SB Nation - Jovan Haye

Where are they now? A detailed look at the released Veterans from 2008

Niko Houllis — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:00:17 -0000

Jovan Haye appears to be the best player we let go from 2008; his half sack and 22 tackles, are they missed?

Smoke.

Mirrors.

Some say that is how Jon Gruden won 9 games with the 2008 Bucs team, that was a suscpicious 9-3 going into the last quarter of the season. The Bucs fell behind a 2-14 KC team 24-3, and fell behind an 0-16 team 17-0 before coming back. They beat a 6-10 Green Bay team at home, and a 4-12 Seattle team at home too.

It would seem the last 4 games are the ones that truely defined us as a team in 2008. Some say Raheem Morris and Mark Dominik took a playoff team and destroyed it. Lets take a look at that assessment, and look at the work the two guys did to Jon Gruden's final hurrah in Tampa.

Quarterback Jeff Garcia - OUT OF FOOTBALL

QB Brian Griese- OUT OF FOOTBALL

Linebacker Derrick Brooks- OUT OF FOOTBALL

See more player status reports after the jump...

DL Kevin Carter- OUT OF FOOTBALL

WR Ike Hilliard- OUT OF FOOTBALL

RB Warrick Dunn- OUT OF FOOTBALL

K Matt Bryant- OUT of NFL, Kicking for UFL

WR Joey Galloway- Signed with New England, cut- OUT OF FOOTBALL

LB Cato June- Signed by Houston; 2nd string, IR

TE Alex Smith- Traded to New England- Cut: Back up with Philadelphia; 2 catches 22 yards

Jovan Haye- Starting in Tennessee- 22 tackles and half sack.

Philip Buchanon- nickle corner, Detroit Lions; 32 tackles, 0 ints

Gaines Adams- Chicago via trade- 2 tackles, 1 Pass breakup, 0 sacks

The Tennessee Titans Defensive Line At Week 11: Like a phoenix rising from the ashes of a dumpster fire

August West — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:53:12 -0000

More photos » by Wade Payne - AP

CJ may carry the flag, but the defensive line carries the torch on this team.

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On the way to 13 wins and the AFC's top seed in the 2008 playoffs, one unit truly defined the Tennessee Titans: (usually after that colon I'd write 'the defensive line' like it held some sort of impact or suspense, but come on, you read the title of the post). Last year's defensive line was a nearly mythical beast -- like half Deacon Jones, half El Chupacabra, and half Manbearpig -- that relentlessly harassed offenses and disrupted any game plan that couldn't be executed in 2.3 seconds. Mothers of quarterbacks and offensive linemen cried when they would discover heir husky pride and joys would have to face Big Albert and the gang the next week. It was defense so good it bordered on sexy sometimes.

Well, that collection of talent was squandered in the playoffs, and the most dynamic talent on the line cashed in on a rebuilt image for a pile of monopoly money soaking in the Potomac Basin. With Albert gone and coordinator Jim Schwartz headed to Detroit there was much speculation as to how, yet little doubt if, the defensive line could come close to making the impact they had the year before. Sure Albert is gone, we said, but this unit was always a big rotation and that depth would be the key. Jason Jones grew into a beast at the end of last season, and the ends will be better than ever!

Cut to week 6 of 2009 and we’re all feeling a little foolish after an 0-6 start and an especially emasculating 0-59 loss to the Patriots...

The D-line struggled with a pile of injuries (Jones, Ford) and disappearing acts by veterans so beloved they had nicknames (Boom King, The Freak). Efforts to blitz and use the safeties aggressively, combined with injuries to Cortland Finnegan and Vincent Fuller, resulted in a line that couldn’t penetrate and a secondary that couldn’t cover.

Looking at the last three games, however, one that same defensive line has combined with a healthy secondary to give us a glimpse of the defense we expected at the beginning of the year. Where as a few weeks ago Tony Brown looked like the only D-lineman who did a lick of work in the off-season, we’re now looking at massive strides being made by MCM favorite Jacob Ford, self-made starter William Hayes, rookie Sen’Derrick Marks and a healthy Jason Jones. The deep rotation is also benefiting from improved play by Boom King and newcomer Jovan Haye, along with the reliable (if unspectacular) contributions of Dave Ball and Kevin Vickerson.

What has this improved play wrought? Do 10 sacks in 3 games sound better 11 in 6 games? You bet it does. Well, how about forcing 8 turnovers in 3 games (most due to pressure) after we only got 8 in the previous 6?

