CJ2K, VY's Revival, and 2010 Optimism

by Mark Delaney
01/05/10


The road ahead in Nashville may be under construction until next September, but it is paved with bright futures and great expectations. After an 0-6 start under Kerry "Grandpa" Collins, Vince Young, Chris Johnson, and the rest of the 2009 Titans salvaged an 8-8 season. The second half of the year CJ had the NFL Universe wondering "2K or not 2K?" until he joined the exclusive Club 2,000. They have finished last in the division for only the second time since the 2002 restructuring of the league but I am beyond confident that they can compete next year for a division title and more. It stings a little to see them fall short of their playoff hopes this season after an early departure from what was supposed to be "their year" last year. But I understand the circumstances and Coach Fisher has regained his faith in Vince Young, already naming him the 2010 starter. There will be no quarterback controversy. It was a smart move by Fisher. He knows Young is a guy who needs that positive reinforcement. Telling the entire viewing audience, including Young himself, will boost VY's confidence going into a critical offseason for this team.

As long as VY can continue his progression into a solid starting quarterback in the league, the Titans are in good shape. When you have a runningback, who in his second year in the league, breaks the record for total yards from scrimmage in a season, you know you are in good hands. The record was previously held by Marshall Faulk dating back to the '99 season. It's interesting to note that was the year Faulk and the Rams beat the Titans in what was one of the most exciting Super Bowls ever. Everyone remembers how prolific and downright scary that offense was, so for CJ to break that record is something to be noticed. He also became the sixth player to rush for 2,000 yards in a season, capping off at 2,006 with an additional 503 receiving yards, making him the very first player in league history to rus for 2,000 and receive another 500 yards in a single season. It must be scary to believe that CJ may contend to beat his own records next year. If you view his '09 stats, you'll see he got off to a slow start, posting only two 100-yard games in the teams bumbling 0-6 start to the year, but finished the year posting 11 consecutive such games. That ties him for second place for 100-yard game streaks. With VY adding a running threat, himself, lanes became more available for CJ as the year progressed and Johnson was rewarded with many opportunities to showcase his blazing speed, tremendous cuts, and superior vision as a RB, as well as a receiving threat out of the backfield. I think if you replace Collins back in week one, Johnson would own Dickerson's rushing record. He would have only needed 20 additional yards in each game. I 'd say if it was VY under center, those yards would have come. Johnson, who was labeled a horrible pick by most every NFL "expert" is gonig to his second Pro Bowl in his two year career and is now the most dangerous player in the league every given Sunday.

2009 can be viewed in two different perspectives. You can say it was a season of disappointment, mediocrity, and failed expectations. And in many of my articles I did say that, using all three of those terms. But as I look back at the year that could have been, I also notice all of the bright spots on this team. My favorite player, Vince Young, is back to playing football full time, Tennessee is now home to the best player in the NFL and potentially the scariest RB-QB combo. With VY becoming a legitimate passer this year, he has added a threat defenses previously didn't have to prepare for much. Add in Offensive Coordinator Mike Heimerdinger's option play calling and VY is as comfortable as he was back at Texas. For me, when it was all said and done I will look at 2009 as a letdown. But it's a letdown with high hopes and bright futures.

GO TITANS!

Homecoming

by Mark Delaney

11/22/09

Four weeks ago, the Tennessee Titans couldn't complete a simple pass, stop any opposing offense whatsoever, and maybe not even win a shuffleboard tournament at a retirement home. But four weeks ago, Vince Young and Chris Johnson weren't taking turns shredding defenses. After three straight wins, the Titans have left me wishing the season started in November. Vince Young has assumed a nearly perfect game managers role, stepping up to make timely plays when he is needed. He looks much more mature, both in his decision making and his demeanor. Honestly, he is doing better than I had ever predicted. They are averaging a cool 35 points per game since VY took back the keys to the franchise. But if I gave him all the credit for their newfound success, I'd be labeled a fraud. The primary cause for their turnaround is the one, the only, the ridiculously elusive, Chris Johnson. He has totaled six touchdowns and about 400,000 total yards since the Jags game three weeks ago. He is unstoppable lately and it couldn't come at a better time. The Monday night rematch this week with the Texans is a huge game for both teams. Houston wants to keep their own playoff hopes alive, while Tennessee is playing spoiler to anyone they cross from now til week 17. If you survey the locker room, the Titans would tell you they are playing for the postseason. That, of course, is highly unlikely. Winning out would give them a 10-6 record and in the AFC, that usually doesn't get you in the playoffs. I had already given up on the idea of a 2009 postseason in Tennessee so at this point I'm just enjoying the ride. VY and CJ are proving to be a nearly impossible combo to cover. If you spy VY, CJ is left with open space turning the corner. And if you man up on CJ, you leave VY with a running lane of his own. Here's a look ahead to the big Monday nighter.

