Tennessee Titans Daily Links: This Offensive Line Officially Has A Split Personality Edition
Jason McCourty has taken massive steps forward this season, but it's gotta suck knowing that he still isn't the best CB at the dinner table back at home. Still, Jason is closing the gap between he and his brother more quickly than anyone would have expected, especially since he went 5 rounds later in the draft.
Breaking news: The offensive line has struggled like hell with run blocking this year. What is newsworthy is that new O-line coach Bruce Matthews is taking the unit's struggle to heart. He shouldn't beat himself up too much though...
... because Pro Football Focus released their Signature Stats on pass blocking efficiency, and the Titans rank 2nd in the entire league. There are a few shockers in here: Roos doesn't appear on the top 5 LTs, Stewart grades out as the top RT, and Jake Scott is tied for 3rd among all Guards and Harris doesn't appear among the bottom guards.
Paul K takes a look at how much Matt Hasselbeck's presence has helped Munchak really change the mentality around Baptist Sports Park.
Peter King profiles Matt Hasselbeck in a piece that points out that Matt's brother Tim actually played for Chris Palmer when both were with the Giants. The NFL is a small world, people.
Barrett Ruud has been dealing with shoulder pain so far this season, and all indications are that he'll deal with it all season. Rookie LB Colin McCarthy will have to pick up the slack.
Speaking of dinged up LBs, Gerald McRath looks like he won't be able to go on Sunday. Expect to see Will Witherspoon taking a bigger role in the nickel packages.
Chris Palmer is looking forward to returning to Cleveland on Sunday, despite how terribly his run as head coach of the expansion Browns went.
Great pic at the top.
Email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com and be sure to follow me on Twitter @AugustWest_MCM
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I want one!
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So does Mark Sanchez....:-)
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One of these days....WHEN I have more time, WHEN I get that promotion, WHEN my ship comes in. Listen, TODAY is the day WHEN you start to put your goals into action. TODAY is the day WHEN you stop putting things off and decide that the only way the future IS going to be better is if I make TODAY WHENsday!!
by titansfan4ever on Sep 30, 2011 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions
actually...
Jason has always been the better corner. Coming out of high school, jason had all the offers and devin only had rutgers. Devin got redshirted…jason didn’t. I watched Devin get torched repeatedly against the Bills last week. I think we got the better corner. Have no idea why he fell so low in draft but yay for us!
"With all due respect, and I do mean....
with all due respect.....
That idea ain't worth a velvet painting of
a whale and a dolphin gettn it on"
by zero defects on Sep 30, 2011 11:17 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
/climer-sigh
Why can’t a unit that was supposed to be the strength of the team create any running lanes?
They can and have. Just not consistently.
As good as Matt Hasselbeck has been through three games, the Titans aren’t going to keep winning if he’s throwing 37 or so times every Sunday.Why? Because that’s what he’s heard other people say? What’s going to change that would make them stop winning? Will they keep winning if he only throws 36 times a game??
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by rothbard on Sep 30, 2011 11:22 AM CDT reply actions 4 recs
oh no Climer... you've done pissed R-bored off something fierce.
im out:

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by StPrattrick on Sep 30, 2011 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
lol
This signature was strip sacked by Karl "Goro" Klug, and hit late by Jason Jones.
by Ice0ne (CAJ) on Sep 30, 2011 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions
very nice
"With all due respect, and I do mean....
with all due respect.....
That idea ain't worth a velvet painting of
a whale and a dolphin gettn it on"
by zero defects on Sep 30, 2011 11:29 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Because the Titans are a running team
Remember, Fisher is a run-first coach and that’s the only way he knows how to win.
Oops…I’m just recycling the same lines used over the past decade to describe the Titans.
by shawneriksmith on Sep 30, 2011 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Climer:
Is Jeff Fisher not still our coach?
Official MCM Hater!
"I don't care if they put 11 or 12 guys in the box, we're gonna run the football"--#9
Climer:
what will it take for Eddie George to get back on track?
Pearl for Life.
The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.
Climer:
" I think Frank Wycheck should have a big game this week"
Music City Miracles Hall Of Fame, Class of 2010
One of these days....WHEN I have more time, WHEN I get that promotion, WHEN my ship comes in. Listen, TODAY is the day WHEN you start to put your goals into action. TODAY is the day WHEN you stop putting things off and decide that the only way the future IS going to be better is if I make TODAY WHENsday!!
by titansfan4ever on Sep 30, 2011 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Is this
Barrett Ruud has been dealing with shoulder pain so far this season, and all indications are that he’ll deal with it all season. Rookie LB Colin McCarthy will have to pick up the slack.
