group outing to LP Field, and the lesson learned was RESPECT THE NOSE BLEEDS.
Late addition to the links, but TBL has a bunch on VY's resurgence.
You gotta love the 7 Word Re-cap from the broadcast yesterday (hat tip to Randolph WInston for the pic):
Every time you read a great Titans-related story on the web and don't share it with the MCM community through the fanposts, fanshots or by emailing me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com Peytoon Manning makes YET ANOTHER commercial. Is that what you want?!!!!?!?!
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That one was for #9
To all the Haters and Doubters (myself included a few times),
If we ever doubted a single moment can change one man, watch the poise and leadership he (VY)showed on this entire drive. I was flat out amazed. I AM married and HAVE kids (4!) this was in the top 5 (oops, 6, sorry honey) moments of my life. The stadium was ELECTRIC. I can’t remeber the actual moment Kenny caught it, I swear it was like a mini-blackout. All I remeber was looking up and saying "Big Guy, give this kid what he needs right now" next thing is my wife and sons hugging me…what a play, what a game. Superbowl like..and then him showing number 9 on his hands as he ran from the field. Truly a sports moment I will take to the grave with the "miracle" and the 60 yarder…thanks Titans and VY and Britt, it’s these moments that make lifelong fans of myself, my wife and my boys…
Oh that's a good one!
definitely in the lead at the moment.
Music City Miracles blogger and official Jon Bovi tour manager.
How about "The McNair/Young March"
I swear he was there.
by titansfan4ever on Nov 30, 2009 10:00 AM CST up reply actions
We did go 99 yards
What was McNair’s number again?
Oh, and the final TD was from right between the 9 (McNair) and 10 (VY) yard line.
I’m sorry. I’ll stop this nonsense. I just can’t help myself.
This one's for you, #9.
I think you're wrong about Harper
He was getting picked on all game. Hell, even Beanie Wells managed to get behind him.
To go even further.
I think the problem is that he’s lost a step due to age, but hasn’t made the adjustment. Two years ago, that pass to Beanie is probably picked, but instead he couldn’t close fast enough and the ball was out of reach.
Whomever is playing opposite Cortland is always going to get thrown at
especially when you have a one-two like Fitz and Boldin. Harper held his own and made sure tackles. Hood should still be starting over him, but Harper wasn’t terrible yesterday.
Music City Miracles blogger and official Jon Bovi tour manager.
But Fitz and Bolding didn't do much.
Combined 80 yards receiving all game. It was that third WR that was killing them.
DannoE
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
by DannoE on Nov 30, 2009 9:53 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
rec'd
Kuddos to DannoE for giving credit to “the worst secondary in the NFL” for practically shutting down the best wideout tandem in the NFL.
I’m two wins away from not even acknowledging that the first six weeks happened.
This one's for you, #9.
Fine. But...
… it’s still no excuse for letting a team’s previously invisible #3 wide-out go on a rampage in the fourth quarter. I mean, I agree with Superhorn that Warner would have victimized Harper all day.
DannoE
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
Breaston is by no means invisible or a scrub...
check his stats. he had over 1,000 yards last year, and would start on probably 25+ teams in the NFL. Early Doucet was 3rd round pick and a dominant WR at LSU.
They just don’t get run because they have two Pro Bowlers in front of them.
Music City Miracles blogger and official Jon Bovi tour manager.
by August West on Nov 30, 2009 11:17 AM CST up reply actions
Wells didn't "get behind him."
We were in zone coverage on that play. Harper passed him off to the safety. It was a perfectly thrown ball, maybe the best of the day, by Leinart.
Gross, I’m defending Harper. Look what you made me do, August.
This one's for you, #9.
Perhaps. And the trap almost worked. I remember during that play thinking...
“if only Harper was three inches taller — INT.”
This one's for you, #9.
That's the point.
I think he makes that pick two years ago. The lost step is the difference between a turnover and a big gain.
Alright. I can get behind that.
…like a third option gets behind Harper. Oh!
This one's for you, #9.
