SB Nation - Keith Bulluck

Q & A with former Kentucky Quarterback Dusty Bonner

Ken Howlett — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:08:57 -0000

Dusty Bonner has been one of my favorite Kentucky football players since he donned the blue and white in 1997. Coming out of Valdosta, Georgia, the strong-armed and accurate Bonner sat patiently behind UK's Tim Couch for two years, and when given the opportunity to start, he blazed his way into the UK record books.

Starting as quarterback for the 'Cats in the 1999 season, Bonner led the SEC by throwing for 3,266 yards (No. 6 in UK history) and 26 touchdowns for Hal Mumme's 6-6 Wildcats. Bonner's 65.2% completion rate that season is the third best completion percentage in UK history, and his career 65.3% completion rate is second in Kentucky football history. In 1999, Bonner also led the SEC with a 137.0 quarterback efficiency rating, and his 3,125 total yards (No. 6 in UK history) also led the league. Moreover, Bonner is responsible for tossing a school-record 16 straight completions versus UConn.

In his 12 games as the starting Wildcat signal-caller, Bonner eclipsed the 300-yard mark five times, and the 400-yard passing mark twice -- 446 yards versus Louisville, 421 yards versus Georgia, 361 yards versus Tennessee, 339 yards versus UConn, and 304 yards versus Indiana.

Suffice it to say, I wasn't happy, when in the summer of 2000, it was announced that Bonner was transferring to Division II Valdosta State for his final two years. Why that happened ... well, we'll cover that in a moment, but his Valdosta State career was truly a work of offensive art -- Bonner was a two-time winner of what amounts to the Division II Heisman Trophy, the Harlon Hill Trophy. Bonner, in his two years with the Blazers, threw for 8,163 yards and 107 touchdowns. He completed an outstanding 71.1% of his passes (649-913), and led his team to the D II playoffs both years.

After leaving Valdosta State, Bonner was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons, but never saw game action. Bonner later matriculated to the af2's (arena league) Lexington Horsemen where won the league's Most Valuable Player award in 2003 by passing for 2,833 yards and 63 touchdowns. In 2004, he led the Horsemen to the af2 Championship, throwing for 2,695 yards and 72 touchdowns. Bonner later held the position of General Manager for the Horsemen.

The 1999 'Cats, led by Bonner's bazooka arm, were full of talented players -- Tight end James Whalen was Bonner's top pass catcher with 90 receptions (a UK record) for 1,019 yards; running back Anthony White accounted for 1,031 total yards (562 rushing, 469 receiving); wide receiver Quentin McCord, and defensive back Marlon McCree were all instrumental in UK's appearance in the 1999 Music City Bowl, a 20-13 loss to the Syracuse Orangemen. And for those interested in UK football's ignominious streaks (you know who you are) -- Bonner was the last UK quarterback to lead the 'Cats to a victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks, a 30-10 road victory in 1999.

Recently, Bonner agreed to talk to A Sea of Blue about his outstanding career. Here's what the UK great had to say:

ASOB: How big of an influence on your college choice was the possibility of playing for Hal Mumme and Tony Franklin, and their high-flying offense? Also, what other colleges showed showed an interest in your talents? Being from Georgia, did the Dawgs or Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets make an offer?

DB: "Honestly, that wasn't a factor at all. The most honest answer I can give is that I wanted to play Division I football, and hoped for the SEC. Kentucky was the only SEC school to offer. I was offered by some small schools and military academies, but my dream was to play in the SEC."

"The first answer kind of answers the second question. The Dawgs and Jackets showed zero interest. Florida and Florida State had me down for unofficial visits, but neither offered, or even came close to offering."

ASOB: Sitting behind Tim Couch for two years must have been a learning experience for you. What, if any practice, preparation, or game habits of his did you take as your own?

DB: "I learned a lot from Tim. I feel like one of my biggest assets was my work ethic, and Tim only helped that. He was the most talented player I had been around, but he worked incredibly hard. I can remember days in the off-season where he would throw with receivers until they were too tired, and then continue throwing for another hour or so after they left."

"I was glad to see how hard he worked, because I believe in hard work and sometimes the high profile guys take it easy, but he didn't. The other thing that stands out is that Tim was very confident in what he could do. He helped me build my confidence and develop a mentality as a quarterback that was invaluable. You better be confident on the field if you get under the center. Hard work only helps you believe in that confidence."

