SB Nation - Kyle Vanden Bosch

Update on Anthony Gonzalez offers hope he will return soon

BigBlueShoe — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:59:01 -0000

More photos » by Michael Conroy - AP

FILE -- This is an Aug. 4, 2009, file photo showing Indianapolis Colts receiver Anthony Gonzalez during the NFL team's football training camp in Terre Haute, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

Browse more photos »

The silver-lining for Anthony Gonzalez's injury in Week One was the rapid, forced development of wide receivers Pierre Garçon and Austin Collie. And while many have expressed frustration that both Garçon and Collie have been erratic throughout the year, the reality is that inconsistency is the hallmark for all young receivers, good and bad. Also, factor in that it usually takes a receiver three years before they finally start looking like they are worth something. Call it the Reggie Wayne Scale, if you must. I remember from 2001-2003, Colts fans (stupidly) applied the "bust" label to Reggie Wayne, maintaining that the Colts should have taken a defensive player (Kyle Vanden Bosch, maybe?), or not traded down to get Wayne and taken a defensive tackle like Ryan Pickett.

This is why fans are fans and Bill Polian is god.

Today, I'm one of the leading schmucks on the Internets who thinks Reggie Wayne is the best wide receiver in football. And if you compare Pierre Garçon's second year numbers (26 catches, 403 yards, 3 TDs) or Austin Collie's rookie numbers (38 catches, 408 yards, 3 TDs) with Reggie Wayne's second year numbers (49 catches for 716 yards and 4 TDs) you see that both young receivers are well on their way to developing into good players.

Again, this kind of development likely would not have happened had Anthony Gonzalez not gotten hurt.

In a recent Mike Chappell article for the Indy Star, we get an update on Gonzo, who is recovering from surgery earlier this month to help heal his injured knee. Gonzo aggravated the injury (which he initially sustained against the Jaguars) during his rehab process. Now, Gonzo is saying he feels "close" again:

"I felt like I was close the last time," Gonzalez said. "So in that sense, it's a little hard to say. I do feel the 'scope I had helped a lot. Now it's just a matter of getting a little flexibility back and all my strength back.
"But I think I'm close."

In yet another season where key components of the team have gone down with injury, such as the oft-injured Bob Sanders (done for the year), the addition of an important cog like Gonzo to an offense as impressive as the Colts could provide a serious jolt during the December push for playoff seeding.

However, we Colts fans have been through this injury roller-coaster before with another wide receiver, Marvin Harrison. The constant "Will he? Won't he?" for Harrison in 2007 drove me nuts from week to week after Harrison sustained a seemingly career-ending knee injury. With Gonzo, I have no wish to relive that torture. If he does come back, he offers another potent weapon to stretch the field for Peyton Manning.

But, it is important to point out the Garçon and Collie have played well enough (overall) to retain their roles. These two guys have grown up as players right before our eyes. It will be interesting to see how the Colts work with them once Gonzo gets back into the fold.

Tip to Z.Pain

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.

Browse more photos »

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.

Don't Flip Me Off - Photos from the Titans - Buffalo Bills Game

Titanfan — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:16:40 -0000

I know everyone has seen the video of Titans Owner Bud Adams "waving" to the Bills from the owner's box. How can a Titans fan not like having an owner like that? Sure, he shouldn't have done it but he showed he's as down to earth as the rest of us and not just some highfalutin stuffed shirt sitting way above us looking down. It was all in fun. Way to go Bud!

More pics after the jump

Fred Jackson passed to Lee Evans from the wildcat formation. Who'd a thunk! A pass from the wildcat. I wish someone would have thought there was at least a small chance that it could happen.

Kenny Britt made a great attempt at catching this. I thought he might make it at one point.

But he went up and got this one. I almost had the shot at his highest leap but my focus went to the backstop. I hate it when that happens.

The Defensive line is putting good preasure on the quarterback. I hope they keep it up in Houston.

Who needs the wildcat when we have the option featuring Vince Young and Chris Johnson.

It felt like all the action was down at the other end of the field that game. That TD catch by Nate Washington was going away from me. It sure was a nice catch.

Did you notice the Keith Bulluck jersey in the owner's box? Looks like he has some fans in high places. Maybe that will play well into his contract negotiation.

