I fell in love with The Titans back in '99 when they became the Titans. I'm from Southern California, and at the time, I never been to Texas or Tennessee, so I had no attachments to the team. I was a 49ers fan for awhile but all of a sudden I fell in love with the spirit of the Titans. The leadership of Air McNair (RIP) is what really got me, and as I watched over the years guys like Eddie George, Frank Wycheck, Bulluck, KVB, even Jeff Fisher got me to love them even more. The defense was stellar, you can always expect 100% effort and there was always something to look forward to each game. Offense was a thing of beauty with that smash ground attack and mcnAIR attack. I fell in love with the TEAM, PLAY-STYLE, CHARACTER, SOUL OF THE TEAM..not Bud Adams, not the logo, or team name, those dont matter to me (but Tenn. Titans is a terrific name nonetheless, just not a reason to love a team).

Well fast forward till now and what's left? Where are the leaders of this team? Where are the guys with personality? (except for you Verner, you're awesome). Where are the reasons to love this team?

Where is the spirit? The love of the game? The tough warrior mentality they once had? Is it just me who's not seeing it?

Offense:

I love CJ a lot, but it seems like everything is about himself..I dont see an ounce of Eddie George in him. We have no QB now so you can't compare McNair to anything and we havent had anyone even remotely close to him anyways. Frank Wycheck always seemed to be a leader IMO, but I haven't seen that in any of our TEs in recent memory..maybe Crumpler was but I dont remember anything significant. Scaife no way. Jared Cook isn't that guy (yet?). Receivers forget about it. Kenny plays with a lot of heart and has the potential to be amazing in the next few years but he's not a leader yet (A leader wouldn't go against his coach and wear a towel in support of an immature QB '#10' to add fuel to a dividing locker room, why would you do that?)  The team should come first, not your personal alliance with a teammate.

Defense:

I don't see one leader. Verner has all the qualities to be more vocal as he progresses, but he's still young. Finnegan should be, hes been with the team for awhile, seen people come and go, but seems like he's in his own world creating grudges with opponents. Hope is lost out there, Griffin shows flashes but rarely see him get in anyones ear. I don't see much directing and correcting on the defensive side..not like it was with KVB and Bulluck out there.

So my main question is...What is there to love anymore?

I feel like the only reason I still root for this team is cause I have been rooting for them for so long and I feel guilty if I stop. Kinda like having a once-sweet girlfriend with lots of memories n history that's been going through stupid drama all of a sudden and you just don't have the patience for her anymore but at the same time you feel so bad to leave her so you just keep her around. Are most of you loyal fans also local fans? Its hard for me to root for this team right now (not because they are doing poorly), but because I don't connect with anyone's personality, I dont see one inspirational being or any swagger or anything.

(Side-note: I've had a severe flu for about a week now so if certain things dont make sense forgive me, thanks).

Ive been speechless since the end of the game..I need to vent before I rampage this Starbucks I'm in.

HOW IN GOD'S NAME DID WE LOSE THIS GAME?? HOW???

No, it wasn't Vince Young's playing. No, it wasnt Mariani's fumble. No, it wasn't Britt's drops. No, it wasn't the Pass Interference Call. No, it wasn't the defense. No, it wasn't Chris Johnsons poor performance. No, it wasn't the offensive line.

All I can think of is the play calling on offense. What the hell was that????? How many times do I have to watch a 3rd and 11 RUN??? 4 minutes and change with a 4 point lead and somehow we give them back the ball!?!?!? HOW???

WHY CANT FISHER/DINGER/WHOEVER HAVE THAT KILLER INSTINCT MENTALITY WE DESPERATELY NEED???

This was a VERY winnable game AT HOME...I am so frusturated :( smh

The Lakers have been in the Finals the past 3 seasons. They are back to back champions, primed to 3-peat.

The Celtics were in the Finals 2 out of 3 seasons with 1 championship. Getting old, but still there.

Orlando is still a solid team worthy of making the Finals like in 2009.

The Miami Heat became juggernauts overnight. Anything less than the Finals will be a disappointment to them.

Then there's always the competitive 'run for your money' teams like the Mavs, Nuggets, Bulls, Spurs, Blazers, Hawks, Thunder...better luck next year guys (or perhaps in 5 years).

