SB Nation User Blog: August West

It's all right. We make money here, so I can pay it.

August West — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:10:03 -0000

It's all right. We make money here, so I can pay it.

Albert Haynesworth of the Washington ~~Money Pits~~ Redskins after hearing he'd been fined for his action in last Sunday's sideline brawl.

Terrell Owens misses practice with a hip strain; status for Sunday uncertain.

August West — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:46:08 -0000

Terrell Owens misses practice with a hip strain; status for Sunday uncertain.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Thank You To Our Real Veterans Edition

August West — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:09:06 -0000

Gotta love KSK

What better way to start off the Veteran's Day links than with a story about the Titans' own veteran of military service, Ahmard Hall. Hall served in the Marines in Kosovo and Afghanistan before walking on to the Texas Longhorns team upon his return. We can't thank Ahmard Hall and every other veteran for the US Military enough for their bravery and sacrifice for this nation, so perhaps the best we can do is never forget that they're the backbone of everything good in our lives. Without our veterans we wouldn't have the freedoms we enjoy today.

Jim Trotter of SI.com makes his prediction for the second half of the season, and he's predicting a continued marriage between Vince Young and the Titans after the season ends:

3. Vince Young will be the Titans' QB beyond this season.

... Young looks as if he has been humbled and hardened after being relegated to the sidelines the final 15 games last season and the first six games this year. He always has had a way of rallying teammates, and he'll do it again by leading the Titans to four to six wins in their final eight games (which means six to eight wins in his 10 starts).

If you missed the debacle excitement last night , head on over here to check-out a preview of the upcoming game by Jimmy, Buffalo Rumblings and myself.

Follow us through the jump to learn more about the history of Kearse's knee problem...

In a sign that doesn't look too good for the injured David Thornton, the Titans added LB Eric Bakhtiari to the practice squad yesterday. It's not an outright admission that Thornton's hip problems are serious, but it shows they feel the need to increase depth behind him now that McRath is an interim starter.

One of the chief concerns VY needs to focus on heading into this game is rookie stand-out safety Jarius Byrd, who enters the Thunderdome with 7 interceptions already to his name, including a three game multiple-interception streak. Here, USA Today takes a closer look at his game.

Jevon Kearse's knee problems date back to his days in Philadelphia, and when he re-injured it earlier in the year doctors found that it had never fully healed correctly. He's hoping to be back in practice as the team prepares for the Buffalo game this week.

Mechelle McNair won a court decision yesterday giving her the right to sell Steve McNair's recently opened restaurant, Gridiron9. A buyer has already come forward.

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?!!!!?!?!

Forget FedEx: Chris Johnson wins KSK's Meast of the Week Award

August West — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:24:27 -0000

Forget FedEx: Chris Johnson wins KSK's Meast of the Week Award

I kid... go vote for CJ for the FedEx Ground and Air Award now!

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

August West — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:10:40 -0000

More photos » by Marcio Sanchez - AP

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

Browse more photos »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every time you read a great Titans-related story on the web and don't share it with the MCM community through the fanposts, fanshots or by emailing me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com a Ravens (or Steelers) fan smiles. Is that what you want?!!!!?!?!

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

August West — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:37:21 -0000

More photos » by Ben Margot - AP

CJ! Slow down so I can congratulate you!

Browse more photos »

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

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

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

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

Coach of the Week

Mike Heimerdinger, offensive coordinator, Tennessee.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: It's Just The Tale Of A Heart Attack Edition

August West — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:33:19 -0000

More photos » by Wade Payne - AP

Jeff Fisher has a lot to do to earn that smirk...

Browse more photos »

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.

Vince Young was the only QB to get a vote for dirtiest player in the NFL... what?

August West — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:57:30 -0000

Vince Young was the only QB to get a vote for dirtiest player in the NFL... what?

I have absolutely no idea why that happened... was the voter a USC defender or something? How does a QB even get labeled as dirty?

(note: This link is in the morning links and TNTitans had it in the fanshots, but I thought this one deserved to be called out on its own)

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: CJ's Awesomeness Average Continues To Grow Edition

August West — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:39:57 -0000

More photos » by Wade Payne - AP

If CJ's going to get 2,000 yards he's going to need a lot of barf bags, never mind the cars for his O-line.

Browse more photos »

Sunday's match-up will feature a coaching duel steeped in Chicago Bears tradition as former teammates Jeff Fisher and Mike Singletary square-off. Here, Coach Fisher shares some of his thoughts about his former teammate and current opponent.

Sunday's game will also feature two highly drafted QBs who are attempting to prove to their respective teams that they have the chops to thrive in the league. Both Vince Young and Alex Smith have lost their jobs and taken a beating in the press at times, and have thrown the exact same number of TDs (23) and INTs (33).