Fuller is the nickel, and is paid like a starter accordingly
They also usually play a safety at the dime spot to for run support
Music City Miracles blogger and official Jon Bovi tour manager.
and Fuller is a beast
Hood was playing very well and getting picks. I just don’t buy they “you can’t lose your starting role to injury” stuff. That’s my beef. To me, you should put your best and hottest players on the field. CJ flaming hot? That means not much playing time for Lendale. Sorry dude, but them’s the breaks. But for some reason, with the worst pass defense in the AFC, suddenly they decide that in this case the hot player sits. It just makes zero, zero sense to me. Nothing against Harper, he may be playing OK or not, but you don’t sit CJ for Lendale just to be fair to Lendale. The point is to win games, not be fair to individual players. Within reason. And letting Hood stay in over Harper would have been within reason.
by numbertenox on Nov 30, 2009 10:33 AM CST up reply actions
That was sarcasm, right?
I felt he could have handled that last punt. At least had let us start at our ten or fifteen.
This one's for you, #9.
That is true
but you can’t blame him for that. He has never handled punts in his life before now. That is on Fisher.
Titans Blogger at Music City Miracles even though gramsey hates it.
at least.....
he didnt muff it or turn it over to the other team. he’s put a stop to the carousel of returners going back there to give it a try.
"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."
After watching the game yesterday, I'm convinced of two things:
1. This team will win at least 9-10 games. There was a lot of adversity in that game from the clock management at the end of the half, to the Kenny Britt fumble, a couple of big drops by Nate, and a handful of others that escape me at the moment. Most teams would folded in the face of all those letdowns. Instead, our defense made a big stand against a team that was moving the ball at will all second half. Then, we marched down the field on the shoulders of a guy that most everyone in America thought couldn’t be a pure passer. We threw the ball on every single down. And, we all saw what happened next.
I’d be terrified if I were a d-coordinator. Vince has always been a guy you have to game plan for because of his legs, but after what we saw yesterday, I’m not sure there is a game plan. VY proved he can do it with his arm when it matters most. But, you look back to the Houston game, and it was like watching the old Vince. He can still be dynamic with his legs. Beyond that, you’ve also got to game plan for the most explosive back not only in the NFL, but one that is having one of the most explosive years in NFL history. It gets better, though, because if Britt continues to develop, coordinators are going to be forced to have help with him over the top on a consistent basis.
It’s an exciting time to be a Titans fan…a stark contrast from the end of the NE game. And, what’s interesting is what a different team this is than what we expected. The defense isn’t carrying the offense, it’s the offense that’s putting the defense on it’s back and carrying the load. Not just with the run game either. We’re balanced and actually have playmakers at every position.
2. CJ will easily break 2000 yards, and has a good shot at the record. A lot of this has to do with what I said above, we have balance. Chris Johnson is dangerous when every defense only keys on him. That’s going to have to change to some extent. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think CJ gets better in these upcoming games.
cj is going to absolutely shred the colts
both slaton and chris brown put up 5+ ypc before the texans got away from the run yesterday.
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
Unfortunately, the Colts will in turn shred Nick Harper.
It ought to be an interesting game.
I figure if Tennessee can MASSIVELY win Time-of-Possession, then they have a chance.
DannoE
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
I hope this game opens fisher's eyes
and he puts in hood
Que Where?!?!
by SouthTexasTitan on Nov 30, 2009 4:23 PM CST up reply actions
well
1) I agree, mostly.
2) I dont think its an “easily” case. The Titans are about to start throwing. For better or worse.
This was shaping up to be what my brother and I call "A Baltimore Game."
A Baltimore Game is a game where the Titans win in every statistical category except for turnovers and final score.
I called my brother and said, “VY just won a Baltimore Game.”
…and nearly cried.
This one's for you, #9.
Young with a 97 QB rating as a starter
That’s only 9th best in this ridiculous QB season, but that would have been 3rd best in 2008 and 6th best in 2007. He doesn’t have to be that good to win with CJ, but it’s pretty damn promising. A lot of the 43 attempts were due to horrible field position and getting off schedule with penalties and short gains, so it’s good to see the QB and the team deal with those challenges.
