The contract waters for RB Chris Johnson and the Tennessee Titans keeps getting more and more muddled as the days go by.  First CJ lost a year toward free agency and then franchise players like Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona and Joe Thomas in Cleveland got huge extensions.  So I began thinking what I would do if I were called upon to be an arbitrator in this matter.  The Titans think they have leverage in that CJ still has two years left on his current contract and since he didn't report to camp by the mandated time, he has lost a year of accrual toward free agency - meaning he wouldn't become an unrestricted free agent after those two years.  CJ thinks he has leverage in that he is one of the most explosive playmakers in the NFL and he is vastly underpaid.

 

So CJ thinks he needs to be paid like he is on the open market, but he is not - his rights belong to the Tennessee Titans for 2+ years.  The Titans on the other hand feel like they should get a discounted rate for doing the contract 2+ years early.  So the important thing for now is to get CJ in to camp.  I have three contract offers that will get CJ in to camp, pay him more money, give him some up front money now, and allow him to hit the open market in two years.  My opinion is that neither side is going to soften their stance and one of these contracts may be the only option for both parties this year.

 

Contract offer #1

2 year contract worth 6 million dollars - 4 million signing bonus and 1 million in 2011 and 1 million in 2012

CJ agrees to report to camp next year and the Titans agree to not put the franchise tag on him or seek the third year of free agency.  This gets CJ to camp and allows him to hit the open market in 2 years.  It also allows the Titans two years to try to get a deal done with CJ.

 

Contract offer #2

2 year contract worth 10 million dollars - 8 million signing bonus and 1 million in 2011 and 1 million in 2012

CJ agrees to report to camp next year and the Titans do not seek the third year of free agency but are given Right of First Refusal on any contract CJ gets offered in free agency after 2012.  This means when CJ agrees to a deal with another team, the Titans have the option of matching it and keeping CJ.  This gives CJ quite a bit of money now and also allows him to seek his "playmaker deal" after 2012.  The Titans ultimately will have the option of keeping CJ when all is said and done.

 

Contract offer #3

2 year contract worth 14 million dollars - 12 million signing bonus and 1 million in 2011 and 1 million in 2012

CJ agrees to report to camp next year and the Titans do not seek the third year of free agency.  The Titans can, however, slap the franchise tag on CJ and start this whole circus ride over again in two years.  This gives CJ a lot of money right now and allows CJ and the Titans two years to get a real deal done. 

 

What do you think?

2011 Titans Mock Draft

 

 

1.      Nick Fairley – DT – Auburn – potential dominant guy inside the Titans have been missing

 

2.      Andy Dalton – QB – Texas Christian – good talent and great intangibles

 

3.      Ross Homan – OLB – Ohio State – physical linebacker who can actually cover

 

4.      Vincent Brown – WR – San Diego State – runs great routes and has great hands

 

5.      Pierre Allen – DE – Nebraska – big, competitive, and has a great motor

 

6.      Brandon Hogan – CB – West Virginia – versatile and very athletic

7.   Justin Boren – G – Ohio State – big, competitive, and versatile

The following are my choices for the next Titans Offensive Coordinator

 

1. Brad Childress - fired as Vikings Head Coach - Childress brings a lot to the table.  He worked as QB coach and OC for the Eagles under Andy Reid, and was instrumental in the development of QB Donovan McNabb.  He then served as Head Coach of the Vikings where until last year, their offense was always really good.  Childress would also bring some head coaching experience in and can give Munchak guidance/suggestions as Munch sees fit.
2. Tom Clements - current Green Bay QB Coach - What can you say?  His team just won the Super Bowl.  But I dug deeper and found out that Clements is a lawyer and actually practiced law for 5 years.  He was also a QB coach at Notre Dame under Lou Holtz.  He has been the QB coach for Green Bay since 2006 and has been instrumental in the development of QB Aaron Rodgers.
3. James Urban - current Eagles QB Coach - Urban has spent his whole coaching career under Andy Reid in Philadelphia.  He has been the QB coach since 2009.  He has been instrumental in the development of QB Kevin Kolb and the turnaround of QB Mike Vick.  He is known as a teacher, which would fit Munchak's philosophies.  He was recently promoted to Assistant Offensive Coordinator in Philadelphia.  He would be a great fit if the Titans are planning on seeking a trade for Kevin Kolb.
4. Matt Cavanaugh - current Jets QB Coach - Cavanaugh is very interesting because he has 3 Super Bowl rings.  One with the 49ers as a backup QB, one with the Giants as a backup QB, and one with the Ravens as the Offensive Coordinator.  He has been an OC for the Ravens and Bears.  As QB coach of the Jets, he has been very instrumental in the development of QB Mark Sanchez.
5. Jim Zorn - fired as Ravens QB Coach - Zorn is very interesting because of his head coaching experience with the Redskins.  He was clearly over his head there, but it is valuable experience nonetheless.  Zorn was a starting QB for the Seahawks in his playing days.  He made a name for himself as a long time QB coach for the Seahawks and was instrumental in the success of QB Matt Hasselbeck.  He served last year as Ravens QB coach and Joe Flacco had a career year.  There was some kind of rift between OC Cam Cameron and Zorn in Baltimore that led to his firing. Several offensive players have expressed their disdain that Zorn was let go.  What else is interesting about Zorn is that he could be hired as QB coach and paired with one of these other 4 candidates to make a great tandem.

