If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck.
Why, you ask?
Filming the other teams practices? Bounty program?
No.Talk:
The NFL is reviewing comments made by Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray in which he said his players need to perform with a reckless abandon and not fret about consequences, according to a league source.That's right, trying to fire up your team is now a reviewable offense.
Posted by Rustmeister at 7:27 PM 1 comments
... that when people talk about Tim Tebow's NFL career, they say "All he does in win" when in fact, he doesn't have a winning record?
Tim, put your pride on hold and go play a position you can excel in, because QB ain't it.
.
Continue Reading
Posted by Rustmeister at 10:31 AM 1 comments
Holdout running back Chris Johnson and the Tennessee Titans agreed to a four-year, $53 million extension with $30 million guaranteed on Thursday, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.About time.
Brady sacked five times, but not by Suh:
Officially, Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh did not register a sack on Tom Brady in Saturday's 34-10 exhibition victory over New England at Ford Field.This is another great line:
Unofficially, Suh and the Lions' defense harassed the bejesus out of Brady.
I'm mostly amused that defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh's national reputation has already elevated to the hide-the-women-and-children level.Roffle.
Posted by Rustmeister at 10:20 AM 0 comments
For winning their first playoff game ever.
Not a big basketball fan, but it's always nice to see the home team win..
Continue Reading
Posted by Rustmeister at 9:01 PM 1 comments
The commercials won't be as good as they should be.
The halftime show will better than it has been in years. The performers won't be in their sixties.
Packers win, 27 - 21
.
Continue Reading
Posted by Rustmeister at 9:29 AM 0 comments
What a difference a bye week makes. I didn't write last week because:
a: I was in shock
and
2. I wanted to see if we got things straightened out this week.
Well, one thing got straightened out this week: Vince Young's future, meaning it ain't with the Titans:
Vince Young out as Titans starter
You can go read that, but really, Jimmy says it best: (emphasis mine)
He does not have the mental make-up to be an NFL quarterback right now. Will he ever? It is really hard to think that he will considering he has now been in the league 5 years and still has the problems that he did in his first couple of years. Franchise quarterbacks don't mock the crowd when they are getting booed, and they don't throw their stuff into the stands because their feelings are hurt.While I agree with everything above, I do not agree with Jimmy's assertion that Coach Fisher needs to go. I'd bet good money if everything were to be brought out into the open, Fisher would be considered a (Music city) miracle worker for keeping this team together like he has. The thing is, we most likely will never know.
This is hilarious:
Page 2's midseason NFL logo makeover
My favorites are Vikings and Broncos. At first I thought the Titans one was a poke at the sportswriters who always sell us short, but it's a reference to Randy Moss.
.
Continue Reading
Posted by Rustmeister at 10:32 AM 1 comments
Slowly getting to this because I missed the game last week. Too much going on to stop and watch it. Glad I didn't, actually. Dang Chargers have our number.
However, the big news is breaking just now - Randy Moss is now a Titan.
This is big, folks, and more than a little unexpected.
The front office obviously thinks we need the deep threat now. They must also think we're in a position to go deep into the playoffs*.
Add to that we have two weeks to get Randy into our game plan before anyone sees him in a Titans uniform (bye week this week), and it spells trouble for the AFC South in December, when we do most of our divisional games.
Interesting, indeed.
*Yeah, I know it's too early to talk playoffs. Sue me.
Continue Reading
My Beloved Titans are now 5-2 after toying with floundering for three quarters and then coming alive and spanking the Eagles 37-19. Before I get started, a few observations, linkage and assorted stuff:
Brett Favre is very likely done with football. If he were anybody else, he'd have been done once some gal accused him of sending her pics of his schmeckel over the phone. I haven't commented on that because, as much as I despise Favre, I won't pile on this kind of story until it's proven. It's too easy to target famous people these days. If it is true, I'll have to put my comments below the fold, because they most definitely will not be safe for work.
Tony Romo and the Cowboys are done for the season. Romo and company were about the only team picked to beat us so far this year, mainly because they are, and have been, one of the most overrated teams this decade. I used to like the 'Boys, but Jerry Jones has passed Al Davis as the biggest owner/hindrance to his team. He's almost another Dan Snyder.
Now, the Titans blog post title of the week: From Spunky Underdogs to Title Contenders (CJ Smiles
That says in a nutshell, why I can't wait to see the Power Rankings this week. Sure, it's all BS, and more of a gauge on how the sportswriters respect us than anything else, but still, I want to see what they say.