The running is still there too… he needs to keep doing what he’s doing, throw low risk/high reward deep balls, trust the guys around him.
Those deep balls are one of the bigger differences in this offense in the past few games.
We’re taking a lot more shots, and Dinger is putting his faith in Vince. VY has responded by throwing some great deep balls. The one that was dropped by Nate against the Texans was one of the best deep throws I’ve ever seen.
Ball Britt fumbled was excellent too...
Looked like he might have been able to take it to the house if he didn’t stumble.
All of a sudden with VY, CJ, and Britt you appear to have a very exciting young nucleus.
Yeah, that was a great throw/catch....
the “playmaker” will learn to cover up that ball…he’s still a rookie.
by titansfan4ever on Nov 30, 2009 10:31 AM CST up reply actions
You have to be excited about our offensive future.
Vince Young, CJ, Kenny Britt, Nate Washington, Ringer…
"We really feel like we can go 10-0 in these last ten games...we’re trying to do something nobody has ever done." Chris Johnson
"This is the only building in the NHL that the fans get up and cheer for no apparent reason just to support us." - Dan Ellis
Official Graphic Designer/Researcher/Grammar Police of MCM.
Official Graphic Goon of OTF.
by Aditya T (smashville) on Nov 30, 2009 11:08 AM CST up reply actions
jared cook and lavell hawkins have apparently arrived at the party too
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
Lavelle looked exciting last night.
If not for the safety, he could have turned the corner on his catch across the middle. He’s got big play ability.
I’d like to see him get a crack at punt and/or kick returns.
yeah he could definitely
be a great weapon if he can get in the game. he is all kinds of quick.
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
It looked like we were getting a very good preview of the Titans of the future.
Condensed in a 99 yard heart-stopping synopsis. Our future looks really, really bright guys. Drink deeply of the Kool-Aid. Woot!
I have to agree
The offense of the future is starting to shape up great. Now instead of thinking offensive for the draft I say lets draft all defense and an athlete or two for returners
and that rating
doesn’t take into account what he’s done with his legs (especially the Houston game, where he ran for 6 first downs)
Music City Miracles blogger and official Jon Bovi tour manager.
by August West on Nov 30, 2009 10:38 AM CST up reply actions
Miracles are still happening in the Music City
OK guys…I hate to say I told you so, but…after the NE game, I talked about us going 10-6 & I could hear the collective laughter from here. That’s funny…I’m listening…I don’t hear anyone laughing now. We are all getting to witness something very special right now. The difference between the 0-6 Titans & the 5-0 Titans is that when they made mistakes before, they would hang their heads. Now, they keep playing hard. It’s almost like they can visualize the victory in their minds even before it happens on the field. And with this “can do” attitude, they can beat ANYBODY!!! Yes…..even the Colts!!
by titansfan4ever on Nov 30, 2009 10:17 AM CST reply actions
Hey hal...what do think are some of the keys to beating the Colts?
by titansfan4ever on Nov 30, 2009 10:22 AM CST up reply actions
2 main keys
the d-line has to get to peyton or else he will beat us. our secondary still isn’t good enough to stand up to the colts when peyton has time in the pocket.
keep balance on offense. the texans were dominating their d in the 1st half when they were mixing the run and pass. when they got away from the run in the second half, indy was able to shut them down.
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
another thing that must be improved over this week
can’t be leaving so many points on the board. when you get chances against the colts, you have to put up 7s
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
amen
especially that second drive. Those have to end with 7, not 3. You won’t beat the Colts kicking FGs.
Music City Miracles blogger and official Jon Bovi tour manager.
by August West on Nov 30, 2009 11:01 AM CST up reply actions
::cough, cough::
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNyLymGyAh0
lol. I know I know. You’re right. But I can be right, too.
I am encouraged
By the fact that the Colts O-Line has been letting people get to Manning the last couple weeks.
it's showing too
manning is on his first 3 game streak w/ 2INTs since 2001. his first one against houston was 100% thanks to pressure getting to him and hitting his arm as he threw. we need to be doing that stuff all day if we want a win.
