SB Nation - Leroy Harris

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: We All Knew It Should Have Been Ganther > Henry Edition

August West — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:00:12 -0000

More photos » by Mark Humphrey - AP

How has Kevin Mawae's career lasted so long? He trains with CJ's dreads!

Justin Gage is expected to play Sunday, though I seriously doubt you'll see him getting his normal amount of reps. He should begin to ease himself back in the line-up though, forcing the staff to make a decision soon on who will be starting opposite Kenny Britt.

The game against the Rams will pit two of the best running backs in the NFL against each other, with neither looking likely to make it to the post season by most accounts.

Kevin Mawae says he is dead-set on playing next year, even if it's not with the Titans (Mawae's contract expires at the end of the season). He says he'd love to stay, but it'll be interesting to see which way the front office goes since Leroy Harris has been the replacement in waiting for two years now.

Follow us through the jump for updates on free agency and what a former Titan is up to...

Beyond Mawae, there are several key veterans who have contracts coming up this off-season. It's impossible to predict what's going to happen since the salary cap and CBA are up in the air, but many of them are almost certainly playing their last few games in the two-toned blue.

If Chris Johnson is going to chase greatness this year, he really needs to feast on the Rams' defense this week, and as likely as that looks to happen, CJ's still not taking anything with this squad for granted.

H/T to T Coleman who made a fan shot of this link to a Sports Illustrated article on CJ, and how he defies the stereotypes surrounding small, speedy running backs.

As the Rams take the field Sunday, they'll do so without their second leading tackler, safety Oshiomogho Atogwe, who will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. Also in doubt is first round tackle Jason Smith, who has been struggling with the lingering effects of a concussion for three weeks.

Congratulations to former Titan and current Redskin's RB Quinton Ganther for taking over the starting position in Washington. The RB position has been in flux there since Portis and Betts went on IR, and Ganther's good play has unseated Rock Cartwright.

Have love, need links: mcmaugustwest@gmail.com!

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Maybe The Crowd Was Just Chanting 'Freebird' Edition

August West — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:09:49 -0000

More photos » by Wade Payne - AP

Vince Young walks off the field with Tyler McNair, one of Steve's sons. No joke here because that's some damned fine stuff Vince is doing to step in and help give these kids the father figure they're missing now that Steve is gone. I think it's an amazing thing to do, and I can only hope I have friends who could step in like in the same situation.

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Der Commish was in the box with Bud Adams, and later on in the stands, at Sunday's game. I guess we're to assume that Goodell wasn't in the box when Bud let this double eagle salute fly. You can already hear the fun police coming down on Bud, but I personally thought it was pretty funny (as long as it stays an aberration). I'm sure he'll be fined, and I'm sure he'll never miss the money.

Vince Young's approach, mechanics and body language are a complete revelation this year and truly fun to watch. Combine that with the 3 game win streak, and Vince is garnering a lot of the respect he didn't get his first three seasons in the NFL.

Chris Johnson is the best running back in the NFL. Don't believe me? Still think it's Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson has just had a few nice weeks this year? Check-out their career numbers through their first year and a half in the NFL:

Player	Attempts	Yards	YPA	TDs
Johnson	395	2,187	5.54	15
Peterson	414	2,164	5.23	18

Boom. Pan seared.

Follow us through the jump for my baseless speculation personal theory on why Bud Adams was giving birds for no charge on Sunday...

Mike Florio has a blah blah blah link on Bud's gesture, but I have a Florio-esque-'I have no evidence whatsoever and neither does anyone else so you can't just disprove the insinuation no matter how retarded or irresponsible it is, can ya?'-theory, but maybe Bud was talking to Goodell in that box about the CBA and the possibility of an uncapped year, and Bud didn't like what he heard? Maybe the double clutch wasn't meant for the Bills, but rather the Commish after he had left the box. Sure it's a stretch, but at least I'm admitting it upfront.

CJ extended his lead over the NFL in rushing yards to 174 yesterday. He's also still leading all non-QBs in total yards.

PFW says that Leroy Harris' versatility has boosted our O-line depth, and I couldn't agree more. Having a guy who has proven he can play four positions on the line and play them week gives the coaching staff more time to work with our young guys before throwing them to the wolves when someone goes down.

How awesome was that block VY threw Sunday when CJ reversed the field? Here's the video, with the block at the :37 mark.

Kenny Britt played a nice game overall on Sunday, while Finnegan, Vanden Bosch and Fuller took issue with a surprisingly mouthy Buffalo offense.