ASOB: Word on the street was that Hal Mumme didn't have anything at all to do with UK's defense. If true, do you think that adversely affected that 'Cat's defensive performance?

DB: "That is true from what I saw, but I don't think it adversely affected the defenses performance in the sense that I don't think Mumme could have added anything to our defense himself. However, as a head coach, it would have helped if he would have been as focused on having a good team, as he was a good offense."

"If we would have had a better defensive coordinator we could have definitely won some more game, in my opinion. I don't believe Mumme is like a coach (Rich) Brooks, who could coach every position on the field. Mumme knew only offense."

ASOB: Your leading receiver in 1999 was tight end James Whalen (90 receptions, 1,019 yards, 10 touchdowns). Compare, if you can, Whalen and former UK tight end Jacob Tamme.

DB: "Very similar. Both guys were a good size, over six-feet tall, and not too light, not too heavy. A lot of tight ends are used heavily in run blocking,and their bodies reflect that. James and Jacob could block, and block well, but they were definitely pass catching threats -- Too fast for linebackers and safeties, too big for corner backs. Both guys were very football smart. They knew how to get open, and caught the ball with their hands. Both were great players."

ASOB: UK averaged only 75.5 rushing yards-per-game in '99 (Anthony White led the 'Cats with 562 yards). Going back to 1946, that's the fewest rush yards-per-game UK has ran for in a single season. Do you think your passing numbers would have been even better if UK had rushed the ball more/more effectively?

DB: "Hard to tell. If we could have run it better we might not have thrown as often. But, the offense we ran had a lot of passes in it that were such short throws, it was almost like a running play."

"We used our passing game first, unlike traditional offenses that would use the run to set up the pass. All that said, Anthony White was one heck of a running back. He was great as a pass catcher, great as a runner. He wasn't the fastest guy on the field, but he had better hips than anybody else. He should definitely be remembered and recognized as one of the greatest backs in Kentucky history. And Derek Homer was the real deal, too. He had a different style than Anthony, but he was a fast and punishing runner."

ASOB: How influential was Tony Franklin on Hal Mumme's offensive decision-making?

DB: "Well, when I was here and playing, coach Franklin wasn't the offensive coordinator yet. Chris Hatcher, the quarterback's coach at the time was very influential, as he had played for Mumme (at Valdosta State), and they had a good relationship. But, Franklin was definitely a coach that was listened to by Mumme. Personally, I always felt like Franklin and Hatcher were the two that had Mumme's ear when it came to play-calling."

"Franklin and Hatcher are both GREAT coaches. And not only are they great at the football side of things, but they are both very fine people. I have much admiration and respect for both of those guys."

ASOB: You played in the '99 Music City Bowl against Syracuse, a 20-13 UK loss. I'm still convinced if James Whalen had not gotten hurt early in that contest, UK would have won the game. How big of an impact was Whalen's loss to UK's efforts that day?

DB: "I agree with you. If we don't lose Whalen, we don't lose the game. Our game-plan was to go with an empty backfield (five receivers) and get Whalen in a match-up with either a safety or a linebacker. Neither position could cover James, although Syracuse did put Keith Bulluck on him, and he did a respectable job, but not enough to stop James."

"Once he got hurt our plan was shot. I always felt that we should have had a plan B, just in case we needed it. But, sometimes Mumme would get locked-in or frustrated, and that's when he was not very good, in my opinion."

ASOB: How did Mumme prepare the team for the bowl game? Was it simply a continuation of the preparation you utilized during the course of the year, or did he alter your practice/game preparation routines?

DB: "The routine was changed a bit. The starters only watched film, and worked out one week, while the younger guys practiced all week with scrimmages and such. We tried some new things and stuck with those we felt would work, like the five receiver set."

ASOB: Coming off a tremendous redshirt sophomore season at quarterback in '99, what led you to transfer to Valdosta State for your final two years of eligibility?

DB: "It was simple: I was told by Mumme that I would have to compete for my job against Jared Lorenzen in the spring. I did, I won the job, and when I came back from a four week break in the summer, he (Mumme) sat me down and told me he was starting Lorenzen. I asked if I won the job on the field, and he said yes, but he was going to start Lorenzen anyway. So, I transferred."

ASOB: You won two consecutive Harlon Hill Trophy's while at Valdosta State. I'm assuming you hve no regrets regarding leaving UK.