...With all that said, I've come to the conclusion that through this 3 year competition of trying to build the ultimate 'Superteam', these NBA executives intentionally/unintentionally just created a monster never before seen in NBA History. We are about to witness the single greatest team of all time.

The 2010-2011 Los Angeles Lakers.

* = Unsigned

(Stole this chart from you Dex, hope you dont mind.)

Lets look at the situation:

3-Peats are really extraordinary. They are so difficult to accomplish considering you have to win 2 championships in a row to get to that point and then be HIGHLY motivated to get that 3rd..and yet, here we are, back to back champions..going for a 3rd straight.

Kobe Bryant is on fire. He has 5 championships. 1 more to go to tie the 'G.O.A.T'. He knows it, he wants it. Still in his prime and armed with the deepest, most talented team he's ever played with (Thanks to Mitch). He is motivated to complete his 2nd 3-peat, tie Jordan, and still be only 33 yrs old, with 3-5 years left at the top of his game. We all know what happens when Black Mamba is motivated.

Phil Jackson will be coaching his final season in what has been a legendary career. Win or lose, This will be it for him. Phil knows it, Kobe knows it, you know that Kobe and Phil will make sure everyone on the team knows it, and doesn't forget it. Not even for a moment. 4 - 3peats in a single career? Are you kidding me? Phil wants this, or else he would've retired already. Kobe wants this for Phil, and wants his own 2nd 3-peat. Mitch wants this for Lakers History, and of-course for Phil.

There is no way the Lakers 3-peat with the same roster of last year, not with all the other teams gunning for them. So what does Mitch Kupchak do? He brings in the talent needed to GUARANTEE the Lakers 3-peat this year.

He gets Phil back, resigns Fisher, and brings in Blake, Barnes, Ratliff to upgrade the weak bench (which was still good enough to win the past 2 years). Can you say DEFENSE? Do you think he's trying to send some time of message to oh, I don't know...DEFEND the Championship at all costs?!?!

This is the best starting lineup and bench I've ever seen, on any of the previous championships from the most dominate franchise in the past decade.

Not only are the Lakers going to 3-peat (barring major injuries ofcourse), but they will beat the 72-10 regular season record and give Phil the ultimate retirement present, the 'cherry on top'...The Greatest Team ever.

I think he would be PERFECT coming off the bench for us.

Why hasnt there been talk about him? Is there any reason we shouldnt bring him back?

He knows the offense, knows Kobe n Fish..and plays hard anytime he steps on the court. I'd LOVE to see this happen.

Last Season's stats:

He'll come cheap, gives Kobe some rest and/or another threat if they're on the court at the same time.

Sign him to a 1-yr contract and see what happens.

If anyone can control his attitude and keep the locker room in check..its Phil Jackson.

He disappeared from stardom so quickly..I believe he had personal problems and he still has the skill to be productive in the NBA..just needs the right place.

Okay, I know we all have a soft spot for the Bull. We would love to see him back to form and QB'ing our defense once again, but the fact remains he is coming off a career threatening injury. So I ask:

Which of these two players would help our team more for the 2010-2011 season should they be signed/resigned?

Does it even matter? Are we not going to see either of them anyways?

Keith Bulluck: Date of birth: April 4, 1977 (age 33)

Our favorite Titan, the captain of our defense, and Pro-bowler, but coming off ACL Injury..

(Lions still interested?)

Adalius Thomas:  Date of birth: August 18, 1977 (age 32)

2x Pro-Bowler of two of our enemies, the Patriots and Ravens..but nonetheless, he is slightly younger, very talented LB, and most importantly not coming off a major injury.

(Jets 'not ruling out' signing him)

I would really like to see this happen (for the right price ofcourse).

I've done some searching and haven't found a single article or comment about Lendale going to the vikings, but I cant help to feel that would be a perfect situation for him and maybe for us.

Vikings have decent draft picks across the board:

Vikings lost Chester Taylor to the Bears, and need a backup/split carries guy.

Lendale doesnt want to play backup, but he does have to prove himself too, so a backup/split carries role behind Adrian Peterson could be perfect for him.

Favre may, may not, may, may not, may come back, so the QB situation along with the 'win now' strategy is temporary. Lendale is 1 year 1.8mil, so they dont have much to lose, besides a draft pick, or backup guy that can possibly be a starter for us, returner possibly? (Jaymar Johnson anyone?) I'm not familiar with their backups on defense, who's good and what not..just the main guys.

