Tennessee Titans Daily Links: The First Of A Million Headlines Featuring The Term 'Open Competition' Edition

Jerry Gray says he's happy with some of the progress the defense made this year, but he's expecting more from the unit next year in a few specific areas:

"Points allowed we're doing a pretty good job, but as far as stopping the run, that's our main thing," Gray said Thursday. "We have to get a little better there ... Then the sacks will come, and I think a lot more opportunities on getting interceptions will come when you can force a team to pass the ball."

The big story heading into next season's training camp has already been established: Jake Locker and Matt Hasselbeck will be part of an open competition for the starting QB spot for 2012. The competition should push both guys to work like hell this offseason, but the spot has to unofficially Jake Locker's to lose. If he's not starting on week 1, it'll instantly be taken as a sign that the coaches are worried whether that's the case or not...

Early reports are saying that St. Louis is looking like the front-runner for Jeff Fisher. That connection makes sense considering Fisher wanted a GM he liked and a young, front-line QB, and the Rams fired their GM and still expect big things from Sam Bradford. Once Fisher is installed as a head coach, it'll be interesting to see if he comes calling for any of the position coaches that are still in Nashville, namely Dowell Loggains, Dave McGinnis and Marcus Robertson.

Fisher could also be interviewing with the Dolphins, even if it's just for a free trip to South Beach.

There are a lot of Titans, some of whom have been here for a long time, who have no idea if they'll be wearing the two-toned blue next season.

Munchak stepped up again to defend Chris Johnson's poor 2011 totals.

Immediately after being eliminated from the playoffs, Reinfeldt started with the baby steps of the offseason plan by locking up the practice squad guys to futures contracts.

Congrats to punter Brett Kern, who set the franchise punting record for net yardage average with 39.4.

David Boclair looks back at the 2011 season, and Mike Munchak's freshman coaching effort.

Paul K writes what any sane person already knows: Chris Johnson is going to be a Titan in 2012, despite his down season after getting his huge contract.

The Titans finished the regular season at a respectable 13th in overall DVOA.

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