Kyle Vanden Bosch 's motor is always running.

I always have trouble finding good shots of Bulluck. I finally figured out it's because he's always in the thick of things.

They just can't get a grip on him. I hope he does big things on Monday Night.

Terrell Owens wanted out of there so bad. He almost left the field before the game clock expired.

Three in a row feels good. It doesn't wash away the 0-6 start but it's good to see that we're closer to last years Titans team than last years Lions team. Big test in Houston on the big Monday Night Football stage and I hope they keep it up. It seems everyone we face this year is coming off a bye week.

Beware: Vince Young Fan Boys Soon To Be On The Prowl

Mike Kerns — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:13 -0000

We are sure to see and hear plenty of Vince Young supporters at Reliant stadium for Monday Night Football this year.

View full size photo »

Texans fans better begin preparing themselves for the biggest threat the Tennessee Titans will bring to Houston on Monday Night Football on November 23^rd. No, I’m not talking about the stiff rivalry these two teams have developed. No, not Chris Johnson, who tore the Houston defense to shreds in Week Two. And, no, not Kyle Vanden Bosch and his inevitable war with Eric Winston. The weapon that I am talking about is the devout and undying man-love of the Vince Young fan boys. You know who you are.

Now, I know everyone in Houston remembers the war that went on between the Reggie Bush fans and the Vince Young fans before the 2006 NFL draft. It was painful and something none of us wish to relive. Plenty of things were said and outrageous (sometimes asinine) claims made. And in the end, Houston didn’t draft either of those guys. Which turned out to be the right pick, truthfully (and if you still doubt this, Mario should come to your house and kick you in your throat).

In his rookie season, Vince Young seemed to prove many of his detractors, myself included, wrong by winning the Offensive Rookie of The Year. But plenty weren’t fooled. Again, myself included. All the things being said about Vince Young’s game were all the same things said about Michael Vick. And we all saw how much Vick’s game declined once defenses learned how to stop him. And for my money, Vick was probably better than Vince ever was. But that isn’t the debate here. Many of us knew that Vince’s reign in Tennessee was going to be short lived. So his benching in favor of journeyman Kerry Collins came as no surprise to most.

Let’s be honest: When you can’t beat out Kerry Collins for the starting job, you may be a little overrated. And he still wouldn't be playing if Titans owner Bud Adams hadn't forced Jeff Fisher's hand. VY fan boys love to throw out the phrase "All Vince Young does is win!" That is complete garbage. If the defense has five sacks, two interceptions and a return for a touchdown, it has nothing to do with Vince. Yet, they seem to claim he "wills" them to victory. It is quite ridiculous.

Then there are the ones who call into local sports radio and say Vince is better than Matt Schaub. Again, a complete joke. I mean, reading some of the stuff said on blogs and message boards is downright laughable. There are even guys who claim VY is better than Schaub because he is better looking. No kidding. And then they wonder why I accuse them of having an unhealthy crush on VY. Please...Matt Schaub is being mentioned with guys like Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees and Carson Palmer now. And you’re comparing "125 yards passing" Vince Young to him?

WAKE UP!!!!!

The funny thing is that I always get called a "UT hater" because I don’t have unquestionable devotion for Vince. Which is unbelievable when you factor in that I am a University of Texas fan. Quite a big one. I cheered for Vince in college. I liked him. But there are several players I liked in college that I don’t judge the same in the pros. I don’t care what you did in college and I don't care what city you were born in. Reggie Bush did a lot in college, too, didn’t he? How's that working out? The NFL is a completely different world. So that accusation holds absolutely no water.

Look, if you want to be a Vince fan, that is your choice. I don’t have anything personal against the guy. I just think he is overrated by the Houston sports fan. And I am pretty sure that this is the only city in America that it still happens in. I am simply saying that if you’re going to defend Vince, come up with some better points than "All he does is win." Because I remember a guy named Trent Dilfer that did nothing but win in 2000. And I am pretty sure it wasn’t all because of him.

If you want to flame me and say I am against the "hometown guy," go for it in the comments section below. But it is just untrue. I am certain this is about to cause a lot of debate between the pro-VY and anti-VY camps, but that is kind of the point. What else are we going to do during a bye week? I guess we can all watch Vince walk on water or cure the blind or something.