As for last Sunday's game, I have to say, right off the bat, I didn't think we were going to win that one. The offense was flat, the run game wasn't working, and Collins was taking too much time to throw the ball, and wasn't getting the protection he needed.
Don't get me wrong, Kerry was the best option for that game, as Vince was still hobbled and wouldn't have been able to elude the rush the Eagles were throwing at us. They were blitzing constantly, not respecting the passing game whatsoever.
That worked fine for the half, but something happened in the second - Kenny Britt happened. Make no mistake, it was all Britt, all the time. Collins just had to get it close and Britt would haul it in. The Eagles, a franchise around since the 1930's, had never given up as many yards to a receiver as Kenny got that day.
So, what does that mean for our future opponents? It means they'll have to add Britt to their growing list of players to be concerned about. Not only will this open up the running game, but it will also open up other receivers. They can't spy Vince, CJ and double team Britt all at the same time. If they do, it leaves either Nate Washington of Bo Scaife wide open.
Sounds good to me.
One more thing, that bodes well for us going forward: We haven't even put a complete game together. The secret to going to the Super Bowl is peaking at the right time. The Steelers proved that a couple years ago by winning the Super Bowl from the Wild Card Slot. Granted, doing that is not as unusual as it used to be, but it shows that hitting your peak at the right time is paramount. The flipside of that coin would have to be the Patriots, who lost the Super Bowl after going undefeated the entire season. Peaked just a tad too early.
One the defensive side, it was nice to seen Marks back in the rotation, and it was doubly nice to see Finnegan get his first INT of the year and return it for 6. It's also nice to see that Alterraun Verner keeps making plays. Even better, ATV making plays results in Dave Ball making statements:
“He (Verner) is like a little ferret,” DE Dave Ball said. “There’s a hole he dug into and came up on the other side and he was able to grab it.”From the same post, this:
“They’ve got a really good scheme to protect the quarterback. Some plays it’s like running through a hedge maze. You’ve got a clown popping out on the right side, a BMW on the left side. Then you have to run over the sprinklers. It’s hard trying to get there.”Nutty-quote go-to guy, indeed. Although, in my experience, clowns and BMW's do show up together from time to time.
So asks the Nashville City Paper.
It’s not likely, but the rookie out of Florida Atlantic did all the work Wednesday during an abbreviated workout because Vince Young and Kerry Collins did not participate because of injuries.My prediction? QB order on Sunday will be Collins, Smith and Young. I think the Titan party line of Young as having a "slight sprain" is gamesmanship on their part. Young might not see the field again till after the bye week.
It was a game only a Titan fan could love, I guess. Not much to say about Defense or Special teams that hasn't been said before - really, really good. Again.
I imagine the only chatter this week is what to do about Vince Young's injury. We still don't know how bad it is, although Vince didn't need crutches last night, which is a good sign*.
What we do know is we have the best back up QB in football** in Kerry Collins.
We also know we don't have another Division game till after the bye week.
We also know we have five Division games in six weeks to close out the season (whose bright idea was that, anyway?)
So, knowing all this, should Vince Young play before the bye week if he's anything less than 100% ?
Hell no.
Sit Vince till after the bye. He'll have two non Division games to get tuned up, then we go into the meat grinder that is our last six weeks.
The one non division game in that time? The Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead. In December.
We'll need everybody at the top of their game if we're to make the playoffs this year. Sit Vince now, for the future.
Cross posted at Music City Miracles
* all that follows is predicated on VY having a minor injury that will need a week or two to heal.
**the Mike Vick/Kevin Kolb situation doesn't count. Neither of them are backup QBs.
Continue Reading
Bullet format this time!
Before I start, I'd like to say this: Kyle Orton, get the sand outta your panties. Just because you got to know the Titans' turf up-close-and-personal, it doesn't mean you have to cry like a preschooler who lost his binky.
Now, off to the game.
The Titans looked pretty good early on, however the second half wasn't near as good as the first. Why is that? Well, on defense, it was because they were on the field too long. Yes, it's early in the season, and yes, there's a real nice rotation going on, but when they are on the field for over 10 more minutes of playing time, well, they're only human.
Speaking of defense, we lost two linemen to injury yesterday. Haven't heard how bad they are, but it does ratchet up the "Get Haynesworth back" chatter again. I hope they do, not only to help us, but to poke Dan Snyder, who seems to think money can buy a championship.