DB: "I have no regrets as far as the decision I made. I had a wonderful time at Valdosta State, and made some wonderful friends and memories. Valdosta State is a great school, and I am very proud to be an alumni. But, believe me when I say I wish I would have never been put in that position (to leave). Leaving UK and all my very close friends was extremely tough on me. To this day, I still have dreams about being on the sidelines, begging to go in, and the coach saying no. I would have loved to play my last two years here and graduate from here, but I couldn't play for a coach I did not respect anymore."

ASOB: With UK sporting three serious starting quarterback candidates for the 2010 season, how do you see the UK quarterback situation shaking out next season? Do you have any wisdom you would like to impart upon the three QB candidates?

DB: "All I know is that there are three guys in the race that can get the job done. That will make the off-season workouts more competitive, passing in the summer more competitive, and will make all three guys better."

"The only widsom I would provide is to outwork the other two guys. At least that way, no matter what happens, you could say you gave it all you had."

ASOB: You were on the Atlanta Falcons roster in the 2003 season. Any thoughts on Michael Vick's talent?

DB: "Incredible talent. Horrible what he did to those dogs."

ASOB: You had a highly successful post-college football career, leading the Lexington Horsemen to the af2 Championship, as well as winning the af2 Most Valuable Player Award. Compare, from a quarterback's perspective, the differences in arena league football, and major college football.

DB: "Arena league is different in the fact that the field is just so much smaller. Decisions have to be made faster and guys that wouldn't necessarily be fast, or good enough to play defensive back in college, are all of the sudden a lot better on a small field. And the turf is awful. As far as the experience, nothing compares to college football in the SEC. Not even close."

I want to sincerely thank Dusty for agreeing to share his thoughts with A Sea of Blue.

For other A Sea of Blue interviews, click here --Louie Dampier, Bob Burrow, Cotton Nash, Mike Pratt, Mike Casey, Jeff Sheppard, Dicky Lyons, Jr., Kyle Macy.

For my, Tru, and pjordan's thoughts on the upcoming Music City Bowl game, as well as Wildcat football memories, please go to Wildcat Blue in a Sea of Orange. This is pjordan's excellent site. I highly recommending giving it a read.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Gettin The Blood Pumping Edition

August West — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:26:36 -0000

More photos » by Wade Payne - AP

Vince Young shows the rookie that revenge is a dish best served with full extension and overwhelming force.

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Jeff Fisher circled back around yesterday to explain why he opted not to use the timeouts right before the end of regulation on Sunday, and whatdaya know, his explanation sounds a lot like mine (ed.: That may be the greatest indicator yet that he should be fired):

He said his fear was that a tired defense that already blown an 18-point lead might give up a big play down the field. Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne had hit on a 57-yard pass to Brian Hartline on the game-tying drive, although Griffin should have intercepted the ball.

"Our defense had been on the field for two consecutive drives and didn’t stop them. We had a chance to end the game in regulation offensively," Fisher said. "At that point, I was not going to take a chance and force his hand and let him take an opportunity to throw the ball down the field."

Paul K's gets more good info from ESPN's mysterious stats guys on last Sunday's game, and perhaps shining brightest is this gem:

Young had a passer rating of 143.6 and two of his three touchdown throws against the Dolphins defense when it deployed five or more defensive backs.

Keith Bulluck is gone for the year, and nobody hates that more than the fine folks here at MCM. but it's time for the young guns to step-up and earn that paycheck because Jamie Winborn shouldn't be counted on for much considering he's only going to get a practice or two before the season is on the line on Friday.

Follow us through the jump for one more link, but it's a good one...

Here's the transcript from the Chargers' press conference yesterday where Norv Turner, Philip Rivers and Shaun Phillips discuss the Titans, and Shaun Phillips got the closest crying because he apparently wishes he played flag football instead to going off-script:

Does the dislike of the two teams from a few years ago still apply?

"They definitely took a cheap shot on Merriman (ed.: aww come on, it's not like we left his steroid needles out for everyone to see!). They're a physical team, though -- they thought they could punk us, and we obviously aren't going to get punked. We're going to do the same thing. They're a physical football team, and we like to believe we're a physical football team, so it's going to be one of those ones where we are going to punch them in the mouth and they're going to try to punch us back, and that's just how it's going to be. I personally know that Merriman definitely has to be a little heated because I believe that's when he originally hurt his woman part knee. He hurt his knee in that game....

Can you clarify what "Punked" means?

"Punked means basically to try and intimidate someone. They're trying to intimidate us. That's Jeff Fisher style of play, that's the type of football he plays. That's how he coaches. He wants tough guys. He wants guys that get out there and get physical and get nasty and get after it and try and intimidate the other opponent. You have to respect a guy for that.