What about a sack rate that’s better than the vaunted Colts D-line? I mean hell, that’s all their DE’s do is play the pass.

We have the best RB in the league right now, and Vince Young is a walking headline no matter what he does, but anyone who overlooks the improvement Chuck Cecil and Jim Washburn have gotten out of the line does so at their own peril. The pressure has helped cover for our horrendous safety play, and they don’t waste their opportunities when Cecil dials-up the blitz.

Are they back to where they were in 2008? Of course not; the 2008 defensive line was a rare collection of talent, but this group is showing signs of turning into something special all the same.

So lets debate Vince Young over 600 comments in a troll call, and lets vote Chris Johnson into the Pro Bowl until he gets more votes than most presidents. But just remember: it’s going to be the success or failure of Tony Brown, Williams Hayes, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Jason Jones and Jacob Ford that decide if we’re watching a miracle or just a nifty turnaround.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: It's Just The Tale Of A Heart Attack Edition

August West — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:59:48 -0000

More photos » by Wade Payne - AP

Jeff Fisher has a lot to do to earn that smirk...

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The Titans are preparing for the always dangerous workhorse Frank Gore this Sunday. If they had trouble tackling MJD on a few plays, they'll need to focus twice as hard on the much stronger Gore. Wyatt also discuss the new questions surrounding the return game as no one knows if Chris Davis or Alvin Pearman will be returning kicks and/or punts.

Maybe after all those snaps the defense just Need(s) Some Air... by the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club!

The Sporting News breaks-down Vince Young on the cover, then pairs off the keys for the game as we prepare for San Francisco. the third one id no breakdowns in the secondary, and given how bad our breakdowns have been (more like meltdowns), I'd bump that puppy right up to number one.

Follow us through the jump for links on disappointments, injuries and a match made in football heaven...

The Titans are using a large defensive line rotation as expected, but the results from some guys just haven't been there. Off-season pick-up Jovan Haye has really been a letdown so far. He's been great against the run, but that isn't what we need right now, so he and his 4-year $16 million deal were inactive Sunday while second round pick Sen'Derrick Marks got his first meaningful playing time.

PFW takes a more in-depth look at Haye's struggles.

The match between the Titans and Rod Hood is going about as well as can be expected so far for a mid-season signing of a street free agent at a starting position on defense. Hood sounds absolutely euphoric about getting this shot and the early returns.

David Stewart injured his hammy at practice, but the injury doesn't appear to be much of a concern at this point. It's a little easier for an O-lineman to play through that than a WR or CB. the only thing that gets dicey about that is our only experienced depth there, OT Mike Otto, hasn't practiced in about two weeks. I've never seen then swing LeRoy Harris out there, so I'm guessing that would make Troy Kropog, who was active for his first game last week, the next in line should Stewart be a scratch on Sunday.

Paul Kuharsky takes a look at the strength of schedule for AFC South teams through the first half and second half of the year. We had the 3rd hardest schedule in the NFL through week 8, and like the other top 4 teams in that count we have a crap record to show for it.

Vince Young still has many tests yet to come this season, says David Climer.

The match-up between MLB Stephen Tulloch and Frank Gore on Sunday is a key one for the Titans, and it's a quite interesting one since the two men have been competing against each other since the earliest days of pee wee football. Think they haven't seen each other since? Wrong: they played at rival high schools, then both played in the ACC (though Gore's years at Miami were marred by two ACL injuries that limited his playing time).

Here, Stephen Tulloch blogs about the first win, and gives some heads-up about the charity work he'll be doing with Backfield in Motion to help feed the needy on Thanksgiving Day.

Every time you read a great Titans-related story on the web and don't share it with the MCM community through the fanposts, fanshots or by emailing me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com a Ravens (or Steelers) fan smiles. Is that what you want?!!!!?!?!

Bucs on the verge of a Top 10 Pass Defense!

Niko Houllis — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:45:10 -0000

More photos » by Reinhold Matay - AP

One of the reasons the Bucs have improved in pass defense.

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Before you go down your own "Life on Mars" checklist of possible causes of this unbelievable headline, know one thing. It is NOT a misprint or typo. Use whatever reasoning you want to in coming up with an explanation, (like the fact we have the 31st rushing defense) but the numbers do not lie. We are currently the 11th Passing defense, at 198.5 yards per game, and that's not the only statistic that the Bucs are better than the average bear in.

In what is exclusively an offensive catagory, the Bucs are tied for 14th in sacks allowed. This is easy to understand, as Josh Johnson is not easilly sacked, and the fact that our Offensive Line is one of our biggest assets.

