2013 NFL Preview: Tennessee Titans

Added on Jul 30, 2013 by Scott in

NFL

The Titans have been the definition of average over the last four seasons, compiling a record of 29-35. There is talent all over the roster, but it has yet to translate into wins. Third-year head coach Mike Munchak faces a crossroads campaign. If he can advance to the playoffs, his job is safe; if the team fails to progress, then he’s likely gone. What will it take for them to compete in the ultra competitive AFC? Here’s a preview.

Tennessee Titans – The front office invested heavily in the offensive line this offseason by opening up the checkbook for free agent guard Andy Levitre and tight end Delanie Walker, and drafting Alabama stud Chance Warmack. That’s all well and good, but a defense that finished dead last in points allowed in 2012 remains a gaping issue. Safety Bernard Pollard brings a Super Bowl ring from Baltimore to an underachieving secondary.

Player in the spotlight: Jake Locker - Like fellow 2011 first-round quarterback Blaine Gabbert, Locker is operating on a very short leash. As insurance should he flop, former Bills starter Ryan Fitzpatrick was signed in March. Locker fits the mold of other dual threat signal-callers like RG III, Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson, but he lacks polish as a passer. Chris Johnson and a young stable of receivers should give Locker enough to succeed, providing he’s mentally ready to seize the opportunity.

Trouble spot: Defense - There are solid players on the this side of the line of scrimmage (Akeem Ayers, Jason McCourty, Zach Brown, Kameron Wimbley), but for whatever reason, they just can’t seem to play as a cohesive unit. Maligned defensive coordinator and Bountygate mastermind(?) Gregg Williams is now a senior assistant coach, so maybe he can come up with a solution to their woes that doesn’t involve blood money. If they can go from horrendous to mediocre, this team might actually make some noise in the division.

Fearless forecast – Some pundits are pegging the Titans as sleepers in 2013. Makes sense when you look at a roster that should be better than 6-10 or 7-9. However, Chrissy Johnson’s post-2009 swoon has many wondering if he’s just a good-not-great back who lucked into one super-fantastic season (see Jamal Lewis). Then there’s Kenny Britt, who, when healthy and not in handcuffs, is a tremendously gifted playmaker. Therein lies the problem with predicting Tennessee’s season: a lot of questions with few answers. Opening up with Pittsburgh and Houston on the road and finishing up a pre-bye schedule against Seattle and San Fran spells ouch. Six or seven wins… again.