Anyways, just wanted to see what you guys thought. Like I said, this was just an idea, didn't really put much research into it.

Would there be ANY circumstance where ANY of you would want to see this happen?

I know he's a plague. I know he drops more balls than Justin Long (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iXP9yoc4VY).

Buttt..I think it would be kind of interesting/entertaining? Especially if we can get him cheap for 1 year? I mean he has a lot to prove if he wants one more decent contract and the Titans have a lot to prove coming off last season.

Vince, CJ, Britt, Owens, Gage, Washington..could be good? maybe?

It feels like I waited for football season to start for a LONG time..and it all just seemed so quick, more than usual.

Maybe it was the disappointing 0-6 start and the season 'really' starting in Week 8, but I dont know, I feel really ripped off. 2009 was not a good year for us Titans fans..shooting ourselves in the foot earlier in the year with that playoff loss, then this whole season dealing with the ups and downs (CJ + Vince + Britt only real ups).

Now the wait begins again. 8 more months. ugh.

I dont even care who wins the superbowl. I just don't want colts, ravens, jets, patriots, vikings, or cowgirls to win..If anything, it'd be cool to see LT and Gates finally win one. (I'm a Cali native).

Anyways, I guess I'm just venting.

Okay, so we didn't beat the Undefeated Colts @ Indy. Big Deal.

We should have won, yes. We could have won without those bad play calls and mistakes, yes..but, it is very difficult to go undefeated/win 10 straight games. The real killer here was the KC era. Had we won 1 or 2 games outta the first 6, we'd be looking at a 6-6 or 7-5 record and the playoff spot would be ours to lose.

Think about it..We started the season 0-6. And now we are 5-7. That is incredible. If we finish 8-8 or 9-7, that is a HUGE accomplishment for this Titans team, and us as fans.

I, for one, am proud this team has turned it around and got us discussing Playoff scenarios, whether we make it or not. I am still excited to see CJ make up for his pitiful 113 rushing yard game (lol) and run for 175 on St. Louis to get back on track at chasing the record.

Lets Go Titans!! Get back on the horse and rack up those Wins!! Get us to 9-7!!..

..And let the chips fall where they may.

I am down by 41.32 in my Fantasy Football league. Score is 55.30 - 96.62

I got Vince, CJ, and Nate.

Rushing and Reception TDs are 6pts. Passing TDs are 4 pts.

Rushing and Reception Yds are 10yds = 1 pt. Passing Yds are 25 yds = 1 pt.

In order to get these points I calculated (roughly) that:

Vince would need: 250 yds 1 TD = 14 pts.

Nate would need: 60 total yds 1 TD = 12 pts.

and CJ would need: 100 total yds 1 TD = 16 pts.

All of that would = 42 pts.

Then there's any mix of situations such as VY Rushing for x amount of yards and getting a rushing TD, Nate having a bigger game, CJ bigger game, etc.

In the end, I would need approximately: 200 yds passing, 150 total yds from CJ/Nate, 3 total Rush/Rec TDs (or 2 Rushing/Rec TDs and 2 Passing TDs).

Incase you're curious, this is my full team:

QBs: Vince, Orton, Leinart

RBs: CJ, Steven Jackson, Turner, Kevin Smith, Chester Taylor

(All acquired via trades over the course of the season, I initially drafted Forte, Moreno to be main backs with Bradshaw and Mendenhall)

WRs: Roddy, Nate, Chaz Schillens, Earl Bennett (I know, weak WRs besides Roddy(usually)..built team around RBs)

TE: Witten

K: Connor Barth (lol)

Def: Cincy

It's a 14 team league and I'm currently in 6th place at 6-4, 8 teams make playoffs, so it's a pretty crucial game vs. my opponent who is 5-5 and more pts than me overall.

Anyways, what do you think? Are our Titans going to come through for me???

My heart is with the Titans winning regardless of Offensive output, but it would be nice to kill 2 birds with 1 stone :)

Vince said he will 'one day win a Superbowl and get into the Hall of Fame.'

What if (and thats a big WHAT IF), he does..this season.

Could he have a 'foot in' the Hall of Fame?

Think about it for a second. 0-6 to start the season, they call his number and he runs the table, 10-0. He helps put us in the playoffs, and by some miracle we keep winning each game in the playoffs and eventually, the Superbowl.

