SB Nation User Blog: August West

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Who's Got Two Thumbs And Predicted Our 5-0 Start Edition

August West — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:16:47 -0000

The Titans resigned Chris Simms and cut back-up punter Josh Miller. More on this in the next link...

Mike Florio is rubbing himself because he may have caught the Titans in violation of an inane NFL rule involving the cutting and re-signing of Simms... man I detest this guy a little more everyday. I'm not too worried because I'm guessing that as Co-Chairman of the Competition Committee, Fisher knows exactly how to job the system a little here, but this is the gist:

As expected, the Tennessee Titans have re-signed quarterback Chris Simms, only two days after cutting him. In so doing, coach Jeff Fisher basically admitted to violating the rules against having verbal agreements with players.

“Chris totally understood the move, and we assured him we’d get him back under contract and we did,” coach Jeff Fisher said.

... the league insider was a bit more specific (but far less entertaining): “I’m not sure the league office is going to look very favorably upon that transaction and quote. It sure looks and sounds like a pre-existing agreement to manipulate the roster.”

We're sitting at 5-0, with 3 of 4 of our next opponents toting losing records... So who's going to step-up and call Gary Estwick irrational and dumb for saying we may go a few more weeks undefeated? Because, I remember a certain blogger around here who may, or may not be, (but in fact is) named Jimmy getting hammered for such a prediction before the season started.

Good to hear this: LenDale's near absence from the field Sunday was not by design and we can expect to see plenty more of the big-boy moving forward. We need him to set-up opposing D-lines for Crazy Legs' gashes later on... I don't want the little man getting tired grinding-out 3 yard gains like he had to on Sunday.

Thanks top P. Logan for pointing out that through week 4, no team was making opponents move the ball further between touchdowns than the Titans... it's not a be-all stat, but it does show who scrappy and stingy our awesome-o defense has been so far.

Further proving our defensive awesomeness, footballoutsiders.com says we were the second best D in the league through week 4 (though it should be noted that we had played one more game than the Raven, who are ahead of us).

How much did Big Albert mean against the Ravens? Exactly 2.2 yards per rushing attempt... so yeah, that alone is worth Tommy Harris money any day in my book.

David Climer clocks-in with an unusually good column about how great teams win ugly games as well. I'd say, over the years,the difference between mediocre and excellent Titans teams is the ability to win games where we get statistically dominated.

Pro Football Weekly looks at how the Titans' passing game has expanded with Kerry Collins under center.

Obviously not wanting to risk losing a QB who could win them games this year, the Chiefs have already announced they'll send Brodie Croyle into the lions den that is the Titans pass rush.

There's a whole lot of internet out there, so if you have a great link you'd like to submit for tomorrow's Morning Links email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com!

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: We Come Not To Praise You, But To Bury You Edition

August West — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:49:57 -0000

There's only one 5-0 team in the NFL, and they call the banks of the Cumberland their home!

In this quality recap by Terry McCormick, Kerry Collins sounds like a man who does not want to give up his starting spot.

"Guys will see that regardless of the circumstances, I’m going to keep playing and that to me is how you build that trust and rapport with your teammates," said Collins, who had just 33 yards passing and was picked off twice in the first half. "I’m not going to say it’s always going to be great, because for three-and-a-half quarters, it wasn’t great. Slowly, I think we’re building an identity and building something here."

Here's a nice highlight package from NFL.com. Does anyone know why in the world was Dave Ball in that game so much?!

Paul Kuharsky passes along some stats on the crazy difference between the first 3.5 quarters and the final 3 drives for Kerry Collins. It wouldn't surprise me one bit to see a few more no. 5 jerseys around LP Field for that Monday Night game against the Colts...

Sure, Cortland Finnegan lost it a little on Sunday, but it sure wasn't because Mason (5 catches for 38 yards) was doing anything impressive on him... leave it to Big Albert to put things in to perspective for us:

"D-Mase is like that little Chihuahua that's always barking," Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth said. "I guess you had two little Chihuahuas barking with Cortland and D-Mase. We know that's how D-Mase plays and that's how Cortland plays. It's going to be a battle. They just got a little mad at each other.''

Despite getting away with murder (Ray Ray style) all day while the refs weren't looking, Terrell Suggs and Benedict Mason were whining in full force yesterday. MCM could not yet confirm rumors that Mason and Suggs continued to complain later that evening while enjoying a gallon of Häagen-Dazs and an Lifetime original movie.