It's been nearly 40 years since any week 8 rushing leader averaged better than Chris Johnson's 6.92 yards per carry, and that rattling you hear is the 49ers run defense after watching the film reel. However, the 49ers currently rank 2nd in the NFL at stopping the run (84.9 yards per game), and they handled studly running back Steven Jackson earlier in the year.

Our recent history west of the Rockies is a bit gory: after a string of 8 straight losses out there, we're sitting at 1-9 in the last 10 games.

Follow us through the jumps for a pile of better than usual links...

Chris Johnson's absurd production so far this season continues to turn heads.

Chris Davis is humbled by his DUI experience, and wants nothing more than to make the most out of this second chance he's been given.

Kevin Mawae talks about being voted as one of the league's dirtiest players (the complete list included Cortland Finnegan as well), and notes that he can't remember the last personal foul he got... which seems odd for a notoriously dirty player.

The Sporting News went deep to come-up with a the All-Time greatest defense of Titans/Oilers players. make sure you take some time to read this primer of the Oilers days as only punter Craig Hentrich makes the list from the Titans era.

PFW's latest edition of Audibles has an interesting note about our upcoming opponent, who are mired in a 3 game losing streak:

• "Mike Singletary's bravado will only carry the 49ers so far. At some point, you have to be able to coach and teach and get past all the bravado. You can't turn chicken (feathers) into chicken salad with a bunch of fist pumps. At some point, it becomes negative because everyone has heard it enough. He called a timeout in the first half just to rally the guys (vs. Atlanta in Week Five) — to get them all around him and give an 'Iron Mike' speech — and it wound up costing them seven points. The ball was not fumbled on the kickoff (before the first half ended), but they did not have a timeout to challenge the call. It's another pants-down thing. You have to be better than that in the NFL."

A tip of the hat to gramsey for pointing it out, and a much heartier congratulations to Steve McNair Jr., who has chosen to matriculate down the football field at Southern Miss. Interestingly enough, Steve's father usually hosted his summer QB clinics on the campus of Southern Miss, so the campus locale is pretty familiar to the young WR recruit.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Dirtiest Links In The League Edition

August West — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:10:08 -0000

More photos » by Wade Payne - AP

Vince continues to say and do all the right things, not the least of which is win.

Browse more photos »

Former Titan Albert Haynesworth and current Titan Kevin Mawae were voted among the dirtiest players in the league by their peers according to an anonymous survey. Mawae's name has been on that list going way back to his career with the Jets, but you have to know you're dirty if you get voted there while you're the President of the NFLPA. Albert, on the other hand, has a life-time pass onto the list after his stomping travesty.

David Climer looks at a possible fracture in the relationship between Bud Adams and Jeff Fisher over the QB position, and wonders if it might be the final straw between the owner and coach:

For years, Jeff Fisher has nurtured his relationship with Bud Adams.

It paid off with uncommon job security and unchallenged authority on everything from hiring and firing assistant coaches to having the final word on personnel decisions.

But the events of the past two weeks have created a disconnect between the owner and the coach...

Publicly, Fisher says the decision to bench Collins and start Young was made "collectively." Don't buy it. The owner had the only vote that really mattered.

Vince Young surprised the players and coaches of the Brentwood Blaze, a near by pee-wee football team, as they practiced yestreday. Vince gave the youngsters a pep talk and told them about his younger playing days. These are the kinds of things I've been saying Vince should be doing for the past year to get the community back on his side, and it's nice to see him get some credit for it. Being a quarterback in the NFL requires a lot more work than happens in the locker room or on the field.

Follow us through the jump to find-out which announcer apologized for comments aimed at a Titan...

Nice to see Gus Johnson apologize for his classless, but not outright terrible, 'running from the cops' comment... Mark Howard and Frank Wycheck were screaming that the joke was political correctness run amok on the radio this morning, but they also thought the comment was hilarious. I mean, nobody was calling for Johnson's job or a suspension, but a 2-second apology was definitely in order.

In other player service and charity news, Keith Bulluck and his charity teamed up with Soles4Souls to provide local kids with much-needed athletic shoes. Check the link to see some pictures of the event.

Make sure you check-out numbertenox's fanpost for some interesting views on the running game, featuring quotes by my boy Chuck Klosterman and Gregg Easterbrook links.

The Titans' improvement on the field was mirrored in their DVOA ratings for this week, and our boys have started a hopefully consistent campaign to get out of the gutter in all 3 categories.

PFW takes a look at Vince's performance and the coaching/ownership issues surrounding the team these days.

As was reported yesterday, former 4th round pick by the Titans Chris Davis was re-signed to compete with Alvin Pearman in the return game. It'll be interesting to see if the Titans re-sign Cary Williams to the practice squad as they did after cutting him back on September 23rd.

Mike Florio: still an all-around douchecanoe.

If you see anything good or Titans related on your travels around the internets, be sure to send it to mcmaugustwest@gmail.com!