Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Meager Upside Edition

by August West on Aug 26, 2009 8:37 AM CDT in Tennessee Titans Links

An MRI showed no major damage to Nate Washington's hamstring, but his status for the season opener at Pittsburgh is still very much in doubt. Given how tough the early third of our schedule appears to be, this could be a significant injury due to the lack of experience behind him. The meager upside to the situation is that coaches will get a good long look at those young guys over the final two preseason games with the starting unit.

Traditionally Coach Fisher has had the starters play into the first few series in the third quarter during the third preseason game so that they get a feel for the halftime process and making adjustments. This squad is so experienced, however, that Fish is saying he may forego that route this time.

Graduating from Vanderbilt and carving out a good career in the NFL is more than most people can accomplish, and it doesn't get a bit easier if you throw dyslexia in the mix... just ask Jovan Haye.

Follow us through the jump to see why the Titans aren't sweating the ground game's lame preseason production...

Teresa Walker explains why the Titans aren't concerned about the lackluster production in the running game over the preseason: mainly because there's no sense of urgency due to the fact that these guys have proven themselves in real action. You can also point to the O-line injuries as affecting the running game as well.

Paul K watched a big-time goal line stand in practice yesterday, and then decided to quiz those involved to see how it looked from their perspective.

Peter King can name at least 10 rookies who have been more impressive than Jared Cook or Javon Ringer? Really?

Former Titans camp player from last year and local (Montgomery Bell) product Ingle Martin has an audition for the Denver Broncos.

The Football Outsiders take a look at what they perceive (via their proprietary DVOA stats) to be a steady decline in the competitive balance across the NFL.

If there's anything you would like to share with the MCM community, please take advantage of the comments, fanshots and fanposts to do so! Or, you can always email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com.

Tweet Comment 11 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Caption is great

FOREVER #9

Official Graphic Designer/Researcher/Grammar Police of MCM.
Official Graphic Goon of OTF.

by Aditya T (smashville) on Aug 26, 2009 8:49 AM CDT reply actions

"8. Nic Harris, LB, Buffalo (147th pick). Could be special-teams demon while waiting for a defensive role"

Good stuff Petey.

I would bet the house that Cook and Ringer both score a touchdown before Harris makes a defensive tackle.

You continue to amaze me with your crap. You and Florio will get along well on NBC. Garbage.

Official MCM Hater!

FREE BRYCE BROWN!

by gramsey712 on Aug 26, 2009 8:53 AM CDT reply actions

Personally, I am glad King is wrong again on this one

I want Cook and Britt to fly under the radar until they make big plays against the Squeelers.

"I finished the game. In my mind, if I finished the game, I can play next week." - Steve McNair RIP

by Pinoy Titan on Aug 26, 2009 9:39 AM CDT reply actions

My dream is...

for Jared Cook to catch a quick seam route from Collins and for Polamalalalalulu to gamble and mis-judge Cook’s speed and Cook to sprint right by Polamalalalalalulu on his way to a 75 yard touchdown.

I love my dreams. So much better than reality.

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

by T--Rac's Posse on Aug 26, 2009 11:16 AM CDT reply actions

I should also add...

NBC then cuts to Peter King and he says “Who the f*** was that? I’VE NEVER HEARD OF HIM!” before he realizes the comeras were on and his career dies.

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

by T--Rac's Posse on Aug 26, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions

Unless I'm missing something

The titans have already played their third preseason game.

by Dirty South Swag on Aug 26, 2009 12:22 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

I wasn't counting the HOF game

that was like a pre-preseason game, or a glorified scrimmage…

Music City Miracles blogger and official Jon Bovi tour manager.

by August West on Aug 26, 2009 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions

I see Peter King is up to his usual....

…“The Titans are overrated” schtick.
It’s getting old.

Quit fretting about the run game. Are people really of the mindset that we’re suddenlly not going to be able to run the ball? Seriously? I got news for you – if that’s the case – .500 will be a stretch. So stop worrying – we’ll be fine. We don’t spend much time forcing it yet because it’s not the element of the offense that needs the preseason attention, that’s all. Gotta see if we can toss the rock, too, you know.

I like the idea of not using CJ much, as well as many other starters. Why risk the injury? Is their role somehow in question? Put Ringer and Contract Year out there and let them compete for playing time. Johnson will get his 1000+ yards this year, even if he sleeps through the preseason.

Only real concerns are the WR situation and #2 CB situation. Even if the team does nothing to address either, we’re still a postseason franchise in 2009.

"Bite my shiny metal ass!" -- Bender Bending Rodriguez

"Life is just one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead."

by The Jade Scorpion on Aug 26, 2009 12:41 PM CDT reply actions

Good point.

A lot of people seem to be missing the fact that Fisher has really put emphasis on finding players via the pre-season this year. Yes, I would be happier if they were running it better, but until they put Dave Stewart back in, I’m not going to worry about it.

DannoE

"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."

by DannoE on Aug 26, 2009 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Competitive balance decline

There’s a pretty good discussion in the comments on that article around the reasons behind the decline, if any.

Basically the going theory seems to be that creating a system that is more balanced for all teams is making the teams that have good GMs (see Patriots, Colts, Steelers, us with our current GM) stand out that much more, and that teams with no or bad GMs (see Raiders, Bengals, Lions, Cowboys) consistenly worse.

by hartley on Aug 26, 2009 1:29 PM CDT reply actions

Peter King is a clearly biased hack.

I don’t see why a guy who is an obvious Patriot fan (And somehow almost as much of a steeler fan) gets to cover the entire NFL. Oh wait, he only covers the teams he cares about. Thats why you don’t see Titan’s rookies up there.

Who doesn't want to be a promiscuous dope fiend?

by BonzosMontreaux on Aug 26, 2009 2:34 PM CDT reply actions