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Thursday, May 30
Can Eddie George bounce back from a disappointing 2001 season? Even in a season when he essentially played on one foot most of the campaign, George logged 315 carries. So, while quarterback Steve McNair has been
permitted to open things up, there is still little doubt about who remains
the Tennessee offensive centerpiece. Toe injuries of the ilk with which
George limped through the 2001 season are dicey things and, earlier this
spring, the Titans' brass was rumored to still have concerns about his
recovery. But there have been positive reports the past month that George is
nearing 100 percent and, if that's the case, pencil the Titans star in for a
typical workhorse season.
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Unlike the other teams in their division, which feature either a new coach (Indianapolis Colts), a ton of different starters (Jacksonville Jaguars) or a whole new team (Houston Texans), there wasn't a major shakeup for the Tennessee Titans this offseason. And despite the fact that they missed the playoffs last season, wholesale changes really weren't necessary.
Offensively, the Titans are led by a quarterback/running back tandem that is among the league's best when healthy. Steve McNair only missed one game last season, but was slowed with a shoulder injury. Eddie George is coming off his least productive season because of a toe injury. However, there was a silver lining or two that resulted from the pair's ailments. With George less involved in the offense at times, the Titans allowed McNair to throw deeper more often. He responded with a couple of 300-yard games and a career-high 21 touchdown passes. And even though there was some resistance, George's struggles without fullback Lorenzo Neal encouraged the Titans to sign Greg Comella (New York Giants) in the offseason. In addition, they signed Robert Holcombe (St. Louis Rams) as a backup to George.
If there's a concern, it would be at wide receiver, where the Titans have declined so far to bring in a high-profile free agent. That could change after June 1 when Keenan McCardell (Jacksonville Jaguars), Antonio Freeman (Green Bay Packers) and Derrick Alexander (Kansas City Chiefs) are expected to be available. If not, they'll again rely primarily on Derrick Mason and Kevin Dyson, who combined for 127 catches for 1,953 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. The biggest news on the offensive line is the pending retirement of center Bruce Matthews. He'll likely be replaced by Jeff Smith (Jaguars).
The biggest move by far was in the secondary, where Tennessee released former Pro Bowler Blaine Bishop and replaced him at strong safety with Lance Schulters (San Francisco 49ers). If cornerbacks Samari Rolle (neck) and Dainon Sidney (ACL) are recovered from the injuries that shortened or limited their 2001 campaigns, the secondary should be very productive.
The secondary's effectiveness also will be determined in part by the play up front.
Jevon Kearse is coming off a solid season with 10 sacks and three forced fumbles, but fellow defensive end Kevin Carter (two sacks) was a tremendous disappointment in his first season with the Titans. And even though they re-signed tackles John Thornton and Joe Salave'a, the Titans might take a hit with Jason Fisk's departure (San Diego Chargers). Another blow could be the loss of veteran linebackers Eddie Robinson (Buffalo Bills) and Greg Favors (Indianapolis Colts).
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TITANS AT A GLANCE
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Steve McNair ran for 5 TDs
starter last season. |
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2001 record: 7-9
Team rank: Defense (25th); Offense (8th)
Titans team news |
Lastly, but certainly not to be overlooked, is the kicking game. For a team that places a great deal of emphasis on running the ball and playing low-scoring games, the reliance on field goals is greater for Tennessee than a lot of other teams. After getting rid of Al Del Greco following his not-so-memorable moments in the 2000 postseason, Tennessee turned to Joe Nedney last season. He was perfect (11-for-11) in the 20- to 39-yard range. But from 40 or longer, he was just 9 of 17. He goes into camp as the team's kicker, but NFL teams aren't shy about making changes in this department if deemed necessary.
For a complete list of all the players Tennessee has signed and lost so far this offseason, click here.
How they drafted
Defense has been the biggest priority during the Jeff Fisher era, so it wasn't much of a surprise that they selected tackle Albert Haynesworth with their first pick. Despite a line that features Kearse and Carter, the Titans had just 32 sacks last season and allowed the third most points (24.2 per game) in the AFC. A push up the middle from Haynesworth would seemingly have a positive influence on his teammates' effectiveness. The Titans stayed with defense on their next four picks, selecting safety Clevan Williams in the second round, linebacker Rocky Calmus in the third and cornerbacks Mike Echols and Tony Beckham in the fourth. Because the Titans had so many injuries to the secondary last season, they were inclined to stock up on defensive backs in the draft. And if Calmus shows any of the flash of the big-time playmaker he was in college, he would be a tremendous addition lining up behind Kearse and Haynesworth.
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Fantasy Focus
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Eddie George remains an enigma entering this season after being woefully ineffective in 2001. Toe surgery before the season forced George to skip his rigorous offseason workouts, leaving him weaker. He failed to crack 1,000 yards for the first time in six seasons. However, George has been full speed in offseason workouts after having ankle surgery in January. Looking more explosive in minicamp, George makes an intriguing second-round choice among RBs Stephen Davis, Antowain Smith and Deuce McAllister whom are expected to be available. For more fantasy football news, click here.
-- Roger Rotter, Fantasy editor
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For a complete list of Tennessee's draft picks, click here.
Unfinished business
The most significant news off the field is the change of divisions from the AFC Central to the AFC South. Gone are the twice a year battles with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, even though they resume the once intense battles with Jacksonville. Obviously, the rivalry with the expansion Houston Texans will help Tennessee overcome the move.
The secondary might be the most intriguing unit to watch. While Schulters and Rolle are Pro Bowl caliber, Sydney has been known for shaky play. The Titans lost cornerbacks Michael Booker and DeRon Jenkins (Carolina Panthers) and are likely counting on the contributions of either Echols or Beckham. But the fact that Tennessee's first three opponents aren't pass happy teams, they'll have some time to work on their schemes and rotations.
Outlook for 2002
The Titans are dealing with the same issues any team in sport faces -- the uncertainty of injuries. If McNair and George find themselves on the injury report nearly every week as they were a year ago, this could be another long campaign for the Titans. But if those two are healthy ... and if Carter produces the way he did when he helped St. Louis to a Super Bowl win over Tennessee following the 1999 season ... and if they get contributions from their rookies, the prospects of another long playoff run are very realistic.
James C. Black is the NFL team pages editor for ESPN.com.
