There's been a lot of news to catch up on since Jim Zorn was "promoted," so here are the highlights:
There's a stump in the backfield - or at least coaching Clinton Portis and company. Stump Mitchell has taken over as running backs coach ...
And on a related note, Earnest Byner gets screwed in the whole coaching fiasco and is now without a job after getting a 1-year contract not too long ago. For a great piece on the coaching change, visit Curly R.
The offense has a new head man as well as former Titans assistant coach Sherman Smith has been named OC. Smith fills the last open spot on the staff while Zorn has retained that he will call the offensive plays - a la his mentor Mike Holmgren.
That wraps up all the definitive moves, the only other thing is don't believe the Ocho-Cinco rumors. After reports said the Skins were interested in acquiring Chad Johnson from the Bengals, multiple sources from Cincinnati said Johnson is not available. So that means it will either take the Skins a lot more than what would be wise to give up or an organization actually means what it says.
Showing posts with label Tennessee Titans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tennessee Titans. Show all posts
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Who will be the next coach?
Now that the media carousel is spitting out tons of names for the vacant head coaching gig, let's take a look at who may actually be on the radar:
1. Jim Schwartz (Tennessee defensive coordinator): The first official interview, I find it hard to believe that while he is one of the hot candidates this offseason he will actually get the job. If Dan Snyder decides to hire a defensive minded HC, I think another former Titan DC will get the job. Which brings us to ...
2. Gregg Williams (Washington assistant head coach-defense): This in house candidate and former head coach seemed to be named the successor to Joe Gibbs the moment Gibbs hired him to run the defense. However, the longer this process drags out and the more big name candidates interview for the job, the less likely it seems Williams has the job locked up.
3. Al Saunders (Washington assistant head coach-offense): Another former head coach in the league, Saunders was brought in two years ago to punch up the offense. Unfortunately, I don't know if the offense was really that much better under his guidance and I don't really see him as a likely choice to succeed Gibbs.
4. Bill Cowher (former Pittsburgh head coach): This is the exact type of big splash Snyder has made in the past and he could do a lot worse than hiring the former Steelers head guy. However, Cowher has repeatedly said he wanted to take two years off before coaching again which would put his return in 2009. But we know from experience that if Snyder wants something bad enough, he will usually throw enough money at it to make sure he gets it. So if Cowher feels the need to get rich again, he will probably have the opportunity.
5. Russ Grimm (Arizona assistant head coach-offensive line): Gibbs wanted to bring his former lineman in to run the offense when he returned but Pittsburgh wouldn't let go of him. One of the fans choices to replace Cowher, Grimm was passed up and followed Ken Wisenhunt to Arizona. It's probably not likely Grimm will be hired but it would be fun to see the old "Hog" take control of a team he helped get to 3 Super Bowls as a player.
I personally still think Williams has to be the favorite to get the job but if Cowher can be swayed out of the booth, the job is his. Either one would be a good choice to run the Skins and have the type of mentality needed to keep this team headed in the right direction.
1. Jim Schwartz (Tennessee defensive coordinator): The first official interview, I find it hard to believe that while he is one of the hot candidates this offseason he will actually get the job. If Dan Snyder decides to hire a defensive minded HC, I think another former Titan DC will get the job. Which brings us to ...
2. Gregg Williams (Washington assistant head coach-defense): This in house candidate and former head coach seemed to be named the successor to Joe Gibbs the moment Gibbs hired him to run the defense. However, the longer this process drags out and the more big name candidates interview for the job, the less likely it seems Williams has the job locked up.
3. Al Saunders (Washington assistant head coach-offense): Another former head coach in the league, Saunders was brought in two years ago to punch up the offense. Unfortunately, I don't know if the offense was really that much better under his guidance and I don't really see him as a likely choice to succeed Gibbs.
4. Bill Cowher (former Pittsburgh head coach): This is the exact type of big splash Snyder has made in the past and he could do a lot worse than hiring the former Steelers head guy. However, Cowher has repeatedly said he wanted to take two years off before coaching again which would put his return in 2009. But we know from experience that if Snyder wants something bad enough, he will usually throw enough money at it to make sure he gets it. So if Cowher feels the need to get rich again, he will probably have the opportunity.