Then you have probably the only catagory that both sides have to contribute to, the turnover margin. In this realm, the Bucs are a respectable 16th (Tied) at -1, meaning with one more interception by a Tanard Jackson or so, the Bucs will have given the ball away as often as they have taken it.

So what does it all mean? Well speaking of T-jack, it may be no mystery that since his return the Bucs pass defense has improved (along the lines of Jimmy Wilkerson and Styles White increased results in rushing the passers) in passing stats. Rushing stats however, the Bucs are virtually dead last, 31st, at 171.7 yards per game, absolutely absurd for an NFL team. Clearly the Bucs need to invest in their interior defensive line, somthing has really has not been news for several years now, going back to the weekly requests by former Head Coach Jon Gruden calling for more effort from his D line. One by one the stars on the line have gone, and have not been replaced adequately.

Simeon Rice ---> Gaines Adams---> Styles G White...

Warren Sapp--->Chartric Darby---->Anthony McFarland--->Ellis Wyms---->Jovan Haye---->Ryan Simms....

Brad Culppeper---->Anthony McFarland---->Chris Hovan....

Greg Spires---->Kevin Carter---->Jimmy Wilkerson

as you can see, only one, and that is probably debatable, is close to the same level as the guys who rushed the passer in the heyday of Franchise. Luckily, the 2010 draft of which the Bucs are stacked with an ultra high #1 and #2 pick, as well as an extra #2 pick of the Bears for the trade involving Gaines Adams. Expect youngsters like Roy Miller to get serious playing time for the rest of 2009 as Raheem Morris looks to see what he has from the latest picks.

New York Jets Run Offense vs. Tennessee Titans Run Defense

John B — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:57:42 -0000

More photos » by Tim Larsen - AP

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When they handed the Titans their first loss a year ago, the Jets ran for 192 yards against a defense that included Albert Haynesworth. This could be the game for the Jets' rushing attack to get on track. The numbers don't look terrible, but New York has had problems running the ball early in games. Defenses have stacked the box against Mark Sanchez.

Tennessee's Cover 2 scheme calls for safeties to play deep to prevent the big play. We may see 8 up front at some points, but I would guess this will be less than New England and Houston used. It is going to come down to execution. Can the Jets offensive line control the point of attack to give Thomas Jones and Leon Washington room?

As we discussed in the passing matchup preview, the Titans rotate heavily on the defensive line. We'll see Kyle Vanden Bosch and David Ball at one defensive end spot. Jevon Kearse, Jacob Ford, and William Hayes at the other. Tony Brown, Kevin Vickerson, Jason Jones, and Jovan Haye will line up in the middle at tackle.

I can see the Jets having a lot of success on the ground. In a system like this, defensive linemen are usually small, particularly at end. Since there's not a ton of blitzing, teams sacrifice size for speed. Linemen are solely responsible for generating pressure. That means there could be issues against a power run attack with a big offensive line. On the left side, where Kearse and Ford will be, the Titans will reguarly be giving 60 pounds to Damien Woody. That's also the side David Thornton will line up at linebacker. Thornton is a good player, but I'd rather run at him than standout Keith Bullock on the other side. Stephen Tulloch will play the middle. It will be a typical Jets run attack. Alan Faneca will pull to the right side. Can the Titans stop it? If not, they will definitely have to put an eighth in the box, and Mark Sanchez has shown the ability to beat those fronts.

I would like to see more Tony Richardson this week. Against the Pats, there were a lot of three receiver sets early. That doesn't make a ton of sense to me. Jerricho Cotchery and Chansi Stuckey are the only receivers with receptions. Get the best lead blocker in the game into the action.

New York Jets Pass Offense vs. Tennessee Titans Pass Defense

John B — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:00:21 -0000

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

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Last season, the Jets went into Nashville and crushed the Titans in no small measure due to a huge day by Brett Favre. Operating out of spread sets, Favre picked Tennessee's vaunted defense, neutralizing its pass rush by consistently getting the ball out quickly and finding an open target. The strategy will be a bit different this time around with a rookie quarterback. We won't see complicated looks. The Jets have featured a scaled back playbook in the first two weeks. How can you tell? Only two receivers, one tight end, and one running back have as many as 2 receptions. The featured targets have done a great job getting open, and Mark Sanchez has been very accurate, making good decisions.

