Newz Forum: FOOTBALL: Tennessee Titans Preview 2004

Much like the division-rival Colts, the Titans saw their Super Bowl hopes crumble thanks to the Super Bowl Champion Patriots, but just barely, losing to them by a mere field goal in the Divisional Round. Now, led by indestructible QB Steve McNair once again, the Titans hope to exceed their 12-win season from a year ago. The question is, can Tennessee withstand the blows they took this off-season?

On offense, the Titans will be without fan-favorite RB Eddie George, who has been with the organization his entire eight-year-career. While he starts a new life in Dallas, inexperienced RB Chris Brown will be his replacement, and even though it's only his second year, he's got loads of potential, often flashed this pre-season and during his minimal playing time in 2003. The Titans will also miss WR Justin McCareins, who was second on the team in catches with 47. On defense, Tennessee should suffer without DE Jevon Kearse and DT Robaire Smith, both of whom helped create the NFL's top-ranked defense against the run last year. With all these losses, though, the Titans can still be pretty good. They still have co-MVP McNair, WR Derrick Mason, and a solid defense to boot, so while they may not take out the Colts this year, they can certainly go to the playoffs for the third-straight year.

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Star Power: Steve McNair (QB, 10th year, 6'2", 235 lbs); Derrick Mason (WR, 8th year, 5'10", 195 lbs); Kevin Carter (DT, 10th year, 6'5", 295 lbs); Keith Bulluck (LB, 5th, 6'3", 235 lbs); Samari Rolle (CB, 7th year, 6'0", 180 lbs)

Notable Additions: Ben Troupe (TE, Rookie, 6'4", 265 lbs); Antwan Odom (DE, Rookie, 6'4", 270 lbs); Antowain Smith (RB, 6'2", 235 lbs, signed from New England)

Notable Subtractions: Eddie George (RB, signed with Dallas); Jevon Kearse (DE, signed with Philadelphia); Justin McCariens (WR, traded to New York Jets)

Notable Returnees: Brad Hopkins (OT, 12th year, 6'3", 305 lbs); Chris Brown (RB, 2nd year, 6'3", 219 lbs); Tyrone Calico (WR, 2nd year, 6'4", 220 lbs); Albert Haynesworth (DT, 3rd year, 6'6", 320 lbs); Tank Williams (S, 3rd year, 6'3", 223 lbs); Lance Schulters (S, 7th year, 6'2", 205 lbs); Andre Dyson (CB, 4th year, 5'10"


The Eddie George era has finally ended in Tennessee after the veteran was released during the off-season, and while the Titans will miss his leadership skills, his production was clearly on the decline. Second-year player Chris Brown only has 56 carries under his belt, but the Titans saw enough in him to hand him the starting job this year. He appears to have the skills to be an effective between-the-tackles runner and he has decent receiving skills, but his inexperience could be a problem against the blitz. Veteran Antowain Smith provides some insurance as the backup. His skills have slipped considerably and he would likely be adequate at best if forced to start, but he gives the team a veteran presence to fall back on if the youngster doesn't pan out or suffers an injury. After Smith, there is very little depth at the position with guys like undrafted rookies Jarrett Payton, and Vick King fighting for playing time. Derrick Mason (95 receptions, 8 TD) returns to the fold, but the trade of Justin McCareins to the Jets means Drew Bennett (32 receptions, 4 TD) and Tyrone Calico (18 receptions, 4 TD) must step up into the Nos. 2 and 3 spots, respectively. Special teams ace Jake Schifino looked to be set as the team's fourth receiver, and Darrell Hill and Eddie Berlin were vying for a spot on he roster. The retirement of longtime tight end Frank Wycheck makes Erron Kinney (41 receptions, 3 TD) the unquestioned starter, and second-round pick Ben Troupe (Florida) should be able to contribute if he can shake off a poor training camp. Shad Meier (13 receptions) and undrafted free agent Dwayne Blakley (Missouri) were getting most of the second-team reps in camp.