Wouldn't that be one of the greatest stories told in NFL History?

Obviously he would need to continue his career for years and hit many marks to really be considered. But if he somehow helps pull it off this year, don't you think he would have to be considered a very rare commodity to take a woeful team to the promise land? Wouldn't that ignite some talk about how great he is?

I know what your thinking, he played 1 good game against the bedazzlers, I'm getting way ahead of myself, and all that..but I don't think its THAT far fetched of an idea. We went 10-0 last year, we can do it again this year, and if the defense keeps playing like we thought they would at the beginning of the season, and the offensive players keep stepping up, then this is a Superbowl caliber team.

When Vince predicted his 'future' earlier this year, everyone kinda laughed at him..but is this his chance to really put a dent in history and prove everyone wrong? And if he does, wouldn't that be Hall of Fame worthy?

They lost hope, and that's different, cause hope CAN be restored. That Patriots game was a mess, and players seemed so depressed and hopeless. I believe the 1st game of the season was SO important for this team. If we won it, things would be a lot different right now, I am almost sure of it. We lost that game, then the second one blew it in the 2nd half, and third fumbled it away, REALLY lost the 4th (the game their hope was officially lost), and they knew they'd lose the 5th and 6th with the injuries and loss of faith in coaches and the system, so they got creamed.

Whatever the case may be, the reason the Titans are 0-6 is because of the players on the field. The reason they are losing games now by an enormous margin and everything is in disarray, is because of the coaches.

The coaches are not doing their jobs properly. They are not successfully motivating the players or taking risks with the plays on offense or defense to bring excitement to the players. Every player that gets a nice catch, interception, tackle, or sack, plays harder each down after that cause they become more focused to do it again..that feeling is like a drug.

We have not scored a touchdown in 2 games..Field Goals aren't going to cut it. Why not try a reverse, play action, flea flicker, or anything to catch the defense off guard. The offense is so predictable. I believe the Titans players are bored of it cause its not working. They see they are failing and they want change, but the coaches are not listening or just being stubborn.

It's a classic parent-child relationship. Players are requesting change (Lendale White calling for Vince Young, Chris Johnson asking to try Wildcat, both wanting to be on the field at the same time for some plays), but coaches are saying "Nope, we know whats best, just listen to us or you'll be benched or fined."

and guess what..parents THINK they are right, but that doesn't mean they are..and these Titans coaches have been wrong for 6 weeks.

The players are needing a change, something to spark them. Easiest thing is to get VY on the field, not to chalk up the W's, but to make some plays to get excited about, and MAYBE put us in position to win.

When you see a player make a crazy play, you want to be like that..that excitement spreads like wildfire. How many exciting plays can Collins make? CJ does it all the time, but it must start at the QB position..he's the guy that's going to spread the ball around to give the players that chance.

On Defense, that's another story..we are just hurting with injuries and play calling. I think for that, Titans have to just heal up and play better. But what would help the defense, is keeping them off the field to rest, so the offense really needs to pick it up and eat a lot of time off the clock..which is classic Titans Offense, anyways.

Even though the first 6 weeks was a complete bust, I find myself excited to see what kind of team comes out in Week 8.

I do have a question though..after we come out and win 10 games in a row, and lose in the playoffs again. Is Jeff Fisher done? Is a Miracle Superbowl run the only way he'll save his job?

Also, is the Manning jersey Fisher wore an Omen that he'll be with another team next season? It was eerie seeing him in the wrong shade of blue.

Scaife was out yesterday, so why didn't Jared Cook play?

Crumpler isn't bad, but with Cook's big play ability and matchup problems, why don't the Titans utilize him more? Is he not ready? Is he not healthy? I see him as a potential Marques Colston type of player, a game changer, and I was really hoping to see him integrated into the offense early..but I can't find much info about his current status.

Also..I know Fisher likes the conservative smash mouth football style, but why haven't we tried ANY wildcat/trick plays with VY at all? Isn't it obvious we should?

Put any mix of CJ, Lendale, Cook, Britt, Washington, Gage and Young on the field at the same time for a play here and there, keep the defenses on their toes and excite the offense. Open the playbook a little and add creativity to the playcalling. It works for Miami and I feel we have much better talent at those positions than they do.