Bring the pain and fire away in the comments below.

Titans vs Texans coverage

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.

Browse more photos »

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?!!!!?!?!

One In The Win Column - Photos from the Titans Jaguars Game

Titanfan — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:42:35 -0000

Long wait but the Titans finally won a game. A lot of things to be happy about and a few concerns still are evident. One thing for sure is I'm glad the rest of the home games are at noon on Sunday. I know the players and the team like prime time and under the lights, but I'll take noon starts over anything else. That's when football is meant to be played. There's a Christmas game late start but I don't think I'll be there for that one.

So here's Power to the Noon Starts:

More pics after the jump.

LenDale White looking happy to be there:

Kyle Vanden Bosch had his red contacts in so I knew to expect big things from him:

Even though the Titans didn't recover this fumble it was good to see David Thornton and the "D" were creating opportunities:

I mentioned concerns and this is one/many of them. Poor tackling. But that Maurice Jones-Drew is hard to bring down:

Those red contacts paid off. KVB gets his first sack:

Damn...there he goes again:

Funny who his lead blocker is on these long runs.

This was awesome to see. I wish I could have photographed the catch. This is when Vince Young stepped back and avoided the rush and found Kenny Britt along the sidelines. VY threw that ball with authority:

Another positive about the game was seeing Michael Griffin back to being a ball hawk:

I think about this moment Jones-Drew was wanting a piece of Finnegan more than blocking him:

History in the making. Chris Johnson turned in the best rushing performance by an Oiler/Titan in franchise history:

That was so good it was worth another look. He was out of gas by this time:

Let the dancing begin:

Have the Titans returned to '08 form? Is this the team we expected to open the season? I sure hope so. The defense put in a pretty good performance and Chris Johnson was awesome. Vince Young was impressive and hopefully will only get better from here. Next up is away at San Francisco. I'm hoping they come back on a win streak.

Game Preview: Week 8: Tennessee Titans Defense vs Jacksonville Jaguars Offense

Jonathan Loesche — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:03:31 -0000

Tennessee Titans (0-6)	Week #8	Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3)
	VS.

Date:	November 1st, 2009	Location:	Nashville, TN
Time:	4:05 PM EST	Stadium:	LP Field
TV:	CBS	Favorite:	Titans -3
Radio:	Click Here	Over/Under:	44
Weather:	Mid 50's, no chance of rain	Injury Report:	Click Here
SBN Coverage:	Music City Miracles	Coverage Map	Click Here

This week, and perhaps for the rest of the season, the Game preview feature is going to be handled a bit differently. Rather than a brief synopsis of the upcoming game, it is going to be broken down into three separate articles. This article is dealing with the Jaguars offense against the Titans defense, tomorrow's will deal with the Jaguars defense against the Titans offense, and Thursday's will with Special Teams and intangibles.

The Jaguars head out to Nashville Sunday to play the winless Tennessee Titans. Who would have thought I would've made that statement back in August? Between Jerseygate, the debate between Kerry Collins and Vince Young, and everything else, the Titans have come to define the term "What can go wrong, will go wrong." However, are the Titans as bad as their record indicates or is this just a team that has had too many balls bounce the wrong way?

Jaguars Offense Four Game Summary

	Week 3 vs Houston	Week 4 vs Tennessee	Week 5 vs Seattle	Week 6 vs St.Louis
Plays	61	69	52	84
Yards	398	442	199	492
Yards Per Play	6.5	6.4	3.8	5.9
Passing Yards	214	305	161	326
P-Plays	30	39	37	46
Pass YPP	7.1	7.8	4.4	7.1
Rush play	31	30	15	38
Rush yard	184	137	38	166
Rush YPP	5.9	4.6	2.5	4.4
Points	31	37	0	23
Turnovers	1	1	2	3
TOP	30:52	34:07	25:16	42:12

At a glance, outside of a major dip against the Seahawks, the offense has been ticking along very well in the last four games. The Jaguars have averaged 283 yards passing and 163 yards rushing in their three wins. Those are excellent numbers, no matter which way you want to cut it.