Speaking of getting somebody back, how many people are wondering if letting Kevin Mawae go was a good idea now? Our O-line is getting blowed the hell up at times, and can't open a hole for CJ to save their lives. Funny how Ringer can get an opening, but CJ can't. Hmm ..... how about we put both Ringer and CJ in the backfield at the same time? Couldn't hurt.
I'm also trying to figure out why our passing game is non-existent. At least in the second half, VY completed two of four passes in the third quarter, and two of four* in the fourth. It seems to me that the coaches are not comfortable with VY, although to me, he makes plenty of good plays in the passing game.
I'm not going to say much about Mariani except he's a future superstar who made a rookie mistake.
I'm not going to say much about Alterraun Verner except he's a future superstar who make a fine showing in his first start. I would still like to see McCourty out there and Verner in the nickel, but hat's just me.
All in all, we lost a game we should have won, and now the schedule gets tough and doesn't let up. If we do make the playoffs this year, we will have earned it, that's for sure.
* I'm not counting the three Hail Marys at the end of the game.
Continue Reading
In the meantime, head over to Sports in the 615 and read The Titans’ Sixer: The running game is MIA
.
Continue Reading
Why do I say that? Please read the following:
Fisher’s not going to criticize his quarterback [VY] in public because he knows it would hurt the quarterback’s fragile confidence. Heck, he never criticized McNair who was at the complete opposite end of the toughness spectrum.So, he never criticized McNair. He also never criticized Collins, Smith, Ramsay, O'Donnell, Mauck, Simms, or even Volek*, but he never criticized Young because of his "fragile confidence"? Sounds to me like he doesn't criticize his players because it's unprofessional and counterproductive to team cohesion. So, why the dig at Young?
Posted by Rustmeister at 3:48 PM 0 comments
Labels: Media Check, Sports, Tennessee, Titans
Week three in the books, and the Titans are 2-1. Good deal, although there are sill some concerns that need to be addressed.
First, a short recap of the game - this weeks Giants looked like last weeks Titans. They gave the ball away on a regular basis, lacked focus and were generally in a shambles, especially in the second half, when "Tennessee Tyrants" mode went into full effect. That's where we provoke the other team by talking smack while kicking ass. Worked very well yesterday.
Our offense played much better, but there are a few things that need looking at.
One, Vince Young only threw the ball four times in the first half, with Chris Johnson doing most of the heavy lifting. This has to stop. We're gonna do an Earl Campbell on him, and he'll be done in two years.
What would I do differently? For one thing, I'd use the Titans other running back, Javon Ringer, more, especially early on. Hell, I'd go as far as using CJ as strictly a third down back for the first quarter, just to totally mess up the opponents' game plan. After we totally hijack up their plan, then start the CJ2K show. He doesn't need 4 quarters to get crazy yardage, and he sure as hell doesn't need the unnecessary pounding he's getting now. Let Ringer go in there and take the opening shots, wear them down a bit, then bring on CJ.
Another thing we need to do was what we saw in the beginning of the second half - Vince Young throwing the ball. VY's short outs, slants, and designed rollout plays were working fine. We need more of that, both to open up the run game, and to open up the long pass.
Things on defense are looking good. Michael Griffin has put last year's woeful season behind him and is back to Pro Bowl form, both as a safety, and on special teams.
Last years 2nd round draft pick, Sen'Derrick Marks is in the rotation and doing well, and our young cornerbacks, McCourty and Verner, are making plays all over.
All in all, week three has me feeling better about the Titans, but there's still some improvements that need to take place before we can think of reaching the playoffs.
Next week, we are home and playing the Denver Broncos. Should be interesting.
.
Continue Reading
Well hell, that was one of the worst games I've ever seen us play. Although we lost 19-11, the game wasn't nearly as close as the score would indicate.
Defense gets the "attaboy", they kept the game close, even though we turned the ball over seven times.
The offense (no capital "o" for you!), on the other hand, gets a major league "aw shit". The line couldn't block, therefore the runner couldn't run, and the passers couldn't pass. The play calling didn't compensate, and Vince Young was like a deer in the headlights, constantly. Kerry Collins didn't do any better when brought in, either.
It was an exciting ending, though. We needed a touchdown, a 2-point conversion, then we needed to recover an onside kick, go score another TD and another 2-point conversion to tie the game. Unfortunately, we had less than two minutes and no time outs to do it in.
Pittsburgh, knowing this, went into prevent mode. We made the first TD, and the 2 pointer. Next, we did the onside kick. And we recovered it! Did I dare to hope? You bet your ass I did, but, alas, time was not on our side. 58 minutes of crap, two minutes of good play do not a victory make.