In news that surprises nobody, Vince isn't on the sideline because of his knee (see quote below). Too his credit, VY spoke to the media after the game and, though he sounds frustrated, he is keeping the focus no the team rather than his situation.

Asked if he is 100 percent healed, Young said, "I’m getting there. I don’t know about 100 percent, but I’d be out there playing."

Sporting News' Clifton Brown says our boys aren't pretty, but have the makings of a Super Bowl team... I wonder what gave it away? Perhaps the 5-0 start?

I'm no Peter King fan (these days) either, but he reprinted in his column this morning what he reported/theorized on Football Night in America:

Collins will be a free-agent after the year. Vince Young, the troubled one, has three years left on his contract. Next year, Young makes $2.16 million. In 2010 and 2011, Young will make a combined $24.5 million, if the Titans choose to keep him. They can cut him after 2009 and owe him nothing. Interesting dilemma. Collins has lost 20 pounds and is now a relatively lithe 229. He's sober. He's a little more athletic than he looked playing for the Giants near the beginning of the decade. Even though he'll be 36 at the end of the year, if he continues to play this efficiently, it'll be extremely hard for the Titans to let him go.

I figure the Titans will try to re-sign Collins, bring him to camp next year and let the best man win the job.

There's a whole lot of internet out there, so if you have a great link you'd like to submit for tomorrow's Morning Links email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com!

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Superman Needs To Play Lower And Use His Hands Better Edition

August West — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:29:54 -0000

Titans G.M. Mike Reinfeldt and Coach Jeff Fisher talked to Paul Kuharsky about trading for a wide receiver before the week 6 deadline... not much of a chance it sounds like.

In Keith Bulluck's mind, the Titans are still underdogs. Yup; undefeated underdogs cruising near the top of everyone's Power Rankings.

Peter Morelli, the NFL ref who upheld the dubious spot that gave us a first down on the goal line last Sunday against the Vikings, explains why he didn't overturn it on review.

After Vince Young's first full practice yesterday, Jim Wyatt says the injured QB will probably be our no. 2 on Sunday. Jeff Fisher, however, says they'll make that call on Sunday.

Michaeltastic got it up yesterday, but something tells me Crazy Legs and Albert could be getting a lot of these this year... unless Finnegan steals to many votes from Big Albert.

Can Anyone Block Albert Haynesworth? Answer: It's possible, but Superman couldn't block him for very long.

ESPN's Keith Kidd ranks Crazy Legs at the 4th best rookie so far. How awesome is it that said ranking seems insultingly low? Pretty awesome.

Calling Finnegan the anti-Pacman is true in so many ways, especially in that Cortland is actually a good DB and not a glorified return man. Also, there's the decent human being thing...

Most unfortunate double entendre of the week comes from Dr. Z:

I don't think the Titans can put together the kind of quick-strike offense a team needs to contain the Baltimore defense once it gets aroused.

eww gross.

Ranking the AFC South at 4th right now is probably legit considering the Colts (surprising most) and Texans (not so much) are off to very disappointing starts. Maybe Beans was right...

In a sign that's never good for an NFL player, Vince Young has dropped from an 88 to an 83 in the latest roster update for Madden 09.

A view of the Titans from the outside... they're dead-on about our O-line being "almost impenetrable" over the first 4 games. The big hogs have only allowed 2 sacks and are a big reason Crazy Legs is the toast of the league.

The National Football Post, a very good upstart NFL coverage website, pegs the Titans defense and Crazy Legs for their All-First Quarter Team.

In need of a good laugh? Check out Kissing Suzy Kolber's brutal-yet-deserved torching of Mary Hoge.

There's a whole lot of internet out there, so if you have a great link you'd like to submit for tomorrow's Morning Links email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com!

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: H-Words and F-Words Edition

August West — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:14:51 -0000

Keith Bulluck misses Brian Billick in the way some folks miss the Soviet Union: both were an enemy that was easy to hate. Only Bulluck, Kearse and Hentrich are left from the 2000 team that suffered that devastating loss to the Ravens in the playoffs, but that fire still burns for Keith:

Bulluck was asked if Fisher used the word hate.

"No, he didn't," Bulluck said. "He didn't say anything like that, someone else said something."

