SB Nation - Stephen Tulloch

The Top Ten Best Tennessee Titans Draft Picks of the Decade

Jimmy — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:00:21 -0000

More photos » by David J. Phillip - AP

Cortland Finnegan celebrates being named by MCM as the Titans top draft pick of the decade. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

With the decade coming to an end in a few weeks, we here at MCM decided it would be a good time to do a top 10 list or two- because who doesn't love a top 10 list?

Today we start with the top 10 draft picks of the decade. Here is how this list was compiled- August, gramsey and I all came up with our own list. They sent their lists to me, actually shared it with me via google docs (which are awesome), and I averaged the three lists together to come up with what I am posting here. After the jump I have added a link that lists all of the picks the Titans made in the decade.

So without further adieu I present the top 10 draft picks of the decade:

1. Cortland Finnegan, CB, Samford (2006, Round 7, pick #215 overall)

Obviously this pick came down to Finny and Chris Johnson, but when you look at the fact that the Titans were able to draft and franchise corner, or as gramsey puts it "The best corner to ever wear Titan blue, and that includes Samari Rolle," in the seventh round, Finnegan gets the nod.

2. Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina (2008, Round 1, pick #24 overall)

He is the best running back in the league. ‘Nuff said.

3. Keith Bulluck, LB, Syracuse (2000, Round 1, pick #30 overall)

You obviously expect big things out of every first round pick, and KBull has provided those big things and so much more. He has been the heart and soul of this defense for a long time. Interesting story on this pick is that the Titans had planned on taking Deon Grant here because they never dreamed Bulluck would fall to them. Looks like they ended up on the better side of that one.

T-4. Robaire Smith, DE/DT, Michigan State (2000, Round 6, pick #197 overall)

August thinks Robaire is overrated. That may be the case, but the Titans got waaay more than they ever could have expected out of a guy they took at #197. This was another testament to pretty much the only thing Floyd Reese was good at besides backloading contracts and early round busts (more on that tomorrow), finding diamonds in the rough.

T-4. David Stewart, OT, Mississippi State (2005, Round 4, pick #113 overall)

The credit here goes to Mike Munchak as much as anyone, but that doesn't change the fact that the Titans got book-end offensive tackles in the same draft. The only thing that gets Big Country the nod over the next guy on the list is that he was selected two rounds and 72 picks later.

6. Michael Roos, OT, Eastern Washigton (2005, Round 2, pick #41 overall)

Roos is a Pro Bowl left tackle. That is a win no matter where they are selected, but it is even more impressive to get one in the second round.

7. Bo Scaife, TE, Texas (2005, Round 6, pick #179 overall)

2005 was a good draft for the Titans. I have been critical of Scaife in the past, but that by no means takes away the successes he has had in this league after waiting until the 6^th round to come off the board. I wonder how many sixth round picks have ever been given the franchise tag..

8. Stephen Tulloch, LB, NC State (2006 Round 4, pick #116 overall)

The Titans drafted three linebackers in the 2006 draft, and Tulloch has been the only one to stick. Tulloch has proved to be a vital member of this defense as he is currently the starting middle linebacker but has also played both outside linebacker positions in his tenure with the Titans.

9. Eugene Amano, C, SE Missouri State (2004, Round 7, pick #239 overall)

We had a little trouble forgiving Pinoy's boy for his transgression on Sunday to add him to this list, but it is impossible to ignore a guy that is a starting offensive lineman selected in the seventh round. Amano highlights two things about the draft strengths of the Titans- 1. they are good at picking offensive lineman and 2. they are good at finding good players from small schools.

10. Vincent Fuller, DB, Virginia Tech (2005, Round 4, pick #108 overall)

Vinny is yet another gem from the 2005 class. Fuller has held down the nickel back job for a couple of years now, and we all saw how valuable he was when he missed a few weeks earlier this year with a broken forearm.

Others receiving votes: William Hayes (2008, round 4, #103), Albert Haynesworth (2002, round 1, #15), and Justin Hartwig (2002, round 6, #187).

Click here to see the complete list of draft picks.

And there you have it. We would love to hear your comments on our list, or even your own list in the comments.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Same Vince Young, New Mentality Edition

August West — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:53:18 -0000

More photos » by Wade Payne - AP

CJ will crush your dreams even before he gets into the end zone.

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On Sunday, Chris Johnson said that the team's goal is to try and win 10 straight to close out the year. The Texans, of course, are trying to psyche themselves up by pretending that's a shot at them. Now, I know our guys have been guilty of creating the impression of being disrespected to build motivation (see weeks 1-14 last year), but this just seems pretty ridiculous. What player in the NFL right now isn't trying to run the table for the rest of the year? I can garauntee you even St. Louis Rams back-up players have the same goal.