Despite all of the good atlk surrounding Young, the man still brings out the haters no matter what, like Ed Thompson of scout.com:

Though some are blinded by the euphoria that winning brings after a six-game losing skid, here are some facts from Young's performance over the past two weeks. He has completed 73 percent of his throws, but has moved the ball through the air an average of only 149 yards per game and thrown one touchdown pass. He has run the ball 17 times for an average of 2.6 yards per rush, scoring once.

Pretty mediocre stuff, to put it nicely.

The Titans defense continues to keep coming up with turnovers, specifically INTs, that simply weren't there in the first six games. Rod Hood also continues to prove why he should be the starter even when Harper returns at 100%.

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?!!!!?!?!

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Stumbling Around Drunk On Burgundy Wine Edition

August West — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:02:25 -0000

More photos » by Ben Margot - AP

As long as you see this, you'll probably be seeing wins.

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Jim Wyatt takes a long look back at the play that defined the Titans in Nashville and gave this blog its namesake.

Speaking of namesakes, here's where I got mine: Wharf Rat by the Grateful Dead!

Nick Harper was cleared for contact yesterday, but it's still unclear if he'll be active for Sunday's game since he hasn't hit anyone in a month and simply isn't as good as the guy he'll displace...

Follow us through the jump to find out about drops and more...

Paul K takes a look at the catch rates and drop rates around the league and finds that Justin Gage had the 10th worst catch rate (44.9%) among wide receivers who had been targeted at least 25 times.

This turn-around from the miserable early losses confirms that two things mean pretty much everything to a Jeff Fisher team: lots of sacks and winning the turnover battle.

David Stewart still hasn't practiced with his strained hamstring, which makes it more likely that Leroy Harris will get his second straight start at right tackle.

Gary Estwick talks to Justin Gage about his injury, and manages to not make it sound like it came from Teen People.

Having loosely watched last night's 49ers-Bears game on the NFL Network, I was struck by the unpredictability of Jay Cutler throwing 5 INTs to a team Vince Young just threw 0 INTs to the week before.

Good notes and quotes from the Titans Team Report on Yahoo!.

Chris Johnson is making Bills fans and analysts shake in their boots. I don't think CJ lights it up as much as some folks think this Sunday even if the Bills have the worst run defense in the NFL, but that's mostly just because the obvious things almost never work out in the NFL.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Chris Johnson Is Homeless Baby Kisser? Edition

August West — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:23:03 -0000

More photos » by Marcio Sanchez - AP

Cortland Finnegan just found out that Hootie is up for a CMA.

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In our 0-6 start Chris Johnson carried the ball more than 20 times only twice; in the two games since he's carried it 24 and 25 times... I think we've found the cheese in our recipe for success, people.

To wit, CJ now has a triple digit lead on second place rusher Cedric Benson, despite 54 fewer carries than Benson. Put it this way: Johnson has 6.7 yards per carry, and the next best in the top 10 rushers is 5.2. That's why CJ can get away with whatever dumb sayings he's got going on his Twitter feed these days.

Join Jimmy and I tonight at 9:00 Central as we do a preview show with Buffalo Rumblings via Blog Talk Radio. Be sure to offer up some questions you'd like answered in the comments or in the chat room when the show starts!

Follow us through the jump to find out where Jeff Fisher now ranks in all-time wins as a coach...

One thing I'm sure we'll be talking about tonight is the in-flux QB position for the Bills. No one really knows if it'll be Trent Edwards or Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Congratulations to Jeff Fisher, who moved up to 21st all-time in NFL coaching victories.

Fisher was pleased with the performances of fill-ins Leroy Harris and Gerald McRath. He was also happy about the improved play of the defensive line, though their day was marred by six offsides/neutral zone infractions.

Boom King is having a charity wrestling event at the Wild Horse tonight to benefit the Preston Taylor Boys and Girls Club of Nashville. (That was last night)

It's tough to underestimate how much Cortland Finnegan's fiery play and leadership have meant to this turn around.

Should fantasy owners think about trading Chris Johnson while his value is sky-high? If you're one of those folks and you're in the MCM Fantasy league then please give me a shout now!

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?!!!!?!?!

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: I'm Opening A Kool-Aid Stand, And There's Only One Flavor Edition

August West — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:54:01 -0000

More photos » by Ben Margot - AP

CJ! Slow down so I can congratulate you!

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On behalf of the MCM faithful, I'd like to finally welcome Justin Gage to the 2009 season. He had two monster catches this week (including a deep, over-the-shoulder bomb, which he usually struggles with), and finally looked like the guy we saw late last year who looked to be on the verge of becoming a serviceable no. 1 receiver.

