Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Little Doubts About LenDale Are Bubbling Up Edition
by August West on Mar 9, 2009 8:37 AM CDT
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The Titans still have more work to do in free agency, though it's all depth additions at this point. Here, Jim Wyatt goes through each position group and gives an update on the work that's left to be done. The most interesting blurb concerns the running backs group, and it ain't good for LenDale:
Chris Johnson, coming off a strong rookie season, will be featured even more. Privately the Titans have concerns about LenDale White, from his off-field behavior to his motivation. Rafael Little, who spent last season on injured reserve, worked hard and has a better chance of being on the roster and contributing than Chris Henry. The Titans are also considering free agent and draft options.
Why haven't the Titans filled-up all of those depth spots yet? Because some of the best bargains of the year typically show-up during this second wave of free agency, when guys who had delusions regarding their market value have crashed back to earth...
To that end, the Titans worked-out Packers restricted free agent (no compensation required to sign) cornerback Jarret Bush. He's a versatile DB who can line-up at safety or corner, and who has drawn the interest of various other teams around the league.
Daniel Loper signed with the Lions and Jim Schwartz this weekend. The signing isn't surprising to me, but I'm a little shocked that Loper would leave for a one year contract. Then again, he's got a much better chance of beating out a starter there than he did here in Nashville.
If the Titans are interested in a 3rd QB to come in and compete with VY, there are some very capable and experienced options still on the market.
A charitable fund has been created to help the 25-year-old Nashvillian who was badly injured in that December car accident with Albert Haynesworth. The kid had to have a hip replacement and is unable to pay his medical bills or find new work, so visit www.helpcoreyedmondson.com if you'd like to help.
Militant commenter Rustmeister sends along his take on the T.O. news from late last week.
Every time you email me a link the football gods smile upon you, 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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Yep, still hurts today.
Official MCM Hater!
by gramsey712 on Mar 9, 2009 8:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I heard Baltimore-fan Mel Kiper admit on the radio that the Ravens had no business winning that game...
and it felt like he just ripped off a scab.
Where I was raised 2 + 2 = 3rd and 6.
by August West on Mar 9, 2009 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LenDale White
Am I the only one that thinks he is going to have a great year in 2009? I think the Ravens playoff game made him realize his current limitations, even though we all know that he has serious pounding potential. He has said as much in interviews anyway and that he was going to work his butt off during the offseason to turn some of that blubber into muscle. Don’t forget that it is also a contract year for him. After 2009, I say get rid of him, but keep him around for this year anyway.
by BennyTN on Mar 9, 2009 9:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You're not alone -
I think that LenDale will have a solid year as well. It seems like every year people believe his weight is an issue, but he has ran fairly well every year. We all know that LenDale is a hilarious smart ass. His mouth is what a caused these “off the field issue”, which amount to a bunch of nothing. He’s not a problematic player, & he knows when & where he needs to be motivated. I don’t know why Crazylegs would become a feature back when he ran very well this past year, splitting carries with LDW. The right key for the right lock -
by TrenchantTitan on Mar 9, 2009 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't get me wrong.
I for sure want Johnson to be the feature back. White is nothing in comparison to him on most downs. However, on 3rd and 1 or 2, I want LenDale running the ball.
by BennyTN on Mar 9, 2009 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he doesn't have a good year this year, then he never will.
DannoE
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
by DannoE on Mar 9, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think he was particularly impressive last year.
And his rookie year wasn’t anything to write home about, either.
DannoE
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
by DannoE on Mar 9, 2009 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His rookie year?
You mean the year he was running behind Travis Henry, 1200+yrds on the ground, & Chris Brown? Granted both players were on their way out, but what kind of #’s did you realistically expect from a guy that was running behind two vets?
by TrenchantTitan on Mar 9, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I expected him to beat out Chris Brown and to take some carries from T-Henry.
He was a second round pick. That’s not an unreasonable expectation. But he gained a grand total of about 250 yards, which was not at all impressive.
DannoE
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
by DannoE on Mar 9, 2009 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LenDale's 2007 was bad. Period.