Indefatigable reader/commenter JimR points us towards this link from when Jeff Fisher was on The Coach's Show with Steve Mariuci. Coach made a great statement about Vince Young's progress:

"There’s a different person wearing number 10,"

And as we banter back and forth with fans from around the league, be sure to keep in mind that pretty much none of them have seen the new and improved Vince Young (or the revitalized front four, for that matter)... yet!

Bravo for this article on Bud Adams, and where he should have directed his double barrel salutation:

But here's the question about Adams: Why isn't he in the Hall of Fame?

... Next year should be Adams' turn. And if he doesn't get it he ought to be spared the fine if he decides to give Hall voters his next one-finger salute.

The Texans have won the last two games against us (though you can argue we game planned more for the Hall of Fame Game this year than that game last year, as we had the no. 1 seed in the bag), and that may be just enough to consider this a rivalry rather than the one-sided beatdown it was before now. Prior to last season's loss the Titans had won seven straight contests.

Follow us through the jump for more links sure to get you pumped for Monday Night Football...

T-Rac, Chris Hope and Jeff Fisher all make this week's edition of KSK's LOLNFL. The Charger's fan holding up the Eagle's nest wins the day, though.

Bet US has the Titans favored by 4.5 points for Monday's contest, which is a damned sizable spread for a road game in the NFL (usually the home team starts out +3 when they're calculating the spread). As much as people want to crow about the disparity in records, it's pretty obvious that Vegas has noticed two things: we're only two wins/losses behid the Texans, and our scheulde has been a little tougher than the Texans' (which included the Raiders at home where we played the Patriots in a blizzard on the road). doesn't know how to read a damned line.

Vince Young's amazing scamper in overtime still haunts several of the Texans, says John McClain. Another tip of the hat to JimR for this one!

I'm posting this usually-inane list of 5 things about the Titans because number 1 is as true of a statements as you'll see all week: Andre Johnson is a Titan killer. Of course, he's one of the best WRs in the game and pretty much smokes eveyone.

Paul Kuharsky dials back on the Vince Young slams to breakdown his key first down scramble from Sunday's game.

Stephen Tulloch delivers a new blog post on VY's turnaround and how important Cortland Finnegan is to the entire defense.

Dave Perkins recaps the long and illustrious history of flipping the bird in sports, politics and pop culture.

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 Matt Schaub gains one health point. Is that what you want?!!!!?!?!

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?!!!!?!?!

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.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: You Hide, You Hide, But Will Be Found Edition

August West — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:56:12 -0000

More photos » by David J. Phillip - AP

Cushing: "How do I get to 0-2?" ------------- Helpful samaritan: "Go that way, take a left, and you'll see LP Field just ahead... can't miss it."

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Jared Cook got more reps at practice as he gets closer and closer to game-ready. The coaching staff are still hopeful that he'll be ready on Sunday. Titans fans, meanwhile, are dying to see what he can do in real games after he lead the entire team in receptions during the preseason.

Ryan Mouton will also be active this Sunday, and that means we'll get a look at the cat coaches believe in so much they've by-passed a bevy of experienced returners who are currently street free agents.

Now if Cook is inactive and Ryan Mouton stinks up the place on returns Sunday, it'll be a true nightmare scenario for us. And the worst part? We'll have to watch it All Nightmare Long... by Metallica! (Yeah I'm doubling up on the Metallica for my Friday Jams, but the show on Monday was that damned good... and yes, that's Lemmy from Motorhead playing the encore. This video is also one of the best I've seen in years. I'm a complete junkie for any well done zombie movie.)

Follow us through the jump to see what Houston RB Chris Brown is saying about the Titans...

Four years into his career as a Titan, Stephen Tulloch has really come into his own in the eyes of the coaching staff, as evidenced by the cutting of Ryan Fowler. Of course, we here at MCM have been big fans of Tully for years, so seeing that faith pay off is always satisfying.

Surprise, surprise: many of the Titans are big fans of the MMA reality show Ultimate Fighter, and that's even more true this year as one of the contestants was a former 7th round pick by the Titans named Wes Shivers.

Chris Brown doesn't harbor any hard feelings against the Titans despite how his time ended here. Frankly, I don't see how he could have much to complain about regarding the final few years because I'm sure they put all of the comfy furniture and Capri Suns in the training room he needed.

Sunday's contest is almost guaranteed to be on an ultra-sloppy field as the game moves on (for non-locals, it's been raining for about a week here in Nashville, and the forecast is calling for more of the same through the middle of next week). For Chris Johnson, that could be a very good thing.

Ahhem... Lavelle, I'd pay good attention to this note from PFW's Whispers section:

• Should the Titans add a veteran receiver in the weeks to come, second-year WR Lavelle Hawkins' roster spot could be in jeopardy, a source close to the club told PFW. Hawkins was inactive for the season opener at Pittsburgh.