5. Russ Grimm (Arizona assistant head coach-offensive line): Gibbs wanted to bring his former lineman in to run the offense when he returned but Pittsburgh wouldn't let go of him. One of the fans choices to replace Cowher, Grimm was passed up and followed Ken Wisenhunt to Arizona. It's probably not likely Grimm will be hired but it would be fun to see the old "Hog" take control of a team he helped get to 3 Super Bowls as a player.
I personally still think Williams has to be the favorite to get the job but if Cowher can be swayed out of the booth, the job is his. Either one would be a good choice to run the Skins and have the type of mentality needed to keep this team headed in the right direction.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Preseason Game 1 recap
I realize that Saturday's game was the preseason opener but there were still a few things of note.
1. Jason Campbell still has a lot to learn. Campbell made some good plays and reads but he also made some mistakes, something that just about every young QB goes through. Hopefully these extra reps with the first team will count though and help him adjust to the role of a starter faster.
2. Mark Brunell is old and still holds the ball too long. Tennessee had five sacks in the game and a majority of them were because Brunell held onto the ball about 6 seconds longer than he needed too and pump-faked about 3 times a pass play. Mark, I've got an idea for you - try throwing the ball.
3. Vince Young is going to be way overexposed. Hey, did you hear that Young was suspended before the game for violating team rules? Yeah, I got that message too by the fourth time it was announced in the first quarter. I think the announcers only mentioned it after every other play.
4. If the season started tomorrow, Todd Collins would be the guy. He completed all 5 of his passes, led the offense to its only TD and got the team its first preseason win since 2005. If that isn't a recipe for jumping to conclusions and putting too much stock into a meaningless game I don't know what is.
5. One request for next week - instead of playing Brunell, let's see what Carson Palmer's kid brother Jordan can do. The Skins entered the week with 5 QB's and Palmer beat out Casey Bramlet for the fourth spot prompting Bramlet's release. But how do we know if Palmer could be better than Brunell and/or Collins if he doesn't play? Put him in coach.
Maybe next week there will be more to talk about other than the QB's.
1. Jason Campbell still has a lot to learn. Campbell made some good plays and reads but he also made some mistakes, something that just about every young QB goes through. Hopefully these extra reps with the first team will count though and help him adjust to the role of a starter faster.
2. Mark Brunell is old and still holds the ball too long. Tennessee had five sacks in the game and a majority of them were because Brunell held onto the ball about 6 seconds longer than he needed too and pump-faked about 3 times a pass play. Mark, I've got an idea for you - try throwing the ball.
3. Vince Young is going to be way overexposed. Hey, did you hear that Young was suspended before the game for violating team rules? Yeah, I got that message too by the fourth time it was announced in the first quarter. I think the announcers only mentioned it after every other play.
4. If the season started tomorrow, Todd Collins would be the guy. He completed all 5 of his passes, led the offense to its only TD and got the team its first preseason win since 2005. If that isn't a recipe for jumping to conclusions and putting too much stock into a meaningless game I don't know what is.
5. One request for next week - instead of playing Brunell, let's see what Carson Palmer's kid brother Jordan can do. The Skins entered the week with 5 QB's and Palmer beat out Casey Bramlet for the fourth spot prompting Bramlet's release. But how do we know if Palmer could be better than Brunell and/or Collins if he doesn't play? Put him in coach.
Maybe next week there will be more to talk about other than the QB's.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Preseason Game 1: Redskins at Titans
Washington at Tennessee
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: (Somewhat) nationally televised on NFL Network
ESPN game preview (not a whole lot of info because it is preseason)
No matter what the Washington coaching staff says, there are only two things that matter in this game and the outcome isn't one of them. What the Skins need to do is get through the game with all of their starters still healthy and at some point the offense needs to show it can move the ball effectively, despite the fact the offense may be pretty simple again.