In some ways, the Titans will not be as difficult of a challenge as the Texans and Pats presented. Tennessee's Cover 2 scheme relies more on execution than aggressively attacking the opposing quarterback with exotic fronts. For the Titans, what you see is generally what you get, a lot of four man rushes. Albert Haynesworth is gone, but the unit has a lot of talent and rotates linemen a lot. Javon Kearse and Kyle Vanden Bosch will start at end, while we'll see Jacob Ford, William Hayes, and former Jet David Ball behind them. Tony Brown, Jason Jones, Jovan Haye, and Kevin Vickerson will line up at tackle. There are a lot of talented pass rushers from this group.

Although they will not have as many perplexing fronts as the Texans and Pats did, the Titans have the best secondary the Jets have faced this season. Cortland Finnegan is a Pro Bowl cover corner. After a rough week against Andre Johnson, he'll have plenty of motivation. I would expect to see plenty of man coverage on Jerricho Cotchery.

Nick Harper mans the other corner spot. The Titans play a ton of zone, which is where Harper is best. This is an area Chansi Stuckey should be able to find some room to work. He has been great at breaking off his routes and finding an opening. If the offensive line can protect Sanchez, Stuckey could have a big day finding holes in the zone. Ditto Dustin Keller working the seam against the linebacker corp of David Thornton, Stephen Tullock, and Keith Brooking.

If you're waiting for David Clowney to have his breakout week, it probably won't be this one. Cover 2 means the two safeties play deep to guard against vertical routes, and the Titans have a pair of really good ones in Chris Hope and Michael Griffin.

It all depends on the men up front. The Jets have been able to keep Sanchez upright the first two weeks. If he has time, he can do damage. I won't expect a game as big as Favre had last season, but there are areas the Jets can exploit the Titans with Stuckey and Keller in particular.

My Final Prediction of the Tennessee Titans 53 Man Roster

Jimmy — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:13:32 -0000

by John Russell - AP

Some tough decisions ahead for this man. (AP Photo/John Russell)

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This was the toughest one yet. The Titans have until tomorrow at 4 p.m. to be down to 53.

53 Man Prediction (new editions in italics)

Kerry Collins, Vince Young (2)

Chris Johnson, LenDale White, Javon Ringer, Ahmard Hall, Quinton Ganther (5)

Nate Washington, Justin Gage, Kenny Britt, Lavelle Hawkins, Dominique Edison, Mark Jones (6)

Alge Crumpler, Bo Scaife, Jared Cook, Craig Stevens (4)

Michael Roos, Jake Scott, Kevin Mawae, Eugene Amano, David Stewart, Leroy Harris, Mike Otto, Troy Kropog (8)

Kyle Vanden Bosch, Jevon Kearse, Jacob Ford, William Hayes, Dave Ball (5)

Tony Brown, Jovan Haye, Jason Jones, Sen'Derrick Marks, Kevin Vickerson (5)

Keith Bulluck, Stephen Tulloch, David Thornton, Gerald McRath, Stanford Keglar, Colin Allred (6)

Cortland Finnegan, Nick Harper, Ryan Mouton, Tuff Harris, DeMarcus Faggins (5)

Michael Griffin, Chris Hope, Vincent Fuller, Donnie Nickey (4)

Rob Bironas, Craig Hentrich, Ken Amato (3)

There are no doubt some tough calls on this one. The last edition had Cary Williams, Jason McCourty (who they will add to the practice squad) and Ryan Fowler.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Meager Upside Edition

August West — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:37:35 -0000

More photos » by Mark Humphrey - AP

I'm sure Kevin Mawae is very happy to have dumped the PUP list...

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An MRI showed no major damage to Nate Washington's hamstring, but his status for the season opener at Pittsburgh is still very much in doubt. Given how tough the early third of our schedule appears to be, this could be a significant injury due to the lack of experience behind him. The meager upside to the situation is that coaches will get a good long look at those young guys over the final two preseason games with the starting unit.

Traditionally Coach Fisher has had the starters play into the first few series in the third quarter during the third preseason game so that they get a feel for the halftime process and making adjustments. This squad is so experienced, however, that Fish is saying he may forego that route this time.

Graduating from Vanderbilt and carving out a good career in the NFL is more than most people can accomplish, and it doesn't get a bit easier if you throw dyslexia in the mix... just ask Jovan Haye.

Follow us through the jump to see why the Titans aren't sweating the ground game's lame preseason production...

Teresa Walker explains why the Titans aren't concerned about the lackluster production in the running game over the preseason: mainly because there's no sense of urgency due to the fact that these guys have proven themselves in real action. You can also point to the O-line injuries as affecting the running game as well.