"Remember who?," Tom Weir of USA Today asked.

"It was me," he said to huge laughs, which he joined. "You had to be there to hear what I said."

Was the H-word in there, I asked?

"There was an F-word in there," he said.

That's awesome.

As Big W noted in the sidebar, Vince Young returned to practice yesterday without a bulky knee brace or a prayer at starting for the next few weeks.

Paul Kuharsky reports that VY is and will remain a captain for the Titans... I have to admit I'd be real interested to see if he kept that C were the players to vote again. Also, Kerry isn't very interested in being a back-up next year:

"After sitting for two years and not being a starter, I know I can still do this at high level. It is going to have to be a starting job or I'm going to have to make a decision,'' Collins said. "I feel like I'm a starter. It is going to be hard for me to go back to being a backup.''

Crazy Legs sits at 2nd in the AFC in rushing yards, and he now sits atop ProFootball Weekly's Rookie Meter with a big does of crow eating by their staff.

Colts G.M. Bill Polian talks about the Titans, during which he makes a darn good point about how pitiful the preparation level is for guys on almost every Sunday morning pre-game show.

Quentin Groves knows what's up: you want to be a star DE in this league, you watch how Boom King takes care of business.

Bulluck talks to Gary Estwick about the often forgotten cultural significance of Ernie Davis, who went to Syracuse 30 plus years before him. I don't know if I'll make it to the theater to see The Express, but it's a definite must-rent for any football fan.

Big hat tip to Pinoy Titan for passing along this David Fleming gem of a column about our bone-crushing defense. Fleming caught this great scene during the Vikings game:

I don't want to say the Titans' defense dominated so much that the game got boring or anything. But in the third quarter, when a guy in a red Jevon Kearse jersey passed out in the stands behind the Titans' bench, his buddies entertained the crowd by stacking five empty plastic beer cups on top of the poor dude's slumped-over melon.

There's a whole lot of internet out there, so if you have a great link you'd like to submit for tomorrow's Morning Links email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com!

Travis Henry Charged With Trafficking Cocaine

August West — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:57:55 -0000

Maybe it's a misunderstanding, or maybe it's a bid to one up fellow Volunteer Jamal Lewis, but Travis Henry got busted moving some heavy weight nose candy:

Former Denver Bronco running back Travis Henry has been arrested for trafficking multiple kilograms of cocaine, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration announced today.

Henry and another man, James Mack, were arrested Tuesday after "as a result of a multi-kilogram cocaine transaction" in Centennial, Jeffrey D. Sweetin, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA's Rocky Mountain Division, said in a statement.

The two men are being held pending the filing of federal drug charges in U.S. District Court later today in Denver.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Heroes, Goats And Somebody Named Mindy McCready Edition

August West — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:27:07 -0000

The Tennessean breaks down 5 things the Titans must do to beat the Ravens and remain undefeated. Oddly enough, score more points than the opponent by the end of the game is not one of them.

Now here's a true Titan: Vincent Fuller spent many tough years behind enemy lines so that he could be drafted by us and give recon about how Baltimore goes about their business. You see, to defeat your enemy, you must first understand them... yeah... that's the ticket:

"It's Baltimore,'' Titans safety Vincent Fuller said. "I remember being a kid in Baltimore watching the Titans-Ravens games and seeing how much animosity seemed to be on the field. Coach Fisher has already reminded us of that, what it's going to be like.''

What's your favorite/worst memory from the Titans-Ravens rivalry? Terry McCormick has the highlights either jog your memory or pull the scab off that wound.

The staff of the AFC South Blog Paul Kuharsky revamps a new weekly segment called "Unsung Hero and goat". This week's unsung heroes are Cortland Finnegan and Nick Harper, while the first goat is rookie TE Craig Stevens for not staying in bounds in the end zone on that simple catch.

The Freak won't have to face the Fuzz until January 6th... guess the judge doesn't like our playoff chances.

Mike Florio takes needless rumor mongering to a new low with assists from Albert Haynesworth, Mindy McCready and TMZ.

The excellent Teresa M. Walker from the Associated Press gives the Titans daps for keeping a veteran back-up rather than a project QB, and throws in an angle the rest of the word has missed:

[on reacting after Kerry took over] And the rest of the Titans? Call it the Pacman effect. They became experts at focusing on football and ignoring soap opera while playing with cornerback Adam Jones before his trade to Dallas in April. So having help from SWAT officers and crisis negotiators to check on the quarterback's emotional well-being is nothing.