On the physical nature of playing the Titans:

"For me, it's football. I don't even really care. You could cheap shot me all you want. I mean, I'm going to get you back, but I'm not one of those guys. It's football. We're supposed to be warriors; we're supposed to be gladiators. We have to understand that sometimes you're going to get hit in the face, or somebody's going to cheap shot you or do something out of line, but what can you do? You have to keep on playing. You can't cry about it, you can't go punch him in the face because you jeopardize the team. No, just keep on playing football and you'll get him back when you get a chance.

Man I'm looking forward to this game... I hope Vince jukes Roidiman right out of his Nandrolone-soaked shoes for a little payback on that cheapshot Merriman took on him after a hand-off in 2007. Then, VY can stand over him and do that profanely annoying 'lights-out dance'.

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

Big Win at a Big Price - Photos from the Titans - Miami Dolphins game

Titanfan — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:12:24 -0000

It was a must win game and a huge win to stay in the wild card hunt. But losing Keith Bulluck for the rest of the season was a big price to pay for it. The loss of Bulluck was evident as Miami mounted their comeback and erased an 18 point second half lead after Keith went down. It felt like the air went out of the defense and seemed like no one knew what they were suppose to do. Bulluck is a big hole to fill because he is usually the one filling the holes and making up for everyone else. Without him and David Thornton in it could mean the season may finish the way it started, with a decimated defense due to injury. Those are big shoes to fill.

More photos after the jump.

I know I've gotten spoiled when Chris Johnson gets 104 yards rushing and it feels like he had an off day. But Miami made some good adjustments in the second half and contained him pretty well.

Jacob Ford got a sack here. Actually he whiffed on this and got up and chased Chad Henne down for his sack. Awesome play.

Bulluck can give that menacing stare across the line as good as any backer in the league.

Tony Brown hit Ricky Williams and forced a fumble. He can play with attitude. Maybe that attitude is, "Albert hell, I'm just damn good."

Not what I wanted to see.

Let's spot that ball right there.

Shoe string tackle.

Chris Hope put an end to that drive with this interception in the end zone.

This concludes my game photos for the season. The final home game on Christmas will find me eating turkey and watching the game on TV with family. There is still some hope of making to the playoffs, but regardless of what happens it's been another exciting and enjoyable season of football. I've enjoyed sharing my football photos with you and I hope you've enjoyed them too. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

Titans Linebacker Keith Bulluck Out for the Year with a Torn ACL

Jimmy — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:10:51 -0000

Titans Radio and The Tennessean are both reporting via Twitter that Keith Bulluck has a torn ACL and will miss the rest of the season. I really cannot express how sad it makes me to think that he won't get to finish what very well could be his last season with the Titans. This will mark the end of an incredible 127 straight games that he has started.

They are also reporting that linebacker David Thornton is out for the season, so the news just keeps on getting better. Stanford Keglar better learn those pursuit angles in a hurry.

MCM's Tennessee Titans Team of the Decade

Jimmy — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:06:16 -0000

More photos » by Dave Einsel - AP

I made the team!! (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)

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We are continuing our "of the decade" series today with the Titans team of the decade. This list was compiled by August, Hal, Gramsey, and me. It was a fun exercise. Some of the selections were no brainers that were easily agreed on by all parties, but there were a few that were hotly debated.

The team and some comments on it after the jump.

OFFENSE

QB- Steve McNair
RB- Chris Johnson
FB- Lorenzo Neal
WR- Derrick Mason
WR- Drew Bennett
TE- Frank Wycheck
OT- Brad Hopkins
OT- Michael Roos
OG- Bruce Matthews
OG- Zach Piller
C- Kevin Mawae

DEFENSE

DE- Jevon Kearse
DE- Kyle Vanden Bosch
DT- Kevin Carter
DT- Albert Haynesworth
LB- Keith Bulluck
LB- David Thornton
LB- Randall Godfrey
CB- Samari Rolle
CB- Cortland Finnegan
S- Chris Hope
S- Michael Griffin

SPECIAL TEAMS

K- Rob Bironas
P- Craig Hentrich
RS- Derrick Mason
LS- Ken Amato

A few thoughts:

