Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Bring In The Ringer Edition

Jeff Fisher is saying that he wants to use Ringer more in an effort to keep Chris Johnson rested and healthy. I'd really, really like for that to be true, but at this point I'm going to have to see it to believe it. Javon Ringer has looked like one of the best back-up running backs in the league since the preseason, so getting him in the flow of the game should be a big boost  for CJ2K in that it will wear down defenses quicker without taxing him nearly as much. It will also probably keep the ball out of Vince's hands, and that appears to be where Fisher prefers it.

David Climer says that year five is Vince Young's benchmark. The more interesting part of the story is the mention that some media members still think that Kerry Collins is the best option for the Titans. I'd love to know who they are so I could demand that their columns be written in crayon or comic sans, and all TV appearances include a bib. Even people who deny the existence of evolution think Collins>VY is stupid.

This defense was regularly called a 'no-name' defense by commentators and writers throughout the preseason. After just three weeks, teams are learning that these guys are not going to be forgotten by anyone they line-up against thanks to the rough, but not dirty, style of play Chuck Cecil is demanding.

A big part of the improvement in the defense has to be attributed to free agent pick-up Will Witherspoon. Witherspoon  has been a leader and a playmaker for us from the moment he joined the line-up, and put on an inspired performance in the face of personal tragedy when his mother passed just before the season opener.

As good as this defense has been, it has a chance to get even better once Gerald McRath returns from his suspension. I'm not convinced he starts his first game back, since McRath is a young guy and suspended players can't practice with the team or be around the facility, but expect a lot of reps and a return to the starting spot quickly.

One Titan will square off against his former team this Sunday, and he couldn't be happier about where he's at today: punter Brett kern.

Tony Brown is playing without practicing, a tradition among injured star vets established by Steve McNair.

Paul K catches up with Rusty Smith to see the progress he's making so far this season.

It's starting to look like maybe Jim Schwartz bit off a bit more than he could chew in Detroit as fan (poor bastards) unrest grows and the team stares down the barrel at 0-4. The Lions have made some solid personnel decisions over the past two years, but between the disfunction in the ownership and the unholy mess left by Matt Millen it's going just as much of a change in culture as it will in talent.

Have a great weekend, and follow me on Twitter at AugustWest_MCM!