Titans Top Two Topics

Week 11 at Houston

1. The number one, far and way huge concern has to be containing Andre Johnson. He and QB Matt Schaub have built a relationship similar to that of Manning-Wayne, if not yet Manning-Harrison. In the week two showdown, Johnson unloaded for 149 yards and two touchdowns. Finnegan will have to do a better job of containing him this time around. With the Texans running game left up in the air, and Owen Daniels out for the year. you have to shut down Johnson, the Texans remaining offensive weapon. If he is held to an average performance, there is no doubt the Titans will be in position to win. The Finny-Andre head to head matchup is by far the most intriguing one to watch for in the game.

2. Get CJ going. Just like my point in the week 2 matchup, Chris Johnson will have to show up big. He is on the hottest streak in the NFL right now. And in week 2, he had a career day. But because Andre Johnson wasn't contained, the performance put in by CJ didn't matter. This week, if CJ can keep doing what he's been doing, and the defense actually shows up, Tennessee will continue to spoil things for their opponents.

The Houston games are always big. Not just because the team formally resided there and the animosity still resides there with their former fanbase. But for Vince Young personally, the games are of great importance. He has a lot of hometown pride. Fans of his know that he would love to perform well in his old stomping grounds. Also, he seems to play better on primetime games; another indication the Titans could play very well. This is only his second game playing in Houston. Last year, he was the backup. In 2007, he missed the game due to a hamstring injury. But in his 2006 rookie year, VY did exactly what he is known for. It is tough to forget his 39 yard scramble up the middle of the field, evading a few Texans along the way, en route to a game winning overtime touchdown. I won't mind if this Monday's game is as dramatic, just as long as it shares the same end result on the scoreboard.

Titans win 34-24

Halfway Home in the NFL

by Mark Delaney
11/7/2009


With week 8 wrapped up, I thought it'd be a good change of pace to shift my focus out of Nashville and analyze the entire NFL. At the midway point of the 2009 season, many teams have secured their places as the league's elite (Colts, Saints). While others are left with question marks surrounding their identity (Jets, Giants). And, as always, there are the bottom dwellers; the league's basement (Buccaneers, Lions). The NFL is the greatest sports league in the world because of the tremendous amount of year to year parity. As well as the endless list of storylines in what never seems like a long enough season. The halfway point of the season is an interesting time to make judgments on teams because more often than not, any watchful eyes have a large enough sampling to make an educated analysis of each team. But still, there will be some teams that you won't recognize in the second half of the year. So it'll be interesting to see where each team ends up in relation to their first half output. My rankings are broken down into Conference, Division, and finally (best) team to (worst) team.

AFC NORTH

Bengals: B+ At 5-2, the Bengals are in a close race for their division crown. But their 3-0 record against AFC North opponents will help them tremendously. But they will have to start winning in more convincing fashion to be taken seriously. Those three inner-division games were each won by a field goal.


Steelers: B Tied for first, the defending champs wrestled with mediocrity in the first few weeks. But they seem to have turned a corner since turning to Rashard Mendenhall in their backfield. Big Ben is playing well and the defense is always stellar, but it is tough to repeat in the NFL.


Ravens: B- Joe Flacco has improved every game of his career for the most part and he is shaping up to be a great leader for a Baltimore team historically focused on defense. But they have to find a way to beat their tougher opponents after losing to New England, Cincinnatti and Minnesota or else they may find themselves watching Wild Card weekend at home.


Browns: D- What else can be said about the Cleveland Browns? They have been outscored by their opponents by 131 points this year and have a turnover differential of -11. On top of that, they just fired their GM this week. Eric "Man-genius" has a big hole to dig his team out of or else he may lose his precious nickname.

AFC SOUTH

Colts: A Like every year this decade, the Colts are the class of the AFC. At an unblemished 7-0 they are poised to capture another division crown. But with the Texans surprisingly in their rear view mirror, as well as a very difficult second half of games slated on their schedule, Indy will be tested. They really have only one guaranteed win for the remainder of the season which is their game against the Bills. Ironically, they may have wrapped up their playoff seeding by then and won't play the starters in that game, leading to the Bills actually winning.

Texans: B At a surprising 5-3, the Houston Texans are off to their best start in franchise history. The dynamic duo of Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson is proving to be a formidable one these past few years. But Schaub did just lose his underrated TE, Owen Daniels, for the season. Also, Steve Slaton was benched for his fumble issues this past week, leaving a big question mark in the offensive backfield. They have plenty of other question marks, and a history of mediocrity holding them down in the national media. But they look like they are finally ready to push for the playoffs.