Paul K watched a big-time goal line stand in practice yesterday, and then decided to quiz those involved to see how it looked from their perspective.

Peter King can name at least 10 rookies who have been more impressive than Jared Cook or Javon Ringer? Really?

Former Titans camp player from last year and local (Montgomery Bell) product Ingle Martin has an audition for the Denver Broncos.

The Football Outsiders take a look at what they perceive (via their proprietary DVOA stats) to be a steady decline in the competitive balance across the NFL.

If there's anything you would like to share with the MCM community, please take advantage of the comments, fanshots and fanposts to do so! Or, you can always email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com.

Predicting the Arizona Cardinals Record: Part 3

Andrew602 — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:00:11 -0000

Last week was the second week of predicting the Arizona Cardinals record for the 2009 season. At the midway point of the season, the Cardinals look to be 5-3, which most may agree is a very respectable record, and may have them at 1st place in the division at that point. Last week's may have also been the toughest stretch of the season, and the Cardinals are projected to finish 2-2 in that span. This week, things are similar, as the Cardinals begin with 2 division rivals, followed by two competitive games.

Week 10: vs Seattle Seahawks

Key Additions: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, DT Colin Cole, CB Ken Lucas, DT Cory Redding, LB Aaron Curry

Key Losses: LB Julian Peterson, DT Rocky Bernard, WR Bobby Engram, RB Maurice Morris

Analysis: As stated in part 2 of this segment, Seattle enjoyed a swarming amount of injuries in 2008. They lacked 2nd stringers to cover for their 1st stringers when the injury bug attacked. Seattle hopes to be fully healed in 2008, yet long time, future hall of fame offensive tackle, Walter Jones, has already had back problems this offseason, and is about to go through knee surgery which will take him out indefinitely. Seattle gets a healthy Matt Hasselbeck back at the helm of the offense, and added a wide out threat in TJ Houshmandzadeh.

What to watch for: After predicting a win for the Cardinals on the road in Seattle already, the Seahawks will be heading into this game, hoping to get their revenge. If all stars are healthy, we should be in for a good showing. At this point in the season, the Cardinals may be looking to secure a playoff birth, and getting this against a divisional opponent would be nice. Watch for a competitive game, as Hasselbeck likes to play tough against the Cardinals year in and year out.

Key Match up: Kurt Warner vs Seahawks defense - Warner will be looking to carve up the Seahawks defense, hoping to push the Cardinals into the playoff race.

Prediction: Win - If the Seahawks can't beat the Cardinals in Seattle, what makes it different in Arizona?

Week 11 - At St. Louis

Key Additions: SS James Butler, C Jason Brown, FB Mike Karney, OT Jason Smith

Key Losses: WR Torry Holt, OT Orlando Pace, QB Trent Green, S Corey Chavous

Analysis: For the last two years, the Rams have mustered together a dismal 5-27 record. Hoping to erase recent memory, the Rams hired Steve Spagnola, former defensive coordinator from the Giants, to lead their team to the promise land, and a respectable record. They've also broken away from the past, recently releasing long time veterans, Tory Holt, Orlando Pace, and Corey Chavous. The Rams goal for 2009 is to put together a tough team, that remains competitive in every game. If this is possible, we may see something different then what we've seen in years past.

What to watch for: The Rams spent a lot of money this offseason trying to revamp their offensive line that's been unable to protect the quarterback the last few years. Watch for a battle between the Cardinals defensive line and the Rams offensive line. We'll probably see a warm welcoming for Kurt Warner as usual from the St. Louis fans.

Key Match up: Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell vs Jason Smith and Jason Brown

Prediction: Win - Until they prove otherwise, the Rams defense won't be able to stop Kurt Warner and the offense.

Week 12 - At Tennessee

Key Additions: DT Jovan Haye, WR Nate Washington, CB DeMarcus Faggins, WR Kenny Britt

Key Losses: DT Albert Haynesworth, WR Brandon Jones, CB Eric King

Analysis: Last year, Tennessee began with a perfect record, establishing themselves as the best team in the league for the regular season. They lost in the playoffs against a tough Baltimore defense, and hope to build off of last year. They didn't do much this offseason to do that, as they allowed Albert Haynesworth to sign a $100 million dollar contract with the Washington Redskins. They still remain secure on defense, with a quick secondary, and a lot of experience between the linebackers and the defensive line. The big question mark is offense. Their version of smash and dash went through a divorce this offseason, and they have an aging vet at quarterback(which we all know isn't a bad thing). With a 3rd string wide receiver at best in Washington, and a rookie in Britt, their offense may be the deciding factor of how successful 2009 will be for the Titans.