In addition, the overall yards per play in the three wins is exactly what you want from your offense. The Jaguars have been getting approximately six yards a play in their three wins, which translates into easy second or third down situations.

Titans Defense Four Game Summary

	Week 3 vs NY Jets	Week 4 vs Jacksonville	Week 5 vs Indianapolis	Week 6 vs New England
Plays	64	69	67	77
Yards Allowed	229	442	367	619
YPP Allowed	3.6	6.4	5.5	8
Pass Plays	33	37	39	47
Pass Yards	146	305	404	426
PYPP Alllowed	4.4	8.2	7	9
Rush yards allowed	83	137	58	193
Rush plays	31	30	23	30
Rush YPP Allowed	2.7	4.6	2.5	6.4
Points Allowed	24	37	31	59
Turnovers	2	1	2	0
TOP Allowed	32:38	34:07	33:38	39

In the beginning of the season, the Titans still had a stout defense to hang their hats on and have hope they could turn things around. Starting against the Jaguars, the bottom fell out. The Titans have given up over thirty points and 300 yards passing in route to three straight embarrassing losses.

Of particular concern has to be the pass defense. Twice in the last three games the secondary has allowed a over eight yards per pass play, part of the reason why the Titans have managed to "overtake" the Jaguars at the bottom of the NFL's defensive rankings.

Jaguars Pass Offense vs Titans Pass Defense

If we've learned one thing by looking at those stats, it is that Mike Sims-Walker has been the spark to make the passing attack go. His suspension was the only major difference in the line up over those four games and we can see the results. The Jaguars went from gaining over seven yards every time they threw the ball down to what they should've been averaging running the football.

Nothing that I've seen from Tennessee the last two weeks leads me to believe that the result in Nashville won't be similar to what happened a few weeks ago in Jacksonville. Tennessee has been giving up between 7 and 9 yards a pass play over the last three weeks, ranking dead last in the league in that category.

Perhaps more concerning for the Titans has been the disappearing act DE Kyle Vanden Bosch has put on this season. One of the best pass rushing threats in the league over the last few years, Vanden Bosch has recorded no sacks and only one tackle for loss so far this year.

David Garrard enjoyed a career game against the Titans a few weeks ago, and he returns to the site of perhaps the lowest point in his career. The 2006 trip to Tennessee is most often remembered as the start of the infamous three game losing streak to close out the season and Pac-Man Jones returning a Garrard interception for a touchdown to seal the game.

Jaguars Rush Offense vs Titans Rush Defense

The Titans have still managed to field a respectable rush defense, though it may only be because teams have been electing to throw the ball more against them. The Titans rank 9th in the NFL only allowing 95 yards a game, though the Jaguars were one of the two teams that have run for over 100 yards against Tennessee.

Maurice Jones-Drew was a non-factor against the Titans, though it was for a good reason. Tennessee was selling out with eight and nine players in the box, which allowed the passing offense to catch fire early. By the time the Titans backed off, it was 30-3 and MJD got to sit down for the rest of the game. I would expect to see him get more action this week with a hostile Tennessee crowd.

Misc.

The absense of Albert Haynesworth has obviously had a negative effect on the Titans defense. Haynesworth was the most dominant defensive linemen in the league for two years. A stout run stopper and pocket collapser, his presence has been missed. In addition, 2nd round pick Sen'Derrick Marks has yet to even crack the active roster. Marks was expected to help fill the void Haynesworth left, but has been a major dud for the team so far.

Conclusion

As I said previously, I see no reason why this offense shouldn't score 28+ points on Sunday. This is an offense that has begun to find itself going against a defense that has been flat out bad the last few weeks. Barring another case of turnovers or a surprise suspension, this should be one of the Jaguars best offensive outputs of the season.

-Jonathan Loesche

Kyle Vanden Bosch fined for "Brady Rule" hit on Peyton Manning last week

BigBlueShoe — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:47:47 -0000

More photos » by Mark Humphrey - AP

Tennessee Titans defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Browse more photos »

Early on in a very key second quarter drive, which would eventually lead to a TD from Peyton Manning to Austin Collie, Titans defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch spun out of a Tony Ugoh block and landed at the legs of Manning after Manning had released the football. Vanden Bosch hit Manning's knee, which underwent surgery last year that forced him to miss all of the 2008 pre-season.