Why he’s been getting ran over and ran through??
1 more reason we shoulda kept Tulloch
…/Ducks for cover
This signature was strip sacked by Karl "Goro" Klug, and hit late by Jason Jones.
Except he leads the team in tackles and the Titans are at the top of the league in defense
Don’t really see a problem
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"We are in my house. I can put my beer on the uncovered coffee table and take a dump on the carpet if I like." - gramsey712
me don't like downfield tackles
and Ruud is like Ayers when when they are trying to shed blockers
This signature was strip sacked by Karl "Goro" Klug, and hit late by Jason Jones.
by Ice0ne (CAJ) on Sep 30, 2011 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Like Prattrick said, it's working so meh, i don't care
Plus, I just hate Tulloch ever since he and Scaife held out of OTAs. He’s dead to me.
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':(
meh
This signature was strip sacked by Karl "Goro" Klug, and hit late by Jason Jones.
by Ice0ne (CAJ) on Sep 30, 2011 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions
its true though
you can still get a bunch of tackles even though you just got run over. i did it all the time in high school.
by asian phil on Sep 30, 2011 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
I tackled Eric Westmoreland one time
And still got up with a footprint on my chest
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"I don't care if they put 11 or 12 guys in the box, we're gonna run the football"--#9
I played against Terrell Suggs when he was the running back for Hamilton HS here.
Was in on a few tackles of his too, but also got laid out just as much. That dude was a man when we were all still kids…
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by StPrattrick on Sep 30, 2011 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions
All Tulloch ever did was tackle downfield
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"I don't care if they put 11 or 12 guys in the box, we're gonna run the football"--#9
But he was better at it!
right?
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He hit harder?
He looked better in uniform?
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"I don't care if they put 11 or 12 guys in the box, we're gonna run the football"--#9
He was short!
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by StPrattrick on Sep 30, 2011 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions
He wasn't a bad-scrappy-white-linebacker
/dreese’d
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Ruud is white!?1?
When you're 15 dooown, in the 4th quarter, who you gonna call? NOWITZKI
by AntiguanTitan on Sep 30, 2011 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Hmmmm.......
Tully Read:
Tully React:
Ruud Read: 
Ruud React: 
by SuperHorn on Sep 30, 2011 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
One play does not a 15 million dollar linebacker make
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"I don't care if they put 11 or 12 guys in the box, we're gonna run the football"--#9
Why don't you show pictures of the play that Ruud was covering the tight end against Denver
Cause we haven’t had a linebacker cover like that since 53 left
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"I don't care if they put 11 or 12 guys in the box, we're gonna run the football"--#9
Of course the guy caught the ball
But that would have been a touchdown last year
Official MCM Hater!
"I don't care if they put 11 or 12 guys in the box, we're gonna run the football"--#9
Yeah the ball sailed right over his hands, but was also there to tackle him out of bounds.
That dude would have been gone last year if it was tully having to chase him down.
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at least you are honest
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Is it possible Ruud's "primary responsibility" isn't what Wikipedia says it should be??
/agitatin’
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True
I believe Ruud said in an interview that the MLB has more coverage responsibility in more of a Tampa-2 style pass defense in Gray’s defense…whence, probably why they chose Ruud over Tulloch.
Gray’s defense is not a traditional 4-3 defense…it’s more of a 4-3 Tampa 2 defense with one-gap 3-4 zone added in.
Ruud isn’t going to any Pro Bowls but he is a decent MLB…but I expect McCarthy to take over the MLB spot next year.
by shawneriksmith on Sep 30, 2011 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions
I remember Gray saying when they picked him up that he is a big upgrade in-terms of football smarts on the field
helping players stay in position and recognizing plays that the offense is showing. Maybe a reason our LBs aren’t getting caught so out of position this year…?
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No.
As SES pointed out, the responsibilities could be different, and I see that in games. So, the skill set needs to allow for a guy to get deeper drops, have quicker hips, and a better ability to make plays over the middle of the field in the passing game.
Still, the MLB’s primary responsibility is run support. If it wasn’t, you’d just stick a Nickelback in the middle.
Put it this way. In the new scheme, Finny is on the LOS a lot more…in the nickel. So, in that sense, it’s important that he’s a sure tackler. That doesn’t change the fact, however, that a corner’s primary responsibility is always pass coverage.
Yes
What if run support is NOT Ruud’s primary responsibility, according to Gray?
/i-know-he-isn’t-the-best-but-they-must-like-him-for-some-reason
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"We are in my house. I can put my beer on the uncovered coffee table and take a dump on the carpet if I like." - gramsey712
You're missing my point.