What to watch for: The Cardinals will face two former Cardinals of the "not so glory days" in Dave McGinnis, the Titans linebackers coach, and defensive end Kyle Vandenbosch. Another headline I'm sure we'll hear about is the battle between the two grey beards. This should be a battle in Tennessee and a potential Super Bowl 44 match up. ; )

Key Match up: Gerald Hayes vs Chris Johnson and LenDale White - Hayes will have his hands full.

Prediction: Loss - Playing the Titans in Tennessee is never easy, and it especially won't be for the Cardinals.

Week 13 - Vs Minnesota

Key Additions: QB Brett Favre, QB Sage Rosenfels, WR Percy Harvin

Key Losses: C Matt Birk, QB Gus Frerotte, S Darren Sharper

Analysis: The Vikings ended last year on a sour note, losing to the Eagles on their home turf. Aside from that, they were one of the best rushing teams in the league, mainly due to having the best running back in the league in Adrian Peterson. They also featured a fierce defense, possessing the best defensive line in the league. The biggest problem facing the Vikings was the lack, or lack-thereof a quarterback. Tavaris Jackson was thought to be the quarterback of the future for this team, until they found out he was playing not to lose. They experimented with Gus Frerotte but he didn't perform any better. Up until this week, they thought that Sage Rosenfels was going to be the answer, until they signed Brett Favre. With Favre at the helm, they may have just became one of the biggest threats in the league. Only time will tell if this works, and we may see a repeat of what Brett did last year with the Jets.

What to watch for: The most obvious point to watch for is how competitive the Cardinals come out for this game. The Vikings came to Arizona last year and embarrassed the Cardinals, who were trying to establish themselves as one of the best teams in the league at the time. Another factor to watch for is how the defense gets after Brett Favre. He torched the Cardinals in New York last year, throwing for six touchdowns. Revenge is likely to be in the air.

Key Match up: Brett Favre vs Cardinals secondary

Prediction: Win - This game could go either way. The Vikings beat us last year in our place, but hopefully the Cardinals learn from getting too comfortable with a lead in their division.

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Arizona Cardinals record after 12 games - 8-4

The Cardinals go 3-1 in part three of predicting their record, and it could have been worse. Squeaking out a win versus the Vikings can happen, and at this point in the season, the NFC West may all be a wrap. What do you think of the record so far? How likely is it that the Cardinals get revenge on the Vikings?

Interesting quote from Peter King regarding 2009 Colts

BigBlueShoe — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:03:47 -0000

From the man who thinks reports on coffee in airports is entertainment:

The Colts have a bit of an inferiority complex. For years Indy's been the king of the hill in the conference, along with New England. Now the Patriots, Steelers and Chargers are all seen as their superiors, and the Titans their equals. It's one of those things the players are hit with every day. They feel the outside world thinks time is passing them by, and they've all filed it away as motivation.

I don't know how the Colts would have this kind of complex seeing as they defeated all four of those teams last year, including the Chargers in San Diego and the Steelers in Pittsburgh. And the Colts team this year is vastly superior (talent-wise) to the injury-riddled mess that won 12 games last season.

Also, the Titans lost their best player to free agency (Albert Haynesworth). So, if anyone in the media is claiming they are "equal" with the Colts, that person is, quite simply, a moron. The Titans aren't going to suck or anything in 2009, but they are not a 13 win team anymore. You don't just lose Albert Haynesworth and go "Do-di-do. We'll be OK. Jovan Haye is just as good. La-de-da-de-da." And, let's just be honest, the only reason they won the AFC South last year is because Peyton Manning played the first half of the season on one leg.

And if people think the Patriots are the "superiors" of the Colts, maybe we should point them to Indy's 4-1 record against New England the last five years, including last year's win in at The Luke. Yes, I know Tom Brady did not play, but I'm not one to buy into the hype that Brady is vital for New England to win. The Patriots won 11 games last year with a QB who hadn't started a game since high school, and they should have made the playoffs had their defense not sucked. Look no further than the Miami Dolphins "Wildcat" game and the New York Jets game in November where Brett Favre threw all over the Patriots' putrid secondary.

Again, this is why people like Peter King should focus less on analyzing football and more on reporting facts. It is just too easy these days to flush Peter's analysis down the toilet.