Flag. 15 yard penalty. First down Colts.

The Colts TD drive ended the first half of the game with the score 21-9, and it seemed to break the will of the Tennessee Titans. Yesterday, Vanden Bosch received word that he would be fined $5000 for the hit on Manning, and Titans coach Jeff Fisher, who is on the NFL Competition Committee which helped to create and craft "The Brady Rule," does not seem happy about that.

Coach Jeff Fisher, co-chairman of the competition committee, said earlier this week that the rule states roughing the passer should not be called if a player is blocked into a quarterback.

Well, from what I saw, Vanden Bosch was not blocked into Manning. He spun out of a block, fell, and landed at Manning's feet with "sufficient force", hitting Manning's knee. The hit caused some concern after the game as Manning needed treatment on the knee for soreness. Jim Caldwell said the knee was fine this past Monday.

Last year, Vanden Bosch's hit would not have been a penalty. But thanks to Fisher, Bill Polian, and the other members of the Competition Committee, it is now not only a flag, it's a fine as well. And while Fisher may think Vanden Bosch was blocked into Manning, clearly the big boys at NFL HQ saw it differently. Thus, the fine.

Again, the Vanden Bosch hit was text book "Brady Rule," which is a very poorly worded penalty that will always favor QBs. Refs will always ere on the side of caution, no matter the circumstance or situation. It simply provides way too much subjective interpretation which penalizes defensive players and protects QBs.

Sorry, but if Fisher did not know that these kinds of penalties would happen as a result of this new rule, which he helped create, then Fisher is clueless.

Tip to peytonsthebest

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: This Ivory Leg Is What Propels Me Edition

August West — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:05:35 -0000

More photos » by Wade Payne - AP

No matter who we play, it's scenes like this one that are killing us.

Browse more photos »

LenDale White gave a ringing endorsement of Jeff Fisher yesterday:

"[Fisher] knows how to win in this league," said White, a fourth-year pro. "Everything that we’re doing is the right way. He’s a good person when he needs to get you to do what he needs. He expects you to be a man about your situation. He puts you in position to make a play and he wants you to make a play. If he puts you in a bad position, he’s going to take responsibility. But he expects you to do the same."

Now that's all well and true, but the real news here to me is that the players are hearing enough of the chatter calling for Fisher's head that they feel the need to respond in defense. That's certainly not a good sign for coach Fish.

There's been lots of talk around here about how LenDale is getting shafted this year and we're suffering because of it, but I think maybe the problem is that the 'Smash and Dash' moniker isn't intimidating enough. What's a better solution? Blood and Thunder... by the reigning gods of metal, Atlanta's own Mastodon! See, Johnson could be blood because he's such a slasher, and White would be Thunder for obvious reasons. (Side note: this is easily the best song ever written about Moby Dick. Just throwing that out there.)

ESPN Stats & Information continues to deliver the goods, as this time they focus on red zone and third down efficiency for WRs. Turns out Justin Gage is as bad as they come on third down (4 catches on 17 attempts), and Nate Washington is one of the league's best in the redzone (6 catches on 7 attempts with 3 TDs).

Follow us through the jump for more in-depth info on the Titans passing game...

Overall, Jim Wyatt thinks the passing game is moving along slowly, but when you look at it Justin Gage is the only WR under-perorming in my book. You can't ask for much more from Britt, and Washington (despite a few costly drops) as been pretty consistent and a great red zone addition. The passing game numbers were also hurt when Scaife went down with his knee injury, since Jared Cook hasn't been healthy or read enough to produce like we all hoped he would. Oh yeah, and Kerry's been pretty terrible for at least half of our games.

Also related to the passing game, Gary Estwick copy and pasted some numbers. Here's the most interesting tidbit to me:

Receiver Kenny Britt ranks second among NFL rookies in catches (19) and first in receiving yardage (289). Britt has also caught 16 of his passes for first downs, a team high.

Jevon Kearse is likely out with a foot injury he sustained yesterday in practice... I wonder if this is in the same vein as Allen Iverson's convenient 'back problems' that ended his season early last year. Word is Kearse went in for an MRI, but the doctor just drove off before the results were ready.

