MVN - Most Valuable Network

Will Albert Haynesworth be a Titan beyond 2008?

As a result of his contract situation, Albert Haynesworth won’t be attending the beginning of the Tennessee Titans’ organized team activities, which start today at Baptist Sports Park.

The inability of Haynesworth and the Titans to hammer out a long-term deal continues to be an issue for the team as it heads into the 2008 season.

Haynesworth, who was designated as the team’s franchise player, has until July 15th to negotiate a contract that would allow him to be a Titan for probably the rest of his career and if a deal isn’t struck; the team may face the daunting prospect of “Fat Albert” being available on the open market next offseason.

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A few thoughts on Chris Johnson

Props to Greg Trippiedi, one of our writers on MVN’s Redskins site, Hog Heaven. Greg also made some major contributions to MVN’s draft coverage and was the only writer I’m aware of who didn’t give a first-round draft grade to any receivers this year, not once but twice.

To the dismay of many Titans fans, Greg was absolutely right. Don’t despair, however, all is not lost. The Titans have said they plan on using Chris Johnson some at receiver.

“There’s a lot of film of him lining up as a wide receiver and doing good things there like his running ability and the speed he brings to us. He gives us a chance for a home run hitter. He makes our special teams better immediately as a returner. I think we said we needed to add speed and a big-play guy, and we did that in a couple of areas,” said Mike Heimerdinger.

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Pass Targets: Who the Titans threw the ball to in 2007

There are a few football statistics of somewhat questionable value. Take, for instance, rush attempts. You might think teams that are good at running the football run the ball more, and teams that are bad at running don’t run the ball as much. But, if the good running team has a bad defense, they’ll have to pass a lot because they won’t have time to run as much as they want. Vice versa for good teams-they’ll run the ball more to kill the clock, even if they’re not very good at it. Bottom line: it’s all about context.

For today’s little foray into statistics of somewhat questionable value, I’m taking a look at pass targets. Pass receptions are easy to understand: you get a reception if you catch the ball, and you don’t if you don’t. Pass targets are “forget there’s any difference between Reggie Wayne and Troy Williamson,” to use receivers who can and cannot catch, respectively, just who got thrown the ball.

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The disrespect continues: Titans ranked 20th in SI Power Rankings

The beginning of the 2008 season is months away and already, the Titans have been given some bulletin-board material.

Following a draft that’s been universally panned by the majority of NFL pundits, the Titans continue to get the short end of the stick when it comes to the opinions of the national sports media.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Peter King, the Titans are ranked #20 in the first installment of his NFL power rankings for the 2008 season.

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History repeats itself: Titans draft another DE duo

It’s like 2004 all over again.

Coming off a 12-4 record and postseason birth in 2003, the 2004 Tennessee Titans were in need of reinforcements at the defensive end position. Jevon Kearse had signed a lucrative free-agent contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Kevin Carter wasn’t getting any younger. As a result of those circumstances, the Titans decided to invest heavily in younger talent at DE, drafting Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy in the second round in 2004.

In 2008, the Titans, like 2004, are heading into the season as a playoff team from the previous year and as a result of the free agency departures of Odom and LaBoy, they are yet again faced with the task of replenishing the defensive line.

By drafting Jason Jones and William “Big Play” Hayes, the Titans hope to once again begin a youth movement at the DE spot.

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Some Titans’ radio talk and character issues

I’ve heard some good post-draft talk on Nashville sports talk radio the last few days. Jeff Fisher was on at least three separate times on Monday, including a hour-long special. As usual, he claimed the Titans were very happy with the players they drafted and that every position of need was addressed.

One encouraging thing he did say was that the Titans didn’t consider Chris Johnson to be just a running back. He indicated the Titans were going to use him in a variety of ways, including splitting him out as a wide receiver, to get the ball in his hands multiple times per game. Fish also made a statement that Vince Young had been in town this spring far more than most people realized, he had spent a lot of time with Mike Heimerdinger and they were very excited about the offense. Read the rest of this entry »

Recapping the Titans’ draft

It was certainly a mixed bag of draftees for the Titans this weekend. It’s a group that has drawn both kudos and criticism and the fan reaction here on Total Titans has mirrored that.

Round 1, Pick 24 (24): RB Chris Johnson, East Carolina

This is not only the most visible pick but also the one that’s drawn the most controversy. Depending on your point of view, the Titans either scored a touchdown or fumbled with this one. If you’re a guy who was looking for a speedy playmaker, this was the fastest guy in the draft and a guy with the potential to be an offensive weapon with an immediate impact. If you were looking for a receiver or defensive player, you’re upset at the waste of a pick. Read the rest of this entry »

Titans add a few undrafted free agents

The hustling and bustling of the draft may be over, but the Titans are still exploring avenues to bring in additional young talent.

Delaware RB Omar Cuff, Hawaii WR Jason Rivers and Kentucky G/C Eric Scott are the first of 10 undrafted free agents that the Titans expect to sign this week.

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Titans close 2008 draft by selecting Washburn CB Cary Williams in 7th round

The Titans chose Washburn CB Cary Williams with their 7th round pick, 229th overall.

Washburn is a 6′1″, 185 pound CB who’s run a 4.43 40 yard dash and was a Division II All-America in 2007 after finishing with 7 interceptions. He also provides return skills, with a 23.4 yard average and 2 TDs his senior year.

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Final Titan 4th round pick: Purdue LB Stanford Keglar

Jeff Fisher’s Pac-10 roots are showing. The USC alum picked two guys on the second day of the draft who hail from the University of California, and with their last selection in the 4th round, the Titans chose a guy named Stanford.

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