The first debate we really had was between CJ and Eddie George. It seems somewhat blasphemous to keep Eddie off the team, but you can't include 1999 and without that CJ's numbers in 2 years are more impressive.
We all wanted to come up with a way not to put Drew Bennett on the team because all any of us can think of when we think of Drew is the drop in New England, but when you look at the numbers he had to be there.
Gramsey wants Sarge over Lorenzo, but the thing that gave Lorenzo the nod for the rest of us was the decline in Eddie's career when he left.
Everything else offensively is pretty much a no-brainer.
We cheated a little bit on the defensive line putting Carter in there at tackle. He did play some tackle in his time here, but it really came down to the fact that those four guys are the four that it had to be. Who else would you put at tackle? Tony Brown was close, but Carter's numbers were so good that it was justifiable.
Linebacker was a little bit of a debate between Randall Godfrey and Peter Sirmon, but Godfrey was more dominating so he got the nod.
The safety positions might have taken us the longest. Blaine Bishop was the first thought in everyone's head, but when you look at the numbers from this decade his aren't that good. Griff would have made it a lot easier on us had he not gone in the tank this year, but his season last year was better than any season posted by a safety in the last 10 years- ergo he makes the list.
The returner debate is still going on between the four of us as I am writing this post. The numbers are close enough that I can put Mason on the list and not feel bad about it. Gramsey and Hal are all about he who shall not be named. He was electric, but he only did it for 2 seasons. That is how I am justifying leaving him off. Gramsey says I will close the comments so no one can prove me wrong. He doesn't have that "Hater" title for nothing. Have at it..

Nice To Be On The Other End Of A Blow Out - Photos From The Titans - St. Louis Rams Game

Titanfan — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:11:47 -0000

When the Patriots clobbered the Titans by 59 points it didn't look like there was anyone out there that the Titans could beat. So even though the Rams were coming in with a 1-11 record I still had my apprehensions about this game. I'm glad that it didn't take long for those fears to be put to rest. It's been a roller coaster of a season with lots of highs and lows and after the Colts provided the low of not winning out this game provided lots of high marks. They are still in the playoff picture and that's a pretty remarkable feat to be able to say in December after the September and October they had. They just keep coming on.

More pics after the jump.

The first offensive play for the Titans was this 31 yard completion to Kenny Britt.

66 yards later Chris Johnson took this five yard pass for a touchdown.

Vince Young pulled up after gaining 44 yards on this run with a strained hamstring muscle. He was on his way to having a big day until that happened.

Insert Kerry Collins and the Titans keep moving.

Chris Johnson almost gave me a Heisman pose here. Stick that arm out and it'd be perfect.

Keith Bulluck and the Titans Defense held the second leading rusher in the NFL to 47 yards. Bulluck had 2 interceptions and 10 tackles in the game.

A huge Defensive performance by the Titans. Cortland Finnegan high stepping after the first of his two interceptions.

Steven Jackson is a huge individual.

The high point for St. Louis was this fake punt for 51 yards.

Alge Crumpler scored his first TD in Nashville since joining the team last year. He's had a tradition of seeking out a youngster in the stands and giving them the ball after scoring. So that was the first time Alge had been able to do that in Nashville. I headed for home shortly after this and just as I got out the gate Vinny Fuller intercepted a pass and ran it right towards my seat for a 45 yard TD. That probably would have made for my best photo of the day. (still kicking myself)

Miami comes in here Sunday in a make or break game for either team to maintain playoff hopes. It don't get any better than playoff atmosphere. I'm looking forward to it.

Tennessee Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck named AFC Defensive Player the Week

smashville — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:18:30 -0000

Keith Bulluck #53 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the football after intercepting a pass against the St. Louis Rams at LP Field on December 13, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Rams 47-7 as had five interceptions on the day. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

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Tennessee Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck earned the recognition of AFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 14. Bulluck had two interceptions in the game and tied for the team lead with 10 tackles. This is the third weekly award for a Titan this season, with Chris Johnson winning AFC Offensive Player of the Week twice, and Vince Young winning it once. This is Bulluck's second career AFC Defensive Player of the Week award. All the more reason to get this guy a new contract...

		Sacks		Interceptions			Tackles
	G	Sacks	YdsL	Int	Yds	IntTD	Solo	Ast	Total
2009 - Keith Bulluck	13	0	0	3	45	0	77	26	103

Titans 47 Rams 7 Recap: The Good, Bad and Ugly

Jimmy — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:49:38 -0000

More photos » by Wade Payne - AP

Makes me want to hurl. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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I am not up to the challenge of writing a traditional recap about this game. It was boring the first time, and I have a feeling that reading about it would be even more boring. So I decided to mail it in with a good, bad and ugly post. Here goes:

The Good

The defense. I know they were facing a guy from a D-II school who had never made an NFL start, but five picks is pretty impressive no matter the occasion. Good to see our boy Keith Bulluck come up with two of them. This secondary has been torched by the better passers in the league this season, but have feasted on the lesser competition. The bad news is their are no passing cupcakes left on the schedule.

