Looking Forward: Bright Future

I'm going to post a personal season recap after week 17, but with our season functionally over, I wanted to start a positive thread about the team's future. I've read a lot of negativity, understandably, after the Colts loss, but I reject the notion that the team will never finish a deep playoff run. If you had asked me before the season, what five player development successes would most benefit the Titans, in both the short-term and long-term, I'd probably have said:

1. Vince Young becomes a contending-team caliber starting quarterback-- If he's not there, he's certainly making his way. It's unbelievable and at the same time, it's strangely likely. While the Vince Young "supporter/hater" debate that wasn't so much a debate as a playground fight raged on, no one was allowed to take a rational wait-and-see approach. Although, I think Jimmy and many of the regulars here were mostly fair to Vince and necessarily sarcastic towards people who tried to rehash the "debate", so kudos to MCM.

that negativity, on both sides, though, blinded us to the old draft-day consensus that Vince had enormous physical talents, but would need 3-4 years to develop. We also forgot the old consensus that Vince would perform if he had better offensive talent are with them. The accuracy he developed in '07, the willingness to run he demonstrated as a rookie, and a new found aversion to turnovers that came with better footwork and an offensive tailored to him, not Matt Leinart, has proven to be a special combination. 

2. Chris Johnson joins an elite level of runningbacks-- Last off-season, I compared Chris Johnson's rookie numbers (really just his YPC) to the rookie seasons of the most revered Hall-of-Fame running backs. I feel comparable player trends are underutilized tool of football analysis. Chris compared...very well. The friends I shared this to had a healthy amount of skepticism; the unlikely star from ECU had already given us so much as a rookie, how could we expect more? 10 piece nugget meal With fruit punch and a bar b q and sweet and sour sause. That's how.

3. Jason Jones or Sen'Derrick Marks breaks out as #1 running-stop DT-- Eh...not so much, but injuries played a bigger role than anything. We'll see if either steps up during the stretch run. The depth we have at DT is pretty nice, regardless. 

4. Michael Griffin becomes an elite safety- WOOPS.

5. Kenny Britt becomes the #1-- I love Kenny Britt. People overlook that he's playing this well as the youngest player in the NFL. That's huge; he's only going to get better. 

The offseason:

The Titans have finally overcome the Lendale White, Chris Henry, Paul Williams, Chris Davis era of drafting futility to form a very good offensive core. If Vince maintains this level of play, he could be the best quarterback since 2001-03 Steve McNair. That alone, could make us a contender. Building around Roos-Stewart-Young-Johnson-Britt, I think the Titans should let Amano walk (Harris?) and maybe Bo, depending on demands, even though Vince loves him. With all the drops, it's time to stop trusting Gage or Washington to be a #2 and get a veteran to complement Britt. Add in Hawkins, Ringer, and Cook, and there's ridiculous upside in all phases of the offensive game. It's up to Heimerdinger (or whoever) to be creative. The biggest move here may just be re-structuring VY's contract.

As such, I think defense should be a priority, most obviously a replacement for Harper, but also maybe a stud DT or DE to anchor the line and facilitate more pressure. The Titans have been pretty good at scouting cornerbacks in the draft (even Pacman was a very good player), so I have faith they can get this done. I'd even consider trying Griffin at corner down the stretch this season, with maybe Fuller at FS, so that the Titans can get Harper on the bench and put the fire to Griffin's feet. 

That being said, in the draft, I secretly hope we draft Golden Tate, considering our return game issues, him being a local guy, and the need to replace Washington as the deep threat. 

My only input on firing Fisher is that all criticisms of him are totally fair, I just worry about losing Dinger and then having Vince struggle in a new system. 

Yea, I'm an optimist, but with good reason.