Head coach Jeff Fisher is probably one of the most underrated coaches in the league. Regardless of free agent losses and injuries, he always seems to field a competitive team. The offense will be fine without the presence of Eddie George. In fact, in my opinion, the running game will be more explosive with Brown in the backfield than the aging veteran whose skills have obviously slipped significantly. The losses of Smith and Kearse on the defensive line creates a bit of a concern, but Carter’s versatility should help ease the transition. Their secondary looks outstanding, which could become a critical factor for years in a division with quarterbacks like Peyton Manning, Byron Leftwich, and David Carr. So overall, the Titans appear ready to compete for the division crown and they have the talent to be a legitimate contender again. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see this team make another run deep into the playoffs... even without Eddie.

[Edited on 13/9/04 by TRD]

They showed yesterday what they can do to a lackluster offensive team. Chris Brown was impressive against a pretty good defense. McNair is the man, and the defense is solid, if not spectacular.

I see them easily contending for the Super Bowl, depending on how the other top teams in the AFC pan out.

They do have a solid defense but are they going to be able to outscore their opponents?

That won't be a problem. Brown's gonna control the ground game, McNair is elusive, even when injured, and the receivers will make plays for them.

So far, it looks like I was wrong about this team, they are another big disappointment in the NFL...

Titans finally get break, get good news on Brown's shoulder

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans finally got some good news about injuries on Monday.
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Coach Jeff Fisher said running back Chris Brown, who left with an injured right shoulder midway the third quarter of Sunday's 20-10 loss to Houston, should be fine. Brown is still sore, but he has feeling back in his right arm.

Now the second-leading rusher in the NFL will get a chance to answer the biggest question he has faced since replacing Eddie George, who never missed a start in eight seasons: Just how durable is he? And can he endure injuries without missing games?

Fisher acknowledged he is concerned.

"What you have to watch now is how he comes back this week. ... That was quite a collision," Fisher said after Brown left Texans safety Jason Simmons with a concussion Sunday.

"He seems to feel like he got the best of it. I beg to differ with him," Fisher said. "I turned over, he was sitting in the same place on the bench the rest of the half. If he comes back from this, like I expect him to, that's the important thing."

Brown played only the first half of the season-opening victory over Miami after spraining his left ankle, but he hasn't missed a start. He also has managed to run for at least 100 yards in four of his six starts.

Steve McNair, coming off a four-interception performance, hurt his chest again. Fisher said this injury is lower in his chest than the bruised sternum that put McNair in the hospital for two nights last month, but it shouldn't be a problem.

Other good news Monday included an MRI on safety Tank William's sore knee, which showed no damage.

With Brown and McNair looking good for next week, Fisher now can worry about the rest of his squad in a season where mere survival, not the playoffs, is the priority. Injuries have wracked the linebackers and receivers, with tight end the latest position hit.

Top tight end Erron Kinney will miss his fourth straight game with a strained right calf when the Titans (2-4) visit Minnesota (4-1) next week, and Shad Meier will need at least two weeks to recuperate after his appendectomy Sunday.

That leaves only rookie Ben Troupe.

they woulda been hurting a lot if he was lost

Originally posted by freak29
they woulda been hurting a lot if he was lost

hehe, I think that they are hurting a lot this year...

Titans quarterback Steve McNair just gets off a pass before Vikings defensive end Kenny Mixon delivers a hit during the first quarter in Minneapolis.

Steve McNair is hurting, frustrated and just wants to finally get healthy.

For now, the Tennessee Titans will only say he's day to day.
McNair bruised his sternum for the third time in five weeks in Sunday's 20-3 loss at Minnesota. The latest hit didn't send him to a hospital like the first one on Sept. 26 did, but he spent three quarters on the sideline in enough pain he could only take shallow breaths.

Coach Jeff Fisher said Monday that a CT scan showed a hematoma on McNair's sternum and that the quarterback still was quite sore.

Whether McNair rests Sunday when the Titans (2-5) host the Cincinnati Bengals is uncertain. Fisher listed McNair as questionable the week the quarterback spent two nights in a hospital, then deactivated him before a loss at San Diego.

The Titans have their bye Nov. 7, which would offer McNair a chance to rest.

Rest of Story

Carson Palmer's inability to get rid of the ball cost the Cincinnati Bengals dearly against the Tennessee Titans.

Defensive end Juqua Thomas recovered a fumble by Palmer deep in Tennessee territory with 24 seconds left as the undermanned Titans held on for a 27-20 victory over the similarly struggling Cincinnati Bengals.