The defense was also able to help Chris Johnson extend his rushing lead over Steven Jackson by holding Jackson to just 47 yards on 19 carries. CJ now leads SJ by 347 yards!

The Bad

CJ fell way off the pace to catch Eric Dickerson, and now faces an uphill battle to get to 2,000. He needs 125 yards per game the rest of the way to get to 2,000 (doable) and 160 per game to catch Dickerson (probably not doable). At least he still has a good shot at the yards from scrimmage mark of 2,429. CJ has 2,017 thus far and should be able to take that one down.

The Ugly

The offense with Kerry Collins under center. There is not a defense above the high school level that is afraid of Collins right now, and the Rams proved yesterday they are no exception. They loaded up to stop CJ, which I guess is why Heimerdinger decided to let KC put the ball in the air 19 times.

I give this team about a 5% chance of beating the Dolphins next week if Collins is under center, so a lot of my time this week will be spent petitioning the football gods for healing for Vince Young's knee.

Ok, so maybe that was just as boring as the usual recap would have been, but at least I didn't spend as much time writing, and you didn't have to spend as much time reading. That is my Christmas present to each and everyone of you.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: The Media Coverage Feels Like A Practice Week Too Edition

August West — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:51:28 -0000

More photos » by Wade Payne - AP

For the love of all things holy take it easy this week, Vince. We need you as close to 100% next week for the 'phins.

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Chris Johnson fell off of his pace to beat Eric Dickerson's single season record, but he's claiming a litany of important records every weekend now:

Johnson now has eight consecutive 100-yard rushing game, eclipsing the seven in a row he shared with Hall of Famer Earl Campbell.

Johnson also surpassed Campbell’s franchise record for most yards from scrimmage (1,981) as he now has 2,017 yards between rushing and receiving this season and is within range of Marshall Faulk’s NFL record of 2,429 yards with three games to play. He became only the fifth back in NFL history to reach 2,000 yards from scrimmage in 13 games.

Peter King gets it wrong even when he gets it right:

c. Loved Keith Bulluck's back-to-the-future game against the unfortunate Keith Null: 10 tackles, two interceptions, a pass broken up. The Titans' D played with a ferocity a defense can play with when it knows the quarterback can't beat it downfield.

Note to the front office: there was no 'back-to-the-future' game there, that was just what you get with Keith Bulluck.

The Titans walked away with five interceptions yesterday. Even more surprising: they did so while Nick Harper was on the field.

The Associated Press compared that game to a practice week. I'd venture a guess that the crowd at LP Field was quieter than they are for the average pre-season game.

Welcome to the NFL, Keith Null.

This would have ended in disaster in weeks 1-6: On Chris Johnson's long reception, he was supposed to stay in and block, but the pass rusher came on a delayed blitz and it was too late before CJ realized it.

What is it with the Texans and former Volunteer state-based running backs? They could close the season with Chris Brown, Arian Foster and Chris Henry on the active roster.

Have love, need links: mcmaugustwest@gmail.com

Rams 7 Titans 47 Quick Recap

smashville — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:53:02 -0000

More photos » by John Russell - AP

9 days ago: Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) celebrates with teammate Nate Washington (85) after running for a 39-yard touchdown against the St. Louis Rams in the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Russell)

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Final - 12.13.2009	1	2	3	4	Total
St. Louis Rams	0	0	0	7	7
Tennessee Titans	14	9	10	14	47

Complete Coverage >

Despite Vince Young going down in the second quarter to a hamstring injury, the Titans still managed to blowout the Rams to move to 6-7 this year. This was the first time we have won by 40+ points since October 18, 1998, when we were still the Tennessee Oilers.

The defense managed to get five interceptions, two each from Keith Bulluck and Cortland Finnegan, and one from Vincent Fuller. The only disappointing thing about this game besides Young's injury was that Chris Johnson went farther off the pace to break Eric Dickerson's record by gaining only 117 yards. This game proved that CJ really does need VY.

Join August and Jimmy for MCM Radio tonight at 9 central by clicking here.