Jim Wyatt is perplexed as to why the drops disappeared as soon as Kerry disappeared. It's funny how it works like that, because in 2007/early 2008 VY had several games marred by terrible drops, and those completely went away once Kerry took over.

Football fans know that Chris Johnson is making a convincing argument that he's the best back in the league right now, but he's also making a nice push to be the best fantasy option in the 2010 Draft.

In the latest MMQB column, Peter King finally remembered that the NFL extends beyond the NFC East, and that the Titans are still solvent. Here's the best mention:

Coach of the Week

Mike Heimerdinger, offensive coordinator, Tennessee.

No one had much faith in Vince Young to jump-start his career when Jeff Fisher officially benched Kerry Collins 11 days ago. The job to remake Young fell to Heimerdinger, and he did the smart thing. He had Young throw mostly safe passes in his first two games, safe enough that he's completed 73 percent of his throws, with some help from the acrobatic Justin Gage along the way. As long as Young plays turnover-free, the Titans have a chance each week. Heimerdinger's teaching and planning the past two weeks have been vital in making the Titans competitive again.

Follow us through the jump for more victorious Titans links!!!

Too bad this article on the improved play of the defense is marred by an awful headline.... remember that crappy movie from 11 years ago?

A tip of the hat to Jim who pointed us towards this article by Ray Rotto, chronicling just how far the 49ers have fallen and the Titans have risen over the past three weeks... here's another bay area article, and to answer the man's headline: yes.

With his start at right tackle on Sunday, in which he played quite well, LeRoy Harris has reached the rare feat of showing that he can play pretty much any position on the line and play it well. His future is as a center, but that kind of versatility can always help out a coaching staff.

Here's the audio Frank Wycheck of Titans Radio's locker room interview with Gerald McRath about his first start. McRath showed some inexperience in pass coverage, but he also showed his speed and instincts while flying around the field and constantly getting to the ball... almost like a young Keith Bulluck. I'm definitely digging what he's going to bring to the table over the next several years.

Cortland Finnegan is a phenomenally talented athlete, and even he refuses to race Chris Johnson.

Missed this ESPN Insider link earlier last week: Adam Schefter answers several questions on the Titans and the changing atmosphere around the city and the franchise.

PFW has a great list of bad habits QBs develop that NFL defenses tend to feast on if adjustments aren't made.

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.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Titans Receivers Make Believers... In Curses Edition

August West — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:57:54 -0000

More photos » by Sharon Ellman - AP

You see that thing that's happening to Jake Scott's facemask? They should really make a rule about that or something...

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You know how everything we've heard about Jared Cook has been almost too good to be true? The hands, the speed, the athleticism, the acrobatic catches.... Haven't we all been silently waiting for that crappy part of the pick to come out that you just wish you didn't know? Well Gary Estwick is here to whack that curious cat: Cook's older brother is in camp with the Ratbirds! (h/t to Michaeltastic, who I just noticed had sent me this same link!)

I can't ever remember a back-up punter making as many headlines as A.J. Trapasso, but this time it's Craig Hentrich making the headlines by saying A.J. will be an NFL punter for a long, long time.

Tullly is back! And just as an addendum to the post on guessing the roster and the discussion of surprise cuts: the scuttlebutt on 104.5's broadcast from training camp yesterday was that Ryan Fowler may be headed out, largely because of the talented depth in that group and Fowler's lack of special teams impact...

Follow us through the link to find out what other injured guys are headed back to the line-up for Saturday...

Dear Mark Jones: we need you to be as good, if not better, than advertised. This team relies on good special teams plays and field position a little too much, so take full advantage of your first chance to play on Saturday.

Kevin Mawae is now expecting to start in Saturday's exhibition against the Browns. You gotta feel bad for Leroy Harris, who has shown he's ready to start in the NFL, but it'll be nice to have the old bear back at center.

Jim Wyatt has some unanswered questions about the receiving corps. Fortunately I'm here to help: maybe, Jones, a little, nope and studly.

Paul K recaps the two minute drill results from yesterday's practice, as well as the hijinks that usually occur as camp is breaking.

Jonathan Mohan asks (with Joe Biddle-like piecing powers of observation): Is the Titans' receiving corps cursed? I'd say no, but the careers here of Pickens, Thigpen, Dyson, Givens and now Washington's injury would be enough to make Richard Dawkins start to at least consider believing.

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.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Big Country's Big Knee Question Edition

August West — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:41:23 -0000

More photos » by John Russell - AP

Jared Cook looks like a giant next to Ringer...

