Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Are They More Athletic Autocracy Or Pastime Junta? You Decide Edition

Following up on yesterday's linkage to Bill Barnwell's list of the top 2010 'prospects', Paul K delivers some of the pay-for content for all of you who are smart enough not to feed even more money into the ESPN sports-reporting oligarchy. Here's some of Barnwell's analysis on the number two 'prospect' in the league (and MCM favorite), Jacob Ford:

"He didn't start a game after getting three starts in 2008. He still showed signs of being a terrifying pass rusher, though, picking up 5.5 sacks, eight hits and 10 hurries as a situational pass rusher. Despite seeing far less time, Ford had as many Defeats -- plays which stop the opposition from getting a first down on third or fourth down, stops behind the line of scrimmage or forcing a fumble or interception -- as starter Kyle Vanden Bosch (13). Vanden Bosch has gone to Detroit, which opens up a spot on the defensive line. Ford's still a work in progress against the run, which may prevent him from claiming the starting job, but it's impossible to keep him off opposing quarterbacks. By the end of the year, we figure that Ford will be the man in Tennessee."

Chris Johnson talked with Erin Andrews on the red carpet of the ESPYS last night (can't we all just give her her privacy yet?). Here, John Glennon parses those words to try and distill some meaning. The final analysis? Chris Johnson wants more money. The big news from the ESPYS? The unaired High-Five Award goes to me for still having never watched a single minute of such self-congratulatory garbage.

Follow us through the jump to find out what made this kitty so sad...

Rennie Curran (another MCM interviewee) is now officially a Titan after signing a four year deal. We also added free agent tight end Sean Ryan (described as an older Craig Stevens, which is a pretty boring-ass description) to the roster. PK has more on that story here.

This latest signing, along with the earlier deals for cornerback Alterraun Verner, quarterback Rusty Smith, safety Myron Rolle, wide receiver Marc Mariani and defensive tackle David Howard, put the Titans on pace with the rest of the NFL as far as getting the rookie class locked-up.

The New York Times' Fifth Down blog has a preview of the 2010 Tennessee Titans, and I have to say it's a pretty good one. There are spots I disagree with (like that Harris was terrible at the center position in 2008), but on the whole there's way more insight here than you usually get from a national goon. So, Bravo, Mr. Andy Benoit.

KFFL asks a valid question: where would you slot the Titans defense in a fantasy draft given all of the slippage and roster turnover? Their answer is the 18th round, which makes me has a sad.

I'm still stunned... farewell to the best Vandy coach since cars had cranks on the front, and godspeed to the most natural Steve Martin impersonator you'll ever see.

Have love, send links to mcmaugustwest@gmail.com