One week of training camp is in the books, as the Titans continue to prepare for what is hopefully a very successful 2008 season.
With the second week of Titans’ training camp now underway, let’s take some time to reflect on some of the players who have really stepped up during the first week of camp.
Chris Johnson, the offensive playmaker
Johnson is showing early signs of becoming an instant playmaker in the Titans’ offense in 2008. His versatility is an attribute that was missing from the offense in 2007, and I expect Dinger to utilize C.J.’s abilities to the fullest this year.
The Titans have lacked a difference maker on offense, and C.J. has the potential to be that missing piece of the puzzle. His presence should make Vince Young’s life much easier, and just like the rest of you, I’m excited about his potential for next year and beyond.
Alge Crumpler, the red zone threat
The Titans’ woes in the red zone last year are well-documented. As good as Rob Bironas was last year, I’d be much more comfortable if he attempted more extra points and less field goals in 2008.
Thankfully, the presence of newcomer Alge Crumpler may lead to a few more Rob Bironas sightings after touchdowns this season. The veteran TE is already displaying his ability to make plays, coming up with an excellent one-handed grab in practice yesterday.
Crumpler is off to a good start as a Titan, and if healthy, I expect him to resemble the player who was named to numerous Pro Bowls instead of the guy who had a lackluster year on a dismal Michael Vick-less Falcon team last year.
Stephen Tulloch, the missile
Seek and destroy has been Tulloch’s modus operandi in training camp thus far. The versatile linebacker’s speed and tenacity have been on constant display as he seeks to earn more playing time this year.
Tulloch has cemented his status as the team’s primary backup at all of the linebacking positions. Even if he doesn’t start (according to recent reports, barring injury, he is likely to be a backup), I expect Tulloch to be an impact player on the Titans’ defense this season.
Michael Griffin, the defensive playmaker
Griff has been a nightmare for former Texas teammate Vince Young in training camp. Thankfully for Vince, he won’t have to worry about Griffin intercepting his passes during the regular season.
Griffin is poised to become one of the better safeties in the game. Learning under the tutelage of veteran teammate Chris Hope, Griff’s ability to make plays will be one of the key components on a Titans’ defense looking to become the league’s best.
Cortland Finnegan, the shutdown corner
Titans’ secondary coach Chuck Cecil, a rugged safety during his playing days who made the lives of receivers crossing the middle miserable, wouldn’t trade Finnegan for any other cornerback in the NFL.
That’s lofty praise for a former seventh round draft choice.
Finnegan is well on his way to embarking upon the path we expected another, more highly regarded cornerback to travel while in a Titan uniform.
Hopefully, the success of the aforementioned players during training camp will extend into the regular season.
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