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David Stewart isn't saying much about his knee other than it's no big deal, but if he isn't back at 100% pretty soon it will be a super-big deal.

Ditto for Jason Jones.

Adam Schefter said on Monday Night Countdown last night that the Titans have talked with Marvin Harrison (No word yet on if Marvin has shot at anyone else in the past few weeks), but Jim Wyatt says that's news to him.

Follow us through the jump to see who is worrying me in camp....

Notes from yesterday's practice session. Memo to LeRoy Harris: You better start getting the snap right or they'll shift you back to guard and get someone who will do it like clockwork in no time.

Oh look, Paul K says not to get too worked-up about Vince Young's big night. Glad you fine readers had to wait until this morning to hear that advice.

Vince Young's performance has lots of people talking.

NFL.com scribe Steve Wyche has a great preview of the Titans' upcoming season.

Jim Wyatt has 5 Things he knows about the Titans this week.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: She Asked Me If We Could Be Friends And I Said, Oh, Honey Baby Thats A Dead End Edition

August West — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:13:48 -0000

More photos » by Mark Humphrey - AP

Coach Cecil will spend most of this season asking, WWJFD? And when he guess wrong, Fisher will be sure to let him know.

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RE-SIGN. KEITH. BULLUCK. NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why am I so keen re-signing Bulluck? Because whomever they bring in to replace him could Never Take the Place of Your Man, just ask The Eels (and Prince, who did the song originally).

Saturday will be the first snap Vince Young has taken at LP Field since he was booed out of a starting position injured in last year's opener. VY says he isn't nervous about it, and for all of ours' sake I hope he's telling the truth. Vince has been guilty of listening to the outside world too much on occasion, so this should be a good test of his ability to block-out those distractions on play ball.

Follow us through the jump to find out how Kevin Mawae's rehab is going...

Kenny Britt is talking about wanting to be like Larry Fitzgerald and other stars, and he's certainly got the talent. Now the question is is Britt giving us Larry's guns and hands, but (at least so far) Kevin Dyson's hammy?

Kevin Mawae is making progress in the rehabilitation of his elbow stemming from off-season surgery, and feels confident he will be ready by the season opener on Sept. 10th. When I was at practice last Tuesday he was working with some of the reserve D-linemen after practice sans pads. He looked good, but was still in some pain in that elbow.

Jim Wyatt isn't so confident that Mawae will be ready by the season opener. If that's the case, then it's good that LeRoy Harris is working with the first string all through the off-season, but who is going to be his back-up should he get hurt?

Alge Crumpler took dance lessons this off-season to improve his balance, footwork and macking abilities.

If you're coming out to the game Saturday night, the Titans want you to bring any 'gently worn' shoes you have laying around to donate to the excellent charity Soles4Souls.

Titans beat scribe for the A.P., Teresa M. Walker, writes about Chuck Cecil's preparation for his first season as a defensive coordinator.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Health Is King Edition

August West — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:48:50 -0000

More photos » by David Duprey - AP

Boy, I'm glad our training camp isn't going to be a media circus.

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One man isn't going to be asked to replace the departed Big Albert. Instead the focus this year will be a rotation that runs eight ten deep with talent that's primed to break-out and hopefully rested enough to wear down O-lines as the game moves on. Also included here is an interview with Jason Jones, who will have to be a key contributor this year if we're to succeed.

Interested in being interviewed by Tennessean writer Gary Estwick on what training camp is like from a fans perspective? Then click here and hit him up at gestwick@tennessean.com for more information.

The Titans secondary is reviewed by Gary, and he's thinking what we're thinking: this secondary is as good at the top as it is shallow the rest of the way down the depth chart. We need all four guys to stay healthy, no matter how well the young guns behind them come along.

Follow us through the jump to see which former Titan just couldn't stomach playing for the Ratbirds...

Jim Wyatt reviewed the LB corps yesterday, and that unit looks at least a little deeper this year. Health is still a key though.

This random analysis site raises a good question: is LenDale White better thought of as 'a poor man's Jerome Bettis', or 'what Ron Dayne should have been?' You decide... I have to say these guys are surprisingly accurate in their snap evaluations of most of our starters (especially the O-line, save LeRoy, who is better than that say).

Intrepid reader/commenter (with a pimp middle name also) Jason Kyle Bates points us towards this gem: After getting a 1-year deal to play for the hated Ratbirds, Drew Bennett said his knee felt balky and decided to retire. I'd like to think Drew's conscience also played a role in his retirement.

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! You can also email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com.