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: 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.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Ribonucleic Acid Freak Out Edition

August West — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:32:56 -0000

More photos » by Mark Humphrey - AP

Chris Davis dropped the ball... in life. /goes back to writing after school specials

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Chris Davis certainly didn't help himself get a roster spot by getting popped for a DUI last night around 4 a.m. The team had already left for Dallas, but Davis was staying behind due to a hamstring injury. In an incredibly weird twist, the arresting officer was the same guy who was suspended after pulling McNair over in 2003, and the same cop who pulled McNair and his killer over (she got a DUI) two days before his murder.

This is about as close as we'll get to an apology from LenDale for his fumble in the Baltimore game, and it was actually nice to read:

"I'm a humbled man," White says. "When the clock strikes triple zeroes and you have to walk off the field knowing you're one of the reasons your team lost, it hurts man."

To his credit, White didn't duck reporters afterward. He made himself available for waves of repeat questions, and came away saying the experience taught him three things.

"I think I learned how to be a football player, and I learned how to grow up," he says. "And I learned I need to hold on to the damn football."

This week's edition of the Friday Jams features my boys Clutch (who I've linked to before, but they're that good), and their binary coded masterpiece: 10001110101.

Follow us through the jump for a mountain of links...

After being told he had too many carries in college to have a long NFL career, Javon Ringer is dead-set on proving those folks wrong. Given that he's about to take a former 2nd round pick's roster spot, I'd say he's well on his way. Here's another post from the excellent blog Sparty and Friends by a Michigan State fan who is pulling for Ringer.

SI.com's John P. Lopez goes through the AFC and comes up with the player each team could least afford to lose. Ours was Boom King, but there are legit concerns about his health that he really needs to answer this year. if he's able to stay relatively healthy, then I'd expect him to have another Pro Bowl caliber year.

Tonight's game is extra exciting for a few Titans, namely former Cowboy Ryan Fowler and Texas native DeMarcus Faggins, as they'll be part of history by breaking in the new Cowboys stadium.

Stephen Tulloch is out for tonight, but plans on practicing all next and resuming his starting role against Cleveland. I hope he can get back to 100% soon, but it is nice knowing that we have reliable back-up like Fowler right there when we need him.

The ever-dligent SoCal points us towards this season preview on examiner.com.

Colin Cowherd is a definite douchecanoe, even if he did side with our boy here. You gotta love that this is cutting edge programing on ESPN. I'm just waiting for them to come up with a Chelsea Handler type show where three comedians and friggin' Erik Kuselias sit around and crack jokes in the 'Best Week Ever' vein... you know this is coming soon.

So will Dungy go out on a limb for the other Vick brother? Hell, the worst he ever did was stomp on Elvis Dumervil back in college. Marcus had the same crappy raising and influences, so where's the out cry for his 'second shot'?

I'll have to admit, when Ochocinco is in a good headspace, he can be one of the funnier players in the league.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Rookies Down And Out Wide Edition

August West — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:35:28 -0000

More photos » by John Russell - AP

Glad to know this isn't pass interference in the NFL... I thought only New England and Baltimore got away with that!?!!

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Reason no. 3,154,6478.5 part a1 why players love Chuck Cecil: he decided to show the DBs the best way to tackle in the open field without getting fined... by lining up and hitting the tackling dummy himself!

If Ryan Mouton thinks he has a chance to relax now that his ankle is sprained, then he better think again: Fisher announced that they'll be very aggressive with his treatment with the hopes of getting him back in the mix as soon as it's physically possible.

Jim Wyatt has a few interesting notes in his recap from last night's open practice, including this one:

Cook worked with the wideouts in 1-on-1 drills and lined up wide on a lot of plays.

Friday's match-up with the Titans will mark the first NFL game in the bleeding pit of wasted tax dollars magical kingdom of gumdrops and blue collar work ethic that is Cowboys stadium. I heard they kept the hole in the roof because god enjoys watching them struggle in futility and mediocrity (that's 13 years without a single playoff victory, for those keeping score), for even the lord can't sway the Football Gods. Amen.

Follow us through the jump to find out which Titans player isn't happy with their Madden '10 rating...

There are a lot of guys in camp who aren't going to make an NFL roster, and it's not as though they don't know that. Here, John Glennon tells a few of their stories and what they want to do after they're done with the game.

I haven't watched it yet because the video wasn't loading this morning, but here's a link to Jeff Fisher's interview with Chris Mortensen from Titans camp yesterday. What are the odds Mort works Brett Favre in there somewhere? Better than him mentioning the fact that his son got cut a good month before the first roster deadline?