In terms of efficiency he was below Ron Dayne and Kolbi Smith, despite having a very good O-line helping him.
Yeah he got 1,100 yards, but it took him 303 carries to get there, and he only averaged 3.7 YPC. Those kinds of numbers simply will not cut it on a team that’s trying to dominate with their grond game.
Where I was raised 2 + 2 = 3rd and 6.
by August West on Mar 9, 2009 10:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I dunno
That was a lot of clock he ate with those carries.
by Rustmeister on Mar 9, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True, but a lot of guys could have done better, is my point.
Where I was raised 2 + 2 = 3rd and 6.
by August West on Mar 9, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i would agree with this
however i know a certain head coach who isn’t the least bit troubled by 3.7 yards and a cloud of dust.
btw, 3.7…seems like a relevant figure to the titans run game. hmmmmmmmmmm what could it be??
o yeah! it’s eddie george’s 8 season average as a titan…..
in fact his crowning season, 2000, when eddie put up 1500+ yards rushing and 14 TDs, it took an absolutely astonishing 403 carries, for an average of…you guessed it…3.7 yards per carry. even in that monster year of eddie’s, his efficiency wasn’t even top 15 in the league.
i don’t mean to compare the two by any means. all i’m saying is fisher has never been all that caught up in “efficiency” when it comes to the running game. in some ways he champions inefficiency, because it runs more clock.
bonus points to anyone who can name the most efficient RB season for the titans since eddie was drafted without checking football outsiders. who and what year?
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
by hal41605 on Mar 9, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For Eddie's first 5 years (which were all his best 5 years)
3.7 was the WORST he averaged. If LenDale had other years as the lead guy with a YPC above 3.7 then I might give him some faith, but he doesn’t…
And the head coach you refereed to was bothered enough by ‘3 .7 yards and a cloud of dust’ to draft a replacement in the first round the following year.
Like I said below, I’m pulling for him as a Titan, but he doesn’t have much reason to look at his spot as concrete.
Where I was raised 2 + 2 = 3rd and 6.
by August West on Mar 9, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i personally agree
that he is replaceable. he will stay here only as long as his price tag and ego stay in the situational running back category (1 year tops).
i just thought the stats were funny.
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
by hal41605 on Mar 9, 2009 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup
Eddie’s number’s don’t hold-up to well overtime, but then again there’s no stat category for heart!
yeah I said it…
Where I was raised 2 + 2 = 3rd and 6.
by August West on Mar 9, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm gonna guess Chris Henry's rookie season.
Barely any carries, but two broken for long TDs.
DannoE
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
by DannoE on Mar 9, 2009 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chris Brown?
That one year he was all the shiznit?
by numbertenox on Mar 9, 2009 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe it was Chris Brown in Eddie's last year.
I think he had one carry—in the Baltimore game—for about 15 yards.
DannoE
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
by DannoE on Mar 9, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Travis Henry! 2006?
Official MCM Hater!
by gramsey712 on Mar 9, 2009 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
there you have it.
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
by hal41605 on Mar 9, 2009 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's surprising.
I remember he had a good DVOA that year, but didn’t think it’d be one of the Titans best. I always thought Brown deserved more carries than Lendale that season, though.
by SuperHorn on Mar 9, 2009 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He would have gotten them
if he wasn’t such a gimp. Fisher hates guys who are constantly nicked-up and you never knew if Brown was going to start or finish a game.
Where I was raised 2 + 2 = 3rd and 6.
by August West on Mar 9, 2009 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Re:
Fisher hates guys who are constantly nicked-up
Unless their name is Albert Haynesworth.
by SuperHorn on Mar 9, 2009 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
touchè
well played salesman…
Where I was raised 2 + 2 = 3rd and 6.
by August West on Mar 10, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could have done better but...
we made the play-offs & he scored 15 TDs that season. I’m not following you here August….??
by TrenchantTitan on Mar 9, 2009 10:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Gramsey could have gotten at least 10 of those...
it’s pretty easy to score a TD when you’re on the 2 yard line and every defensive player is blocked back into their own end zone. If that’s going to be LenDale’s role then that’s fine, just make him a short yardage specialist and the 3rd RB.