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
best part about that was seeing the re-emergence
of that whiny, ‘why am I even here if you aren’t going to be perfect’ face. Every time I see that my heart grows a little warmer.
Music City Miracles blogger and official Jon Bovi tour manager.
by August West on Nov 30, 2009 11:52 AM CST up reply actions
YES!
specifically this one:
Music City Miracles blogger and official Jon Bovi tour manager.
by August West on Nov 30, 2009 11:56 AM CST up reply actions
Only one problem with this picture....
he’s not on his back!!
by titansfan4ever on Nov 30, 2009 3:24 PM CST up reply actions
that helmet doesn't show
his six head
Que Where?!?!
by SouthTexasTitan on Nov 30, 2009 4:25 PM CST up reply actions
that's his Mr. Ed "I look like a horse" face
Back To The Future
by Voluntitan23 on Nov 30, 2009 11:57 AM CST up reply actions
congrats
you win
Music City Miracles blogger and official Jon Bovi tour manager.
by August West on Nov 30, 2009 10:38 AM CST up reply actions
Where is your thread saying that?
I mean I told all my buddies we’d go 10-6 in the living room, too. But none of them are sober enough to back me up on my claims! :) :)
I was there for the Music City Miracle...
and after that drive it felt like that all over again. Those are the two best moments in Titan history in Tennessee. Absolutely amazing!
she's in the closet
trying on her new VY jersey
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
ROFL
I literally laughed out loud. Thanks!
by Rustmeister on Nov 30, 2009 11:27 AM CST up reply actions
I would hope she's not avoiding this place
Just because VY is doing well. I would think think any Titans fan, regardless of their conceptions of VY before the season, would be happy that he’s doing well and helping them to win.
by TheElusiveShadow on Nov 30, 2009 7:03 PM CST up reply actions
I personally was impressed with the adjustments of Chuck Cecil
He had the secondary jump the shorter routes, and I think it’s because he knew that with Matt Leinhart, Wisenhunt and Co. weren’t going to go deep too often. It was a good gamble.
It also shows why it’s smart to let Vince air it out, because I suspect that he will continue (despite recent deep ball success) to see DBs jumping a lot of routes.
T-Rac's Posse - T-Rac is one boss raccoon.
My personal Tribute to Air McNair
still want to see some more blitzes. espe the corner blitzes with harper. maybe some more exotic packages. need something for peyton when our front 4 arent getting it done.
but we did keep them underneath most of the game, youre right
the Harper corner blitz is good
because it means he’s not in coverage!!!
VUNCE YOUNG!!!
I'M DISRESPECTFUL TO DIRT!! CAN YOU SEE THAT I AM SERIOUS?
GET OUT OF MY WAY, ALL OF YOU. THIS IS NO PLACE FOR LOAFERS. JOIN ME OR DIE. CAN YOU DO ANY LESS?
Limit big plays so they have lots of 8-10 play drives,
dominate time of possession and then win it on the last drive. That’s how we’ve done it in the past, and that’s why we play them better than anyone else in the league (save the week 5 game where we were in free fall). Nobody beats the Colts in quarters 1-3.
Music City Miracles blogger and official Jon Bovi tour manager.
Also,
win the field position battles and make the INTs that you get close to.
Music City Miracles blogger and official Jon Bovi tour manager.
Yeah, we definitely have to win the turnover battle....
protect the ball…capitalize on their mistakes….but if we’re not going to blitz, then our front 4 have REALLY got to bring it….cause if Peyton gets time to throw, our winning streak is OVER!!
by titansfan4ever on Nov 30, 2009 4:02 PM CST up reply actions
My biggest guys to keep an eye on in the injury reports this week:
Jason Jones. We’re in trouble if he’s still inactive on Sunday.
Music City Miracles blogger and official Jon Bovi tour manager.
its true that manning can pick apart a blitz, but hell also break apart our cover 2, esp with harper, when we line up 10 yards off their receivers and give him 5 seconds to throw. Id rather make him beat us by attacking the blitz than let him beat us by playing him straight up.
that being said, with manning you have to be creative and careful with your blitzes.
really though the key is CJ and VY keeping manning off the field
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