Well, the Titans roster shook out pretty much as expected.
I like keeping nine defensive linemen (I predicted eight), though I continue to have reservations about Jesse Mahelona and Randy Starks. Four DEs, four DTs and swingman Tony Brown. I expect to see a lot of Brown in the DT rotation but can also foresee him putting in a lot of time at DE after Odom and LaBoy have their usual meltdowns. The main problem I foresee is on gamedays, when Tennessee has kept only seven DL active for the last two years. Do they deactivate two for each game this year? It’s nice to have depth, but it almost seems like a waste of a roster spot. Especially for the 45-man game rosters.
My feelings on free safety are various. I’ve been critical of Thompson for several years and have been hoping Calvin Lowry would get a shot at the job. The logic was that he couldn’t do any worse. Maybe not, but be careful what you wish for — it might happen.
Had Thompson remained the starter, we could be assured of him being burned quite a few times and missing too many tackles. We don’t have to worry about Lowry missing many tackles, but I do worry about him getting beat. He is aggressive in run support, sometimes to a fault, and is inclined to bite on play action. I only hope he’ll learn from his mistakes and improve as the season progresses.
At least we shouldn’t see any more finger-pointing in the end zone between Titans DBs after a blown coverage. That doesn’t mean the secondary will be beat less often, but there should be more personal responsibility and accountability.
Looking forward to the season and other positions, free safety isn’t my only concern. My earlier concerns about DE remain, though I am encouraged by the move of KVB to the right side. What will happen when we see the real Odom and LaBoy in October? It’s a good thing we have Brown to move outside. Not only do the Titans need a pass rush from that side but they also need someone to stop the run from the edge.
It looks like we’re stuck with what we’ve got at WR. Eric Moulds should prove to be a good possession receiver once again but the rest of the WR corps remains a question mark. Will this be a breakout year for Brandon Jones and Roydell Williams? Can either legitimize themselves as deep threats?
The Titans offense will be in trouble if they count too heavily on the receivers. I see a lot of problems with the tight ends, especially Ben Troupe. The hope is that Norm Chow will split Bo Scaife out when not putting him in the h-back spot. He could be the Titans leading receiver just by running Frank Wycheck down-and-outs. If Troupe and Ben Hartsock remain healthy, they could join the o-line in providing solid blocking for LenDale White in a grind-it-out attack.
Of course, most of this season rests on the shoulders of Vince Young. If he can improve upon his accuracy the offense could be dangerous. I’m not counting on it after his very inconsistent offseason. But VY is a winner and has proven you can’t count him out. I wonder how many games he will win with his legs.
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