Look I like LenDale and I think he’s hilarious and could be a great back in this league, but he’s gotten WAY too much credit from most of us considering how mediocre his production has been.
Where I was raised 2 + 2 = 3rd and 6.
by August West on Mar 9, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could have gotten those with August on my back.
Official MCM Hater!
by gramsey712 on Mar 9, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You make my point here -
1yd TD runs don’t help the Yard Per Carry average. I think that LenDale has done what has been asked & don’t see a need for a role reduction. He’s no feature back, but in todays NFL, backs are only as good as their counterparts. Is there such a thing as a true feature back anymore? And if there is such an animal, that role will greatly diminish their NFL lifespan.
by TrenchantTitan on Mar 9, 2009 1:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
adrian peterson
brian westbrook, clinton portis, michael turner, LDT/larry johnson if they rebound next season…. that’s all i can name. matt forte, crazy legs and slaton are all possibles in the future i think.
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
by hal41605 on Mar 9, 2009 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh come on now!
Neither CJ nor Westbrook are very good at short yardage.
My best guess for featured backs would be Clinton Portis and Michael Turner. Those two dudes do EVERYTHING, and when they are out, their teams are a shadow of themselves.
DannoE
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
by DannoE on Mar 9, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and peterson for sure
westbrook is intended to be, though obv. fragile. i would have no qualms about giving some goal line touches in the future. i think cj will eventually do everything.
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
by hal41605 on Mar 9, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
#s
Brian Westbrook consistantly misses 2-3 games a year – Clinton Portis is misses at least 1 a year, but who knows how long his knees will hold up, Larry Johnson & Michael Turner, one year wonders – LDT is the only true feature back, and even he went down with the toe injury.
Staunch Defender of the Round Mound -
by TrenchantTitan on Mar 9, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ok, Larry is a Feature back as well -
He just like to beat up women though….
Staunch Defender of the Round Mound -
by TrenchantTitan on Mar 9, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Giving LenDale 2.5 more yards of credit on 10 runs this year won't make a bit of difference.
point unmade.
And this is the era of the dual RBs. That’s why we need a no. 2 who is better suited to be threat when he runs, rather than a breather for the defense, IMO.
Where I was raised 2 + 2 = 3rd and 6.
by August West on Mar 9, 2009 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now you've made me go & change my signature....
Staunch Defender of the Round Mound -
by TrenchantTitan on Mar 9, 2009 1:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
if we could just find a mccareins defender...
Go Titans!
by Pinoy Titan on Mar 9, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Next you'll be wanting an Alge Crumpler defender...
le sigh
DannoE
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
by DannoE on Mar 9, 2009 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you'll be perfect for that D.
Tuna can make you the official MCM Crumpler Defender.
Official MCM Hater!
by gramsey712 on Mar 9, 2009 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chris Henry would be a great compliment to CJ
He is a big back, very fast, and isn’t afraid to hit. Our RB coach needs to be spending all off season working on his vision because that is what is holding him back. If we could fix that about him we would have the best RB combo in the league and Kerry REALLY wouldn’t have to do much for us to win.
Cortland Finnegan is a beast
by Titansfan_559 on Mar 9, 2009 8:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
lendale is slow
hes had alot of years to get the weight off and nothing has happend still fat and slow. its like hes is in slow motion when he takes the handoff and takes forever to get going. sure he had a few good games but its kind of boring to watch him run over and over for 2 yards then pass on third down. and if he cant hold onto the football during the playoffs whats the point. isnt it 2 years in a row hes fumbled in the playoffs?
by dentureboy on Mar 9, 2009 9:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
as long as we have cj i don't really care
lendale is fine. he does his job and will probably play harder in his contract year.
let him bolt and then just plug in another big, short yardage guy (draft, fa, whatever).
by rolypoly32 on Mar 9, 2009 11:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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