That IS the MLB’s primary responsibility. It’s just the nature of the position.
What you’re saying would be akin to saying that a WR’s primary is blocking because we run more. Or, a DE’s primary is pass coverage because we zone blitz more.
You can’t scheme around fundamental responsibilities of position.
You mean like Hines Ward?
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Why not?
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"We are in my house. I can put my beer on the uncovered coffee table and take a dump on the carpet if I like." - gramsey712
It's a losing proposition.
When you have to scheme around a positional weakness because of an inability to execute the primary responsibility, it’s a real problem. In this case, it would mean unnecessary safety support against the run, which creates vulnerabilities deep. Sure, you can technically “scheme” around it.
But, you can also scheme around having an offense without a QB that can throw the football (the option). Just because it’s possible to scheme around something doesn’t make it optimal. Clearly Ruud has some baseline/average tackling ability that makes his presence some what bearable, but suggesting that he’s an upgrade because he’s inferior his primary responsibility but superior at pass coverage seems like a stretch to me.
Maybe he's superior in other aspects other than base physical abilities
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"We are in my house. I can put my beer on the uncovered coffee table and take a dump on the carpet if I like." - gramsey712
I think you are taking it a little too far
I’m sure Gray and the front office thought that they would be willing to give up some run stuffing ability to gain in pass defense…why they settled on Ruud and not Tulloch.
Every coach would love to have a Urlacher or a Ray Lewis or a Patrick Willis, but that wasn’t possible in this case.
So, since this is a passing league, the Titans settled on Ruud…probably knowing he is a poorer run defender but better pass defender.
by shawneriksmith on Sep 30, 2011 9:39 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Plus, you must be wrong because I hate Tully.
/end-of-story
//my-narrative
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CHECKMATE!
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*This
If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.
Me thinks him just being on the field as a smart defensive field general has more to do with his tackle numbers.
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by StPrattrick on Sep 30, 2011 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions
If it isn't broke....
that’s what worries me about Chris Hope coming back in the mix.
Yeah, he has
This signature was strip sacked by Karl "Goro" Klug, and hit late by Jason Jones.
by Ice0ne (CAJ) on Sep 30, 2011 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions
His shoulder was hurt in camp
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"I don't care if they put 11 or 12 guys in the box, we're gonna run the football"--#9
Re: the second part
McCarthy coming in for Ruud doesn’t worry me at all. Am I wrong?
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Yes
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by StPrattrick on Sep 30, 2011 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions
WHA?
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"We are in my house. I can put my beer on the uncovered coffee table and take a dump on the carpet if I like." - gramsey712
I am worried about how brittle McCarthy is... I am hoping that's just pre-draft talk
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by StPrattrick on Sep 30, 2011 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions
TAKE IT BACK
MCCARTHY IS AWESOME
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"I don't care if they put 11 or 12 guys in the box, we're gonna run the football"--#9
CHINADOLL!!!
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by StPrattrick on Sep 30, 2011 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions
At least he's not Bob Sanders
damn, he’s made a lot of money on IR
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"We are in my house. I can put my beer on the uncovered coffee table and take a dump on the carpet if I like." - gramsey712
Living the American dream
making millions for doing a.b.s.o.l.u.t.e.l.y nothing.
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by StPrattrick on Sep 30, 2011 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Tell him gramsey!!!
Plus, we all know that it’s only the players who have left the team that suck!!
Music City Miracles Hall Of Fame, Class of 2010
One of these days....WHEN I have more time, WHEN I get that promotion, WHEN my ship comes in. Listen, TODAY is the day WHEN you start to put your goals into action. TODAY is the day WHEN you stop putting things off and decide that the only way the future IS going to be better is if I make TODAY WHENsday!!
by titansfan4ever on Sep 30, 2011 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions
HE AIN"T MADE OUT OF RUUDGLASS!1!!1
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"We are in my house. I can put my beer on the uncovered coffee table and take a dump on the carpet if I like." - gramsey712
That's right!
If they didn’t suck they’d still be on the team!
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"We are in my house. I can put my beer on the uncovered coffee table and take a dump on the carpet if I like." - gramsey712
* this is a reply to tiansfan4ever *
ridiculous
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"We are in my house. I can put my beer on the uncovered coffee table and take a dump on the carpet if I like." - gramsey712
so embarrassing
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by StPrattrick on Sep 30, 2011 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
you get used to it
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"We are in my house. I can put my beer on the uncovered coffee table and take a dump on the carpet if I like." - gramsey712
Yeah after a while it's just second nature.