An Indianapolis media outlet shows the Titans some love... nothing mind blowing here, just nice to see others 'kiss the ring'.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Sorry To Type So Loudly Edition

August West — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:34:05 -0000

Tell me this doesn't make you feel better:

According to Elias Sports Bureau, which tracks statistics for the NFL, 53 teams since 1990 have started a season 4-0, and of those, 45 have gone on to make the postseason, a rate of 84.9 percent.

Also in that story, Fisher is unsre if Tulluch or Fowler will start Sunday... so I guess he wasn't bluffing when he said who will start is almost entirely based upon that weeks match-up.

The Tennessean comes through with a breakdown of the recent history of the Titans' blood-feud with the Ravens. I'll never forget Eddie George's last great game as a Titan against the Ravens in the 2003 playoffs: George helped Titans fans everywhere exercise some demons by drilling Ray Lewis, despite a nasty shoulder injury, then getting in his face on the way to a victory.

For the last time: KYLE VANDEN BOSCH (Boom King) HIT FREROTTE A LITTLE LATE, BUT IT WASN'T 'DIRTY' BY ANY STRETCH. VIKINGS FAN, BOOM KING DIDN'T HIT YOU IN THE CROTCH SO PLEASE STOP WHINING THAT A GROWN MAN GOT HIT WHILE PLAYING FOOTBALL.

Now take your biddy and start making some noise about the fact that your talented team is very poorly coached.

The Titans saved over $11 million by going with Gage and McCareins over Wade and Berrian. Now if only that $11 million could go towards Bolden or Roy Williams...

Peter King is now all hugs and kisses for our Titans, but not so much for Vince... this doesn't sound good:

Ten Things I Think I Think:

2. I think I'm hearing that Vince Young is rebuffing Kerry Collins' attempts to be a mentor. What a waste. Collins has seen too much, and he's a selfless person at this stage of his career. Whoever's advising Young should tell him Collins would be a smart addition to his inner circle.

Jeff Fisher does a terrible job trying to make VY's habit of chilling away from the team and coaches during practices and the game Sunday seem inconsequential, IMO.

VY should return to practice this week, and Fisher says his progression will determine if he's the no. 2 or no. 3 QB on Sunday.

Michael Silver of Yahoo! bumps the Titans up to no. 2 in his inquisitive power rankings, with talk we're sure to hear for the next 6 months:

2. Tennessee Titans: For which team will brainy defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz be a head coach in 2009?

Tomorrow is October 1st, and the Titans and Vanderbilt and TSU are a combined 11-1. This is easily the best time in the history of football to be a fan of Nashville's football teams!

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Does Gus Want The Biddy? Come Get The Biddy Edition

August West — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:14:33 -0000

4-0! 4-0! 4-0! 4-0! 4-0! 4-0! 4-0! 4-0! 4-0! 4-0! 4-0! 4-0! We're 4-0!

Congratulations are in order for Jeff Fisher, who is now tied with 49ers and Panthers coach George Seifert for career wins with 124. The big difference between the two is that Fisher didn't inherit a 14 win team and sleep walk to the Super Bowl.

Paul Kuharsky reports that Chris 'Crazy Legs' Johnson continues to impress to the point Titans officials are trying to reign in the love-fest... good luck with that. PK also notes that Vince wasn't exactly attentive and involved on the sidelines for most of the game.

Give some love to the Titans D for bottling up the best RB in the league... any team in the NFL would take holding Peterson to 18 rushes for 80 yards with glee.

Gus Frerotte says Boom King's hit was dirty. Somebody get him a biddy, please.

We're also going to need a biddy for Mike Florio and some Vikings fans.

The unstoppable Big Albert Haynesworth got 2 sacks Sunday to give him 5 sack in 4 games. However, even he was hilariously not too impressed with his last one:

"He was kind of just running around not really knowing much," Haynesworth said. "It was just kind of a free sack that he gave me. I thanked him while I was on him, because that was just kind of a gift. That’s probably one of the longest sacks, and he just gave it to me, but, hey, I’ll take it."

Was Vince Young holding us back? It becomes harder and harder to say no each week.