The following are my choices for the next Titans Head Coach, in order and why:

 

 

1. Marty Mornhinweg - Offensive Cordinator Philadelphia Eagles - I like that this guy has head coaching experience.  He coached the Lions in 2002 and 2003.  He was unsuccessful, but it has been almost 10 years since that experience.  In that time, Mornhinweg has been a very successful offensive cordinator.  This guy is also very successful developing QBs, which could really help the Titans this offseason.  He has had success with 3 different QBs over the last 3 years.  His hiring could also help bring about a possible trade for current Eagles backup QB Kevin Kolb.
2. Gregg Williams - Defensive Cordinator New Orleans Saints - Like Mornhinweg, I like that Williams has head coaching experience.  He was the Bills head coach for 2003 and was only given one season.  He was 6-10.  Since leaving the Bills, Williams has been a very successful defensive cordiantor with a number of teams, including winning a Super Bowl with the Saints last year.  Williams is well known to the Titans.  He was the Defensive Cordinator for them in 1990 when the Titans went to the Super Bowl.  One advantage Williams has is that he is familiar with the holdover assistant coaches that the Titans have already signed.  He can keep the ones that are good and pluck the rest from staffs he's been on the past decade.
3. Brian Schottenheimer - Offensive Cordinator New York Jets - Schottemheimer has good bloodlines as his father, Marty Schottenheimer was a successful NFL head coach.  Schottemheimer has been a very successful offensive cordinator.  He has been with the Jets the past 5 seasons and has been a part of their playoff success the past 2 seasons.  He has also been instrumental in the developing of QB Mark Sanchez and also helped develop Phillip Rivers and Drew Brees.
4. Mike Mularkey - Offensive Cordinator Atlanta Falcons - Mularkey is a long time offensive cordiantor who has worked with the Steelers and Falcons, among other teams.  Like Williams, Mularkey has also been a head coach for the Buffalo Bills.  Mularkey ran the Bills for two years, so he would bring head coaching experience to the table.  Mularkey was also key to the development of current Falcons QB Matt Ryan. 
5. Perry Fewell - Defensive Cordinator New York Giants - Fewell was the defensive cordinator in Buffalo in 2009 when then head coach Dick Jauron was fired.  Fewell took over as the interim head coach and finished the season 3-4.  So Fewell has at least some head coaching experience.  Fewell had a very successful first season as the defensive cordinator of the Giants last year and is considered an assistant coach that is on the rise.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/01/01/a-hint-on-fishers-future-comes-from-an-unlikely-place/

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I totally think this whole Kenny Britt thing is being waaaaaay overblown.  The guy helped break up a fight in a bar.  That's it.  He wasn't even arrested.  If that happened to anybody else posting on this site (other than ATV that is), nobody would have ever heard of this.  Furthermore, if it had been someone other than Britt, say Craig Stevens or Javon Ringer or anybody who hasn't had previous issues this year, then it probably wouldn't have blown up the way it did either.  So for Britt to come out and play the way he did today is total karma.  Not to mention Karma is the name of the club that the incident happened.

Thanks go out to Phil Simms.  All we heard about last week in the national media concerning the Titans was that they are a dirty team.  I haven't heard a single thing like that this week and I believe it is all because of Phil Simms.  I first heard Simms on the Dan Patrick show last Thursday or Friday.  Dan asked him about the Titans being dirty and  Simms said he watched film of the Broncos game and did not think they were dirty and commented on Jeff Fisher being a defensive coach and complimenting Fisher and the Titans for the way they play the game.  Then I watched the game on Sunday and when the play by play guy brought it up, Simms had pretty much the same answer.  Simms even called Kyle Orton a big sissy in a round about way. 

For years the Titans have had a certain strategy when it comes to offense:  Lean on the defense, make just enough plays to win the game, and then run out the clock at the end.  This strategy does not work with Chris Johnson as the Titans tailback.  Chris Johnson is the most dynamic RB this franchise has ever had, unfortunately his one weak area is really hurting the team.  CJ picks up a ton of negative yardage plays.  The game against the Broncos is a perfect example:  CJ couldn't close out the game.  The Titans, under Jeff Fisher have always been good at closing out games.  But let's face it - Eddie George is not here anymore.  Heck, I know he has a lot of haters here, but Lendale White is not here anymore either.  For that reason, the Titans need to change thier offensive mindset.  I watched the Titans move the ball pretty much at will against the Broncos all game, and then the mindset became "lets close this game out" and the Titans failed to do so.  We desperately need to look to score a TD every single time we posses the football.  We need a two TD lead going into the last 5 minutes of every game, not a three point lead.  I'm convinced that our offensive cordinator and our offense could work very well with this mindset and with this defense - that could be a recipe for a spot in this year's Super Bowl.  I call it All Out Offense.

 

Stout defense + All Out Offense = Super Bowl

Here it is, my second annual Titan's draft predictions.  I actually picked Gerald McGrath right on the spot where the Titans took him last year.  (Check archives)

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I believe the Titans offseason is to blame for their 0-4 start.

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The Titans will be looking to move up in the draft to take a franchise QB.

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http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=10643962

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http://www.godlikeproductions.com/forum1/message831453/pg1


I received a call saying that Steve McNair had been murdered.  I immediately checked the internet and found the above link confirming this.  The site states that it has been on twitter about his murder.  Hope this isn't true but the call I got was from somebody who knows Steve and his family.

This is a sad day for the Tennessee Titans and all of Nashville

My thoughts and prayers go out to Steve's family and friends

The Lions should have come out of day one of this draft with the following players:

QB - Matthew Stafford

OT - Michael Oher

LB - James Laurinatus

 

This would have given the Lions a franchise QB, a bookend Left Tackle and a defensive leader.  TE is just a luxury the Lions could not afford and he will probably have to stay in and block anyway to help incumbent Left