Jaguars: C The Jags are an enigmatic team right now. At 3-4, they have bright spots like Maurice Jones-Drew's league leading 10 rushing TDs. And they have areas of negativity too, like their 26th ranked defense. Using only the games they have played as a measuring stick, it is difficult to draw any conclusions about the direction of this team. They have beaten the Texans and Titans within the division, but also lost to Indy and Tennessee. The AFC has many contenders, and a 3-4 start may already be too much to overcome.

Titans: D- I had preparred the idea for this article a few weeks ago, and I was completely ready to give my favorite team a failing grade. But after this week's total statistical domination over the Jaguars, I have to give the Titans some credit. Chris Johnson leads the league in rushing yards and is solidifying his repuation as one of the most dangerous players in the NFL. And the switch to Vince Young at QB, albeit too late for this season, may prove to be a great adjustment for future seasons. As a fan, I am hoping for a strong finish. But their pass defense will have to show up in more than just one game.

AFC WEST

Broncos: B+ Josh McDaniels has shown he knows how to lead a team since taking the Denver Head Coaching job this offseason. He made a bold trade of acquiring Kyle Orton and sending Jay Cutler to Chicago. It was controversial but Orton seems to fit McDaniels' gameplan perfectly, managing the game and letting their suddenly stellar defense take over.

Chargers: C At 4-3 the Chargers are sitting just one game over .500. This team is stacked with talent at every position, but seems to not be able to get a grip on their season. Out of their four wins, three have come against the Chiefs or Raiders. They have lost to every elite team they have faced so far. They still have a chance to turn it around because Philip Rivers is playing to his standard great football. But they will need to turn it around quick in the tough AFC.

Chiefs: D: Matt Cassel has unfortunately made the biggest splash of his young career when he was initially traded to the Chiefs and since then has wowed no one. Kansas City is rebuilding right now so I'll give them credit. They have great young guys like Dwayne Bowe at WR and their newly named starting runningback, Jamaal Charles. They also have fresh legs on the defensive line. So give this team a few years to return to the postseason. or now though, forget about them.

Raiders: D- Oakland has long been the laughingstock of the NFL this decade. Once one of the proudest franchises in the sport, the Raiders are now characterized by terrible draft decisions, mistake-prone games, and a koo-koo for cocoa puffs owner in Al Davis. They have been rebuilding since they lost the Pirate Bowl in 2002. I didn't give them a failing grade because they did manage to beat the Eagles. Beyond that, they are ugly.

AFC EAST

Patriots: A- Besides their very winnable game that they let go to Denver, the Patriots look like they are ready to compete in the playoffs, per usual. The showdown next week versus the Colts will be the best indication of where this team stands and fans may not like the end result. But with Brady and Belichick, the team will be confident in their ability.

Jets: B- After a dominating 3-0 start, Gang Green is since 1-4. Rex Ryan looked like a savior initially. But now the Jets are left with many questions surrounding the fate of their season. This is a great example of a team that still has no identity after half of a season. In terms of scheme, fans know they are aggressive on both sides of the ball. But in terms of potential, the Jets may wind up falling flat on their face.

Dolphins: C+ The Wildcat offense is so 2008. They have had a few great games using the college formation, namely their primetime game versus the Colts. But for all the success it is bringing them, it isn't doing anything for their record, which stands at 3-4. Eventually they will need to actually use a standard quarterback capable of winning football games.

Bills: C- Buffalo may be the most boring team in the country. Terrell Owens has done nothing for them, their best player was suspended the first four weeks of the year, and they have had multiple bad games already. Most notably, their 6-3 loss to the Browns. When a football game ends with a baseball score, you know those teams were bad. I'm wondering if the Cleveland Indians played in place of the Browns, would Buffalo still have lost.

NFC NORTH

Vikings: A- Truthfully I am still waiting for Brett Favre to collapse, maybe even figuratively at his age. I was sure the Vikings were the product of an easy early schedule. But Peterson, Favre and maybe most importantly, Jared Allen, have led this team to a great 7-1 start. They have shown they can hang with tougher teams too, beating Baltimore and Green Bay (twice). Their season will live or die on if Favre and Peterson can finish off strong, something neither of them has done recently.

Green Bay: B- I had Green Bay pegged as my NFC contender in the Super Bowl this year. So it is surprising to see them struggle. Aaron Rodgers is making a name for himself as one of the elite quarterbacks in the league. But they were swept by Minnesota in the season series and also dropped the Cincinnati game at home. They will need to step up in this second half to fight for a wild card spot, but they are far from hopeless.

Bears: C+ Sophomore runningback Matt Forte has had a mostly average to below average season so far and it is hurting his team. Add in that Jay Cutler plays like Brett Favre with his signature risk/reward throws, and you have a team that is without a running game and with a very shaky passing game. Cutler has thrown 11 TDs to 11 picks, which will probably be a career trend of his. They, like the Packers, can still turn it around this season, but the clock is ticking.