///as I cry into my hands over my awesome keyboard…
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by StPrattrick on Sep 30, 2011 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions
You got one too??

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by rothbard on Sep 30, 2011 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
THIS^^^
explains a lot!!!
Music City Miracles Hall Of Fame, Class of 2010
One of these days....WHEN I have more time, WHEN I get that promotion, WHEN my ship comes in. Listen, TODAY is the day WHEN you start to put your goals into action. TODAY is the day WHEN you stop putting things off and decide that the only way the future IS going to be better is if I make TODAY WHENsday!!
by titansfan4ever on Sep 30, 2011 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions
It is so much more comfortable on my sensitive digits
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It doesn't worry me considering his preseason play.
I may change my tune after this game though.
The Force is with you, young SkyLocker, but you are not a Jedi... yet!
He was in for Ruud in parts of last game too
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"We are in my house. I can put my beer on the uncovered coffee table and take a dump on the carpet if I like." - gramsey712
Yep. And I thought he did fine filling in.
The Force is with you, young SkyLocker, but you are not a Jedi... yet!
Did we compute McCarthy's LB-guaranteed-awesomeness-formula score?
I can’t really say if he’s good or not until I see that
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"We are in my house. I can put my beer on the uncovered coffee table and take a dump on the carpet if I like." - gramsey712
This is true, where is Winni to run the super data numbers?!
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by StPrattrick on Sep 30, 2011 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions
He is in the command bunker
analyzing game tape (youtube highlight reels)
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Live feed via MCM Command Center:

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by StPrattrick on Sep 30, 2011 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
I always pictured Winni differently for some reason.
Music City Miracles Hall Of Fame, Class of 2010
One of these days....WHEN I have more time, WHEN I get that promotion, WHEN my ship comes in. Listen, TODAY is the day WHEN you start to put your goals into action. TODAY is the day WHEN you stop putting things off and decide that the only way the future IS going to be better is if I make TODAY WHENsday!!
by titansfan4ever on Sep 30, 2011 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions
GTFO

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by StPrattrick on Sep 30, 2011 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
I love this!!
"I just feel that my job as quarterback is, I don’t really care what we do, I just need to know what the coaching staff wants to do and then I can be the flag bearer on that stuff," Hasselbeck said. "Whatever the message is for the week, let me know, coach, and I’ll be spreading the message. Whatever you want emphasized, I’ll make sure that gets emphasized."
…I guess Munch is emphasizing WINNING!! I just hope they keep it up.
Music City Miracles Hall Of Fame, Class of 2010
One of these days....WHEN I have more time, WHEN I get that promotion, WHEN my ship comes in. Listen, TODAY is the day WHEN you start to put your goals into action. TODAY is the day WHEN you stop putting things off and decide that the only way the future IS going to be better is if I make TODAY WHENsday!!
by titansfan4ever on Sep 30, 2011 12:16 PM CDT reply actions
Too bad it's impossible to keep winning with the way Hasselbeck has been playing
/climer’d
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"We are in my house. I can put my beer on the uncovered coffee table and take a dump on the carpet if I like." - gramsey712
I don't care how frustrated Climer is
"I’ve been involved in so many games where statistically we did everything right, but we lost the game," he said. "I will take a 30-yard rushing game statistically vs. a loss any time. If you’re winning, you don’t worry as much about those numbers."
I hope the Browns load the box on every down. Britt or no Britt, Matty will pick em to pieces!!
Music City Miracles Hall Of Fame, Class of 2010
One of these days....WHEN I have more time, WHEN I get that promotion, WHEN my ship comes in. Listen, TODAY is the day WHEN you start to put your goals into action. TODAY is the day WHEN you stop putting things off and decide that the only way the future IS going to be better is if I make TODAY WHENsday!!
by titansfan4ever on Sep 30, 2011 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions
I think even if you are winning you should be worried about terrible rushing games.
Just as much as when you are losing. Cause we could always be winning more comfortably.
Ain't no time for hesitatin'
All you got to do is groove
by BonzosMontreaux on Sep 30, 2011 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Are you questioning BRUCE ALLMIGHTY???
Music City Miracles Hall Of Fame, Class of 2010
One of these days....WHEN I have more time, WHEN I get that promotion, WHEN my ship comes in. Listen, TODAY is the day WHEN you start to put your goals into action. TODAY is the day WHEN you stop putting things off and decide that the only way the future IS going to be better is if I make TODAY WHENsday!!
by titansfan4ever on Sep 30, 2011 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions

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