The only thing that makes this game watchable is if you have an underdog you are rooting for to make the team, this will be the best chance to see them get some good playing time. But if you are looking for the starters, check back in game 3. Anyways, let's hope this one goes better than last year's preseason opener in Cincinnati. Hail to the Redskins!
[UPDATE] In order to jazz up the site a little, I have added these helmets from the site the Helmet Project. Check them out for art of just about every football helmet from the history of time (Ok maybe not THAT many helmets but its pretty close).
Thursday, August 2, 2007
2007 Previews: Tennessee Titans
Note: This is a team-by-team look previewing the 2007 season. These are my official thoughts on how I think things will play out.
Last year: 8-8 (second in AFC South)
Best addition: Nick Harper (CB, Colts)
Key personnel loss: Travis Henry (RB, Broncos)
2007 outlook: Vince Young almost single handedly carried this team to the playoffs last year without a ton of help and with the additions the Titans made this offseason they may actually be able to make a playoff run. Young's biggest problem on offense may be finding a steady go-to receiver, but the running game could have some success as long as LenDale White doesn't eat himself out of job, Chris Brown stays healthy and Chris Henry proves to be an NFL-caliber RB after not doing much in college.
The Titans should be solid on defense as the addition of Harper should offset the loss of Pacman Jones. The multitude of defensive players drafted in 2004 are now entering their fourth seasons and should be ready to become the defense the Titans envisioned when they picked all of these players. If they don't it won't matter how much Young does on offense.
Key to success: The playmaking ability of Young will keep the Titans in games no matter how bad the offense is, but if Tennessee is going to take that next step, it will need its defense to stop opposing teams and keep deficits low so Young can work his magic.
Against Washington: Young picked up his first win as an NFL QB by victimizing the Skins last year in Washington 25-22. The two teams do not meet during the regular season but will actually open preseason play against each other in Tennessee next Saturday.
Fantasy sleeper: Chris Henry. Someone will win the starting RB role in Tennessee and with White's weight issues and Brown's injury history, the stage is set for the rookie Henry to excel. And with Young's playmaking ability, he could be the second straight Henry to have a career year in Tennessee (Travis Henry put a lot of concerns of his own with a stellar year last year). Keep Henry in mind as an extra bench player, ready to be used if needed, until he proves what type of rookie season he is going to have.
Last year: 8-8 (second in AFC South)
Best addition: Nick Harper (CB, Colts)
Key personnel loss: Travis Henry (RB, Broncos)
2007 outlook: Vince Young almost single handedly carried this team to the playoffs last year without a ton of help and with the additions the Titans made this offseason they may actually be able to make a playoff run. Young's biggest problem on offense may be finding a steady go-to receiver, but the running game could have some success as long as LenDale White doesn't eat himself out of job, Chris Brown stays healthy and Chris Henry proves to be an NFL-caliber RB after not doing much in college.
The Titans should be solid on defense as the addition of Harper should offset the loss of Pacman Jones. The multitude of defensive players drafted in 2004 are now entering their fourth seasons and should be ready to become the defense the Titans envisioned when they picked all of these players. If they don't it won't matter how much Young does on offense.
Key to success: The playmaking ability of Young will keep the Titans in games no matter how bad the offense is, but if Tennessee is going to take that next step, it will need its defense to stop opposing teams and keep deficits low so Young can work his magic.
Against Washington: Young picked up his first win as an NFL QB by victimizing the Skins last year in Washington 25-22. The two teams do not meet during the regular season but will actually open preseason play against each other in Tennessee next Saturday.
Fantasy sleeper: Chris Henry. Someone will win the starting RB role in Tennessee and with White's weight issues and Brown's injury history, the stage is set for the rookie Henry to excel. And with Young's playmaking ability, he could be the second straight Henry to have a career year in Tennessee (Travis Henry put a lot of concerns of his own with a stellar year last year). Keep Henry in mind as an extra bench player, ready to be used if needed, until he proves what type of rookie season he is going to have.
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