The big deal now, of course, is Coach Fisher bringing Kerry Collins in to relieve VY late in the game.
I supported the move, even though many, many at the Music City Miracles open thread* did not.
Jimmy, in particular, did not like the idea of benching Young. He echoes what most people said:
Jeff Fisher is an idiot. At this point it has to be something personal for Fisher. He just took the chance of losing Vince Young, and in effect the entire Titans season in a game where the Titans were down by 10 points with a full quarter left to play.I have to differ with just about everything said. Here's the way I see it:
Jeff Fisher did what he had to do. After three quarters of play, Vince completed 7 passes for 66 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also fumbled twice. In what universe does that warrant another 15 minutes of play, especially when you have a proven veteran like Collins** on the sideline?The "losing Vince Young" is what most people are upset with, calling back to 2008 where Vince had some growing up to do after being benched and booed by fans.
Before I get to talking about the Titans, I'd like to point this out. The current AFC South standings have the Texans on top, and the Colts in the cellar. Not quite the perfect scenario, but it'll do for now.
The Colts in the cellar. LOL
Now, on to the Titans, who put a spanking on the Raiders yesterday. Count me in with those that say "Not so fast, Titans fans!". Indeed, it WAS the Raiders. Once we do that to the Giants, Cowboys and Chargers, THEN we can get all puffed up.
Still, it bodes well that many of our major disappointments (defense) seemed to be back to their 2008 form. Our rookie D lineman (Morgan) got his first sack, Griffin looked awesome, and we didn't have a cornerback getting burned on a regular basis, which was what used to happen to any cornerback not named Finnegan.
Another point on defense I'd like to make: Our late game prevent "D" allowed one touchdown, yes, but it also forced two fourth-and-outs, something they've never done before. I still cringe when we go to prevent, but this time around it wasn't so bad.
The offense looked good, not only did CJ break off a fourth 75+ yard touchdown run, but Vince did an outstanding job passing. His rating was 142.5, I believe. That phenomenal, especially for a guy who will "never be an elite NFL quarterback". Yes, it's only one game, but no one can say they expected him to do so well.
Rookies did well, Morgan got his first sack, Mariani did a great job as a returner, and Verner had a positive impact on special teams, and even checked in at WR for a little bit.
Concerns?
Kenny Britt. Didn't hear his name called once yesterday.
Folks who pay attention to line play said our left tackle Roos took a while to get into sync.
Finally, our sudden drop off in intensity after the third quarter was apparent to anyone watching. Yeah, it was 38-6, but still, the team who once allowed the biggest comeback in NFL history should know better.
So anyway, we face the Steelers next week, and hopefully we'll slay another dragon from last season.
And, maybe, the Colts can claw their way outta the cellar. snicker
.
Continue Reading
This is week one, so these picks are based on nothing but SWAG-ing.
1 Minnesota @ New Orleans - Favre on the ground. 'Nuff said.
2. Miami @ Buffalo- Meh
3. Detroit @ Chicago - I think Detroit could go 8-8 this year.
4. Oakland @ Tennessee - CJ2K begins his quest for back-to-back 2000 yard seasons.
5. Cincinnati @ New England - No idea of the TO-Ocho experiment will work, I just hate New England.
6. Carolina @ New York Giants - My upset pick of the week.
7. Atlanta @ Pittsburgh- The Steelers could be 1-3 by the time Big Ben gets back.
8. Cleveland @ Tampa Bay - Tie 0 - 0 (just kidding Cleveland by 7)
9. Denver @ Jacksonville - Tebow will make them sorry for passing on him.
10. Indianapolis @ Houston - The combination of Super Bowl hangover and Texas' improvement will spell doom for the Colts this year. They might not even make the playoffs.
11. Arizona @ St. Louis - Poor St Louis.
12. Green Bay @ Philadelphia- I'm liking Green Bay this year. I hope Rogers breaks every record Favre ever set with that team. Except interceptions.
13. San Francisco @ Seattle- San Fran should be playing Singletary ball from now on. They should be fun to watch.
14. Dallas @ Washington - I don't see the Fore Redskins doing much this year.
15. Baltimore @ New York Jets - Can both these teams be disqualified for being insufferable assholes? No? Then Baltimore by 3.
16. San Diego @ Kansas City - Too bad this game isn't in December, where KC might have a chance.
.
Continue Reading