Looks like former Titans GM Floyd Reese actually wants the Lions job. It'd be interesting to see them hire someone who has at least built a winner before.

I'm a little late in relaying it to you guys, but my man Pinoy Titan sent along a great read on super-beastly CB Cortland Finnegan from nfl.com.

If you have anything you'd like to pass along for the next day's links, email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: One Man's Promotion Is Another Man's Demotion Edition

August West — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:16:08 -0000

The Tennessean points out the preponderance of starting QBs right now who are well into their 30's: Kerry Collins, Gus Frerotte, Brett Favre, Trent Green, Kurt Warner, Jon Kitna and Damon Huard are all 35 or older. Of course, the Jets are probably the only team that's ecstatic to be in this situation.

Ryan fowler was blind-sided by his demotion in favor of Stephen Tulloch, and Fowler believes the move is permanent. Jim Wyatt says Fowler handled the demotion with great class and aplomb, despite being obviously disappointed.

Yahoo! Sports wins my award this week for best MSM game preview of Sunday's match-up.

Gary Estwick gives us ammo to expect a payback by the Titans this Sunday:

Minnesota has won the last four games against Houston/Tennessee, outscoring its AFC foe 111-60.

The Titans offensive line has played very well so far this year, and they'll need to keep it up this weekend against a ferocious Vikings defensive line. This SUnday is going to be the best test against a 4-3 defense we see all season, IMO... time for Roos, Stewart and Scott to earn those big contracts they got in the off-season.

Terry McCormick reports that VY has been throwing with a knee brace on, but Fisher has been dodging giving a time-line for the QB's return.

Scout.com offers up a free report on how rookie running backs are faring and list Crazy Legs as the 2nd most productive RB so far (behind Matt Forte who doesn't split time and doesn't compete with a passing game):

2. Chris Johnson: Like Forte, he's quickly gotten involved in both the running and passing game. And he's also brought a quiet maturity to a team that has been unsteady at the running back position. A powerful and fast runner, Johnson has been asked to carry the ball at least 15 times in each of his three games, and he has posted no less than 74 yards per game. That's a nice start for a rookie who is sharing reps.

ESPN scribe Elizabeth Merrill talked to several members of VY's inner-circle and people important to his past, such former Titans GM Floyd Reese and VY's long-time spiritual adviser, to get a read on what they think VY is going thorough. The results aren't mind blowing, but definitely worth a read.

Matt Williamson from ESPN Scouts Inc. breaks-down what VY has to improve on the field... sounds a lot like what 'Dinger talked about improving all off-season.

If you have anything you'd like to pass along for the next day's links, email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: The Zombies Are Getting Smarter Edition

August West — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:44:31 -0000

Everybody is justifiably focused on Adrian Peterson coming in to town, but something tells me the Titans aren't overlooking studly MLB E.J. Henderson or this celebrated defensive line.

In the good news department, Justin Gage returned to practice. Nick Harper didn't, but perhaps that means more run for the impressive (so far) youngster Eric King.

Titans back-up QB Chris Simms (that still hasn't sunk in... maybe because they didn't show him at all on TV Sunday) reached out to Packers CB Al Harris, who recently ruptured his spleen. First question: what the heck is a spleen?

First sign the Zombies have infiltrated the biological sciences, or a valuable study aimed at protecting future football players: former Titan great Frank Wycheck may agree to donate his brain to science after his death. Either the scientists will study the effects of multiple concussions and lots of hits, or the zombies will eat it when their blood lust becomes unbearable. (Contrary to what was reported by the New York Times, Wycheck has not made a final decision yet.)

Vince Young is close to being healthy enough to practice, and Jeff Fisher says he'll be our no. 2 on the depth chart once he's there... cross your fingers and hope this works out.

I may be a little late with the link, but the USA Today comes through with a good profile on Chris Crazy Legs Johnson, with one note that may make some of you tithe a little more:

• On his speed: "It is God-given, really. There are things people can do to make them a little faster, but no one can be that fast unless it's God-given."

Amen.

Titans Tackle Michael Roos and linbacker David Throton talk about getting a kick out of watching Kerry Collins run and cracking on him for his gray beard. Expect a letter from the AARP soon, boys.

How do you know your team is starting to turn heads? They get profiled by Canadian media.

If you have anything you'd like to pass along for the next day's links, email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com