T.J. Houshmandzadeh has already said he's boycotting Madden '10 because he's insulted by his rankings in the new, harsher system. Now, it's looking like Chris Johnson may be leaning that way as well.

Stephen Tulloch has a new post on his blog about his knee injury and the frustration of missing time in the pre-season after only missing one practice since being drafted by the Titans.

Mike Otto got his first start as a Titan last Saturday, and yesterday he talked about it with Titans Radio.

USA Today's Tom Weir was at Titans camp, and he's got a run-down/preview that focuses on injuries and rookies.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Baby Steps, Big Boy Checks Edition

August West — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:49:32 -0000

More photos » by Mark Humphrey - AP

Chuck Cecil is the man. He's got to learn how to compose himself a little better on the sideline, but that fire and passion will be contagious, and combustible, as the season goes on.

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Kerry Collins struggled mightily Saturday night, but I would advise against reading to much into that just as I'd advise against arguing that VY is ready to take over after a meager sample size. The real difference between the two players is that Kerry is experienced enough to learn from that game and settle back into his game management role like we need him to. The only way Kerry gets in trouble with this team is if he starts thinking he can make every throw and starts to gamble; that could be disastrous for this squad.

Vince Young's solid performance Saturday most likely earned him some extended reps with the first unit next week against Dallas. Vince looked more comfortable and confident against the Bucs than we've seen from him at the NFL level, and it's very encouraging. Next week his goal should be to maintain that mindset while still preparing as hard as possible. That will be key if he wants to experience some consistent success in the NFL, rather than wild fluctuations from week to week.

With every week of training camp and preseason contest, this year's rookie class is looking like one of the deepest and most talented we've seen in a good while. These guys were brought in to play specific roles, and that's just what they're doing right away.

Follow is through the jump to discover what we should all be a little more worried about than we are...

Kenny Britt made his debut Saturday like a boss, ending up with 5 catches for 89 yards. He did limp of the field with an injury though, and we should be hearing something today on the status of his ankle. i promised myself I wouldn't freak out about the injuries that keep creeping up with Britt just yet, so I'm staying focused on the excellent production and potential we all saw Saturday.

Should we be more worried about the mounting injuries to starters (Stephen Tulloch, Jason Jones and David Stewart) and key reserves (Jacob Ford, Colin Allred, maybe even Kenny Britt now) so early in the year? These aren't insurmountable, and all are expected back pretty soon, but adding just one or two more key names to that list could spell trouble through the tough early stretch of the schedule.

Paul K has notes from Saturday night's game, and plenty of thoughts on the Titans' youngsters.

Sure as heck sounds like Bud Adams took notice of VY's play Saturday, but I wish he'd not be quite so quick to start praising a guy whose career so far has been marked by wild ups and downs.

Javon Ringer really made a mark on the staff with his 51 yards on 7 rushes and a TD last weekend. Given how crowded the backfield is, that's an important step for the young man.

Ken Amato originally joined the Titans in 2003 as a linebacker at very bottom of the depth chart, but now a days he's secured himself a pretty solid career as a respected long snapper and emergency LB.

The distinction between DE and DT is becoming increasingly blurred on the Titans' D-line unit, writes Gary Estwick.

State of the Tennessee Titans Roster: Linebackers

Jimmy — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:30:11 -0000

Linebacker is a spot where the Titans are very good with the guys that start but have huge question marks when it comes to depth.

Keith Bulluck has been the heart and soul of the Titans defense for nearly a decade. We have spent a lot of time this offseason focusing on the fact that this is likely his last season as a Titan and not enough time talking about how good he has been here. The fact that Mr. Monday Night has only been to 1 Pro Bowl in his career is insane. His tackles have been down the last couple of seasons, but he provides a leadership for the defense that cannot be measured on a stat sheet.

David Thornton holds down the other outside linebacker spot and has been a solid addition to the defense since he was signed as a free agent in 2006. He is a very durable guy, starting all but 4 games since he joined the Titans.

Stephen Tullochis the incumbent middle linebacker. Tulloch played well after taking over for Ryan Fowler early last season. He is a bit undersized but always seems to be around the ball. Tully also figures to be the backup for both outside linebacker spots if Bulluck or Thornton were to go down with an injury. In that case Fowler would step in to play the middle. He was solid but not spectacular in his season plus as the starting middle linebacker.

After those 4 guys you have a group that includes Josh Stamer, Collin Allred, Stanford Keglar and rookie Gerald McRath. By my count those guys have started a grand total of one game combined. It would be nice to see a couple of these guys step up and make some plays in the preseason.

The good news is that this group is coached by Dave McGinnis who is a very good defensive mind. While that does give me some confidence, I will still be praying hard that the starters stay healthy all season.