Whoa! The Tennessee Titans had themselves quite a year. The Titans started last season with Vince Young at quarterback, then Young went MIA, leading the way for Kerry Collins to resurrect his career.
Collins lead the team to a 13-3 record and the number one seed in the playoffs. But once again the Titans were "one and done" as they lost a home playoff game to the Baltimore Ravens. This year the Titans head into the season looking to go deeper in the playoffs with Collins leading the way. It will depend though on how good Collins will be a quarterback. He's never had back-to-back great seasons.
Kerry Collins: Collins has his best chance at putting together solid back-to-back seasons for the first time in his career. Tennessee returns the dynamic running duo of LenDale White and Chris Johnson. Also Collins will finally have some depth at receiver. The Titans drafted Kenny Britt and signed Nate Washington to go along with Justin Gage and tight end Alge Crumpler. The offensive line should also be solid enough to give Collins enough time to make throws. This could be Collins best season yet.
The Defense: Even though the Titans lost defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz to the Lions, they should have no problem replacing him with Chuck Cecil. Cecil has been with the organization since 2001, so the transition should be smooth. The Titans defense should be loaded this year even with the loss of Albert Haynesworth. The defense also returns their secondary from last year that saw three players selected to the Pro Bowl.
Depth: There is one thing that Tennessee does have a lot of, depth. Even if Collins gets hurt or plays poorly, they can replace him with Vince Young who has lead the Titans to the playoffs before. The Titans are also deep at running back, offensive line, and tight end. Their only concerns for depth is in the secondary. So injury replacements shouldn't be a big concern in Nashville this season.
The Draft: Tennessee used the draft the way teams should use the draft. Tennessee drafted for need and picked up players that can add more depth to their team. The Titans needed a receiver and drafted a receiver in Kenny Britt. The Titans needed defensive line help and drafted Sen'Derrick Marks. The Titans also added depth where they needed the most in the secondary. The Titans drafted two conerbacks and one safety in the draft. While the Titans draft wasn't spectacular, they addressed their needs.
Schedule: Tennessee has one of the toughest schedules in the league. In the Titans first six games, they face three playoff teams. In those six games they have to travel to Pittsburgh and New England. After their bye week though, Tennessee has one of the easiest schedules with their only tough road game Indianapolis.
Video: White and Johnson tribute
Prediction, 13-3, 1st AFC South: There is just too much for Tennessee to not win this division. The Titans have an easy end of the season schedule which will help them overcome any early season injuries. There is the loaded defense. There is the spectacular running attack of White and Johnson. And there is an improved receiving corps. Barring an epic collapse from Collins or injuries to the secondary, Tennessee should make the playoffs.
Uniforms: Oh yeah, the Titans will honor their past by wearing old Houston Oilers uniforms this season.
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