Taking full advantage of Vince Young’s well-documented struggles, Kerry Collins had a comeback season for the ages as he guided the Tennessee Titans to a 13-3 record in 2008.
As we approach the beginning of the 2009 season, let’s take a look at five candidates who are eager to bounce back from disappointing performances in ’08.
Who will follow in Kerry’s footsteps by emerging as this year’s Tennessee Titan comeback player of the year?
Kyle Vanden Bosch DE
Accustomed to serving as the team’s energizer bunny on the defensive line, KVB was forced to the sidelines on a consistent basis due to nagging injuries.
As a result, his production fell dramatically in ’08, as he was only able to notch 4.5 sacks, which was his lowest amount of QB takedowns during his four-year career as a Titan.
Motivated by the desire the remove the bitter taste from his mouth left by his injury-plagued 2008 (and a potential new deal), KVB is poised to step up and once again become a nemesis to opposing quaterbacks in ’09.
Alge Crumpler TE
In ’08, Crump brought veteran leadership and excellent blocking skills to the Titan offense. However, what was missing from the former Pro Bowler last year was the receiving production many have become accustomed to seeing from Algernon.
In addition to his lackluster regular season performance, his costly fumble against the Ravens played a key role in the Titans’ painful playoff defeat.
Despite his declining skills, Crumpler has a lot of veteran pride and despite his struggles in ’08, I’m expecting a better showing from Alge in 2009.
Chris Davis WR
After fumbling away his opportunity as the team’s primary punt returner during his rookie year, Chris Davis spent most of his sophomore season riding the pine.
In 2009, Davis (as well as fellow WR Paul Williams) will be facing some pressure to make the team. So far, Davis has responded to the challenge very well, impressing many during offseason workouts, including QB Kerry Collins.
It’s a make-or-break year for Davis, so let’s see if he has what it takes to become a factor in the receiving game in ’09.
Ryan Fowler LB
As Andrew mentioned in his recent article taking a look at potential training camp battles, Ryan Fowler will attempt to reclaim his starting MLB job back from the speedy Stephen Tulloch.
Fowler’s 2008 campaign was doomed from the start as a result of steroid usage allegations. Fully healthy after last year’s tumultuous experience, will Fowler become a factor on the Titans’ defense in ’09?
Stay tuned, folks.
Vince Young QB
VY’s struggles in 2008 are well-chronicled. Attempting to bounce back from last year’s setbacks, Young made a favorable impression this spring by showing up to the team’s offseason workouts and conducting himself in the manner expected from a professional quarterback.
Of course, all of that progress was undermined by last week’s “play me or trade me” demand.
It’s a longshot to say the least, but VY is only one Kerry Collins’ injury away from having the opportunity to lead this football team again.
If this hypothetical becomes a reality, Vince better savor the chance because if he doesn’t make the most of it, he’ll probably get what he asked for last week by becoming a second-string signal-caller in another NFL city in 2010.
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