Boom King got fined for his low hit on touching Peyton Manning.

Bill Belichick isn't sleeping on the Titans, and he's giving us the Lou Holtz 'they put their pants on one leg at a time just like we do' treatment.

Tony Dungy will be in town to speak alongside coach Fisher and several others at the Rally for Rocketown next Tuesday. Odd connection: I saw Mastodon at Rocketown a few years back, and they wouldn't let you bring in smokes... I mean not at all. We had to stash them behind a bush around the corner because the car was too far away.

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.

Peyton Manning takes a shot at Tom Brady

BigBlueShoe — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:28:29 -0000

More photos » by John Russell - AP

about 1 month ago: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning directs his teammates as he calls a play in the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/John Russell)

Browse more photos »

Peyton and Tom are pretty good friends. Though this likely annoys the piss out of New England Patriots fans, who likely still think Peyton "got lucky" facing the then-Rex Grossman-led Bears in the Super Bowl, resulting in his "only one" Super Bowl win, both players have mutual respect and admiration for one another. They text each other after games, check up with each other during the off-season, and have worked together in the past to ensure that the QBs in this league are well taken care of.

But last night, dare I say, I do believe Peyton Manning took a shot at Tom Brady, who has noticeably been acting like a whiny bitch during games when it comes to lobbying for roughing the passer calls.

Before we get into what Manning said, flash back two weeks ago. On a key drive by the Patriots offense against the Baltimore Ravens, Terrell Suggs attempted to sack Tom Brady. After Brady let his pass fly, Suggs lounged at Brady and brushed up against his knees. Before Suggs seemingly hit the ground, Brady turned to official Ron Winter and started pleading for a flag. Replays show Winters seemed swayed by Brady's pleas and tossed yellow at his feet.

15 yard penalty. Pats first down. The drive would later end with a touchdown.

Contrast this with last night. In his own endzone, late in the second quarter, Peyton Manning lets a pass fly. He is then hit immediately, below the knees, by Kyle Vanden Bosch. The official sees the hit and throws yellow. Vanden Bosch can't believe it, but that is "The Brady Rule" defined. Vanden Bosch spun out of a block, fell, and hit Manning's knee with sufficient force to knock Manning down. By rule, that's a penalty, like it or not.

The 15 yards gives Indy a fresh set of downs, which they use to march 93 yards (aided by two more roughing the passer penalties as the Titans seemed to come unglued prior to halftime) for a TD to close the half.

Now, when Manning was hit by Vanden Bosch, many noticed that he did not turn and plead with the official for a flag, in stark contrast to Brady against the Ravens. And immediately after the flag was thrown, you did not see Manning applaud or pump his fist for the call, also in stark contrast to Brady against the Patriots.

Indeed, following the game, Manning seemed to make it a point that he does not do that kind of stuff:

Manning wanted to differentiate himself from how New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady reacted in light of a similar, but softer, call in a Week 4 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
"I’ve never asked for a call, I’ve never clapped when they’ve made a call," he said. "I clap when we get the yards because of execution. The first one, I’ve had that hit before to the knee. I don’t know if I have to validate it or not, but I’ve got to see the doctor after this and get treatment. Obviously when you plant that left knee it’s in a vulnerable position, I wear that brace for that reason alone, hopefully it protects me there."

Make no mistake about it folks, that is indeed a shot a Tom Brady. Those calls against the Ravens (which, by rule, were correct I might add) are still fresh in everyone's mind. And when we see Peyton get a call due in part to "The Brady Rule," they become even more fresh. So, when Peyton says "I’ve never asked for a call, I’ve never clapped when they’ve made a call... I clap when we get the yards because of execution," he's thinking about Tom Brady. Peyton never says anything unless he's thought it through.

Like Peyton, I personally like and respect Brady. I was sickened to see him go down in a heap last year and I agree that rules protecting that which we shell out good money to see (quarterbacks) are a good thing.

However, part of people's frustration with "The Brady Rule" is how players, like the rule's namesake, have been seemingly crying for calls because of it. It seems like Manning is also aware this frustration, and is trying to let people know not all QBs cry for yellow, or applaud and fist pump afterward when they get it.