Not to mention the outrageous speed advantage we would have as well.

Imagine CJ, Cook, Britt, Washington with Young at the helm..that'd be pretty scary for defenses if you ask me.

It's frusturating seeing all this talent on the team not being used to their full potential, while other teams make it work with lesser skill sets.

Just my 2¢...

I went to the game today and I couldn't believe the up and down of this offense, CJ makes a nice run, then we get nothing out of it, White makes a nice run, and we get nothing out of it. Then on 3rd down before we went for it on 4th down, Gage was pretty damn open streaking across the middle of the field, but KC didn't deliver the ball; then we go for it on 4th down and it was pretty much same play and he couldn't get him the ball. Then there was Mouton with those 2 fumbles (which is the real reason we lost this game). Special Teams is definitely something we need to upgrade right away, but QB is a big issue as well, and I say we need VY in now.

He's not our savior, but he is our 'potential' future.

A change must be made...KC was placed as QB last season and he was motivated and focused to lead this team. Now that he got his contract, he's lost that fire.

We're already paying VY, and he's supposedly our 'Future'. If we throw him out there and he tanks, we would know we need to draft a QB in the draft next year.

He's going to be motivated to win, and definitely more focused than KC. KC was a good starter last year, but right now..its simply not working.

We need to shake things up before we officially throw away the season. 0-3? Do we really need to be 1-5 or 0-6 to replace KC? Put him out there now, he'll be at leasttt as 'good' as KC.

I don't know how many more 'almost win' games I can take.

So it made it to OT as I sensed it would. Whoever won the coin toss was going to win the game. I knew it. While pacing back and forth in my living room, I called tails too, I always go tails. 'Tails never Fails' , usually...but last night was a heads up game.

I strongly disagreed with the play calling  with a little over 2 mins left on the clock. Why wouldn't you run as much of the clock out as you can from there and hope CJ rips one for 20 yards, giving us a chance to kick a field goal? (Why couldn't Bironas make 1 of those 2 field goals????) Why wouldn't you blitz on key downs? Why do they give Big Ben SO much time to pump fake and pick whoever he wants to throw to? Why do the titans fall for his pump fake EVERY time?! The Hines and Holmes catches were blown coverages because of that pump fake. Yes, they got the ball after the Hines catch, but then they let the clock run out from almost 1 minute left while we still had 3 TIMEOUTS remaining???? WHYYY Not use them and try and get down the field? You have the ball in your hand..no matter where you are on the field, you have a chance! Why let your fate rest on a coin? You might as well throw a hail mary pass to a reciever with single coverage and hope for the best! Whatever.

There is, however, a brighter side to this game:

Kenny Britt is something special, I like what he brings to our team.

Nate Washington barely played, so I am excited to see in the upcoming games, how this offense looks fully healthy with Washington, Cook, and Scaife.

Titans Defense was pretty sensational (Minus a few blown coverages). We may have missed Alberto a few plays here and there, but Jason Jones and our defensive line is fun to watch.

Kerry Collins was solid. He didnt try and force much, took a couple risks (which is a good thing). I dont blame him for the polamalu interception. You have to throw it deep and take a chance once in awhile to keep the defense honest, and sometimes an INT is the result. Bottom line is, that was a great play from a fantastic player, any other guy would've dropped the ball or allowed the TD, nothing you can do about it.

After the game was over, I felt almost the same as I felt after the Ravens game last year. Last year was more tragic, ofcourse, because it was a season ender. This game was the first of the season. A great test to start the year, and it was a beautiful, heartbreaking loss (If there is such a thing).

I am proud of the effort, and I am excited for this season. It is going to be very interesting to see how they prepare for games from here on out with using this game AND that baltimore game as motivation.

We have a great team, and this is only the beginning.

Anyone know whats going on with him? Tried to find any info, but no luck. I would like to see him signed soon. Washington, Gage, Britt, Cook, Scaife, Crumpler, M.Jones just looks so good mixed in with 'Every Coach's Dream' and 'Thin White now give me Green'..not that it wouldn't look good without Jones, but hes a big target and we're going to need as many weapons as possible to finally get over the 'One and Done' hump.

On another note..how many of you are STILL hurt from last years meltdown? That Baltimore game sticks out in my mind and stabs my heart every time I think Titans+Playoffs. This has to be our year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!