Lions: F Everyone knows the story of the Lions. The only 0-16 team in NFL history returned this year and won their week three matchup against the nearly equally bad Redskins, and then went right back into the dump to start the year 1-6. Another rebuilding team, the Lions have a potential star at all three spotlight positions: Matt Stafford, Kevin Smith, and Calvin Johnson. Give them a few more years to allow the defense to catch up.

NFC SOUTH

Saints: A The Saints look like the total package. An elite quarterback, a terrific running game, dynamic recievers, and playmakers all over the defensive side of the ball. One of only two remaining undefeated teams, The team formerly known as the "Aints" due to their inability to be successful, may finally be on the verge of something special. Keeping Brees healthy should be their top priority. If he goes down, so does their season. Their high octane offense leads the league in point differential at +119. Wow.

Falcons: B The Falcons are pretty much in the middle of the pack with every statistic including their record (4-3), point differential (16th), and total offense (17th). I like Matt Ryan a lot. But he is getting no help from his defense. They are ranked 29th overall and have had their most trouble stopping the pass, although the run D isn't much better. They can realistically only fight for a Wild Card spot at this point and watch the Saints "Brees" through their own schedule.

Panthers: C Despite their powerful one-two punch of Deangelo Williams and Johnathan Stewart out of the backfield, the Panthers can't seem to find ther 2008 swagger. Although many are picking them to upset the Saints this weekend. They are 5-0 with Delhomme at quaterback when playing in the Superdome. Their biggest concern should be keeping the ball, they have a -8 turnover differential. That's 29th in the league.

Buccaneers: F While the Bucs were on a bye this past week, Tennessee won a game. That leaves the Bucs as the only winless team remaining in the league. And things won't get any better this week when they face Aaron Rodgers in the middle of his best statstical streak of his young career. They are going with rookie QB Josh Freeman this week and hopefully he doesn't try to do too much. For his own morale, all he should worry about is not committing turnovers.

NFC WEST

Cardinals: C+ The Super Bowl hangover may prove once again to be in effect. While the Cardinals do sit atop their division at 4-3, it is the weakest division in football. Larry Fitzgerald still gets my vote as the league's best wide reciever but he hasn't done much this year. If they finish strong, they will find their way into the playoff picture. But don't expect them to go far. Wait, that's what people said last year.

49ers: C- Alex Smith has found his way back into the starting lineup in San Fran and this week faces another young QB who is trying to make a comeback, that being Vince Young. Like Young in Tennessee, Smith needs to make friends with his runningback, Frank Gore. He is underrated in my mind and a dual-threat out of the backfield. Coach/Monster Mike Singletary won't lay dormant forever. This team needs to start producing positive results.

Seahawks: C- The past two years now Seattle has had injuries plague their seasons. Just when you think they can capitalize on a weak division, their star players get hurt. This year is pretty much wrapped up for them at 2-5. But in such a weak division and the weaker of the two conferences, they could still pull something out of their proverbial hat.

Rams: F The Rams managed to get their first win last week versus the laughable Detroit Lions. It was a momentous occasion for all in the locker room, but in reality, one win against the worst team in the league isn't something to be satisfied with. Steven Jackson has put up great yardage(970) but only found the endzone once. That's what happens on a team like the Rams.

NFC EAST

Eagles: A- In opposite fashion of the NFC West, the Eastern division is thought of yearly as one of the toughest. Philly is tied with the Cowboys for the division lead at 5-2 and the winner of this weekend's matchup will get a huge momentum boost. The only concerning thing about the Eagles thus far is how they dropped a game to the Oakland Raiders. How can you do that?

Cowboys: A- Miles Austin has found chemistry with Tony Romo in the absence of Roy Williams. Now with Williams retuning, many are wondering how many targets Austin will lose. Not many, if you ask me. Austin has stepped up so big in the past three weeks that it'd be stupid to not continue looking his way, no matter who else is on the field. Romo now has 8 TDs in the past 3 games. If he can keep this up, the NFC is in trouble.

Giants: B- After starting 5-0, the Giants looked poised to return to glory. But Eli Manning has struggled as of late. And it shows, with New York having lost their last three games; two of them in blowout fashion. Another tough game is slated for this weekend when they play the Chargers. Things may get worse before they get better in the Meadowlands.

Redskins: F Is your favorite NFL team having trouble winning games? Just have them face the Redskins. Washington gave Kansas City and Detroit their first wins of the season. Despite having played the bottom of the barrel for most of their season, the Redskins have only won two games; those being against the Rams and Buccaneers. Those two teams combined have only won a single game this year. When you struggle against the worst teams in the league, that probably means you are in the same boat as them.

It'll be interesting to look back at this to see where teams end up. Like I said, by week 13 or so we will have a better idea of what teams are contenders and which aren't. Halfway home in the NFL for 2009 and the fun has just begun.