Grading the 2011 Tennessee Titans: Linebackers

by Jimmy on Jan 24, 2012 3:22 PM CST in Tennessee Titans News

The linebackers were by no means the strength of the defense in 2011, but they also were not a liability after Colin McCarthy replaced Barrett Ruud. Obviously McCarthy was the biggest story of the year, especially around here. He came in and provided a huge upgrade over Ruud. You have to love all of the stories you hear about his preparation. The future is bright for that kid.

Akeem Ayers did not end up being the dynamic playmaker we had hoped he would be before the season started, but he was a solid player who got better every week. They talked about his versatility when they drafted him. We did not get to see him do much rushing the passer this season. That was probably because they did not want to give him too much as a rookie. Look for them to do a lot more with him next season after a full offseason of work.

Will Witherspoon was the other starting linebacker. He was not very good. Hopefully they will be able to find a guy to replace him in the draft this year.

Grade: B-

Poll

Grade the linebackers

A

13 votes

B

119 votes

C

83 votes

D

5 votes

F

2 votes

222 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I want to see McRath out there again. He has alot of upside.

I don’t think he’s been awful.

Lemme See Your HANDS!

by TitansJonne on Jan 24, 2012 3:27 PM CST reply actions

He's off the roids.

Plus, he was mediocre on the roids.

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by BonzosMontreaux on Jan 24, 2012 3:29 PM CST up reply actions

Idk about mediocre. He was actually pretty good. Played better than Ayers in his rookie season.

Lemme See Your HANDS!

by TitansJonne on Jan 24, 2012 4:16 PM CST up reply actions

agreed

he was everywhere

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by Ice0ne (CAJ) on Jan 24, 2012 4:46 PM CST up reply actions

Put him back on roids!

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by StPrattrick on Jan 24, 2012 4:45 PM CST up reply actions

McRath was and is terrible.

This proves that everyone just loves the backups more than the starters.

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by WinnipegTitanFan13 on Jan 24, 2012 4:50 PM CST up reply actions

Bring back Ruud!

by DustyPaynts on Jan 25, 2012 6:14 PM CST up reply actions

Ruud was a dumpster fire.

If McCarthy had been ready and able to start all season, I would have given the unit a B, but they get a C just because Ruud was an F or D.

"Do the Titans have a miracle left in them in what has been a magical season to this point? If they do, they need it now. Christie kicks it high and short. Gonna be fielded by Lorenzo Neal at the 25; he dishes it back to Wycheck; he throws it across the field to Dyson. 30, 40, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 5, endzone...touchdown, Titans! There are no flags on the field! It's a miracle! Tennessee has pulled a miracle! A miracle for the Titans!"

by TennesseeTyrants on Jan 24, 2012 3:52 PM CST reply actions

My thinking entirely

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by TitanNDCClothing on Jan 24, 2012 3:53 PM CST up reply actions

I thought Spoon was fine. He was not outstanding, but he certainly wasn't a liability.

by NoMoreMustache on Jan 24, 2012 3:58 PM CST reply actions

spoon was pretty consistent

Made some plays at times but also played hurt for much of the season. Plenty of times I’ve seen him wrapped in bandages and out on the field. I appreciate his effort and veteran presence in that corp. I agree about finding a replacement but it’s not glaring.

by -Erock on Jan 24, 2012 4:33 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions

he was hurt?

i didn’t know that

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by Ice0ne (CAJ) on Jan 24, 2012 5:43 PM CST up reply actions

never made a big deal of anything

But if you go back and watch games he’s always got something wrapped up. Shoulder, thigh, etc. he just kept playing.

by -Erock on Jan 25, 2012 2:44 AM CST via iPhone app up reply actions

B for the future being bright with our LBers!

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by StPrattrick on Jan 24, 2012 4:46 PM CST reply actions

McCarthy

Benifited from being an obscurity on the roster until he got the charge to replace Ruud, and while he enjoyed brief success as a hard tackler, by the time other teams were able to get film on him, he was exposed as weak in pass coverage and houston killed him by shoving the ball in the middle of the defense, and he couldn’t find the right path to the ball carrier.
The kid might gave some upside, but until he gives a full season of consistent work, the jury’s still out on this guy.

by NikoliVoltron on Jan 24, 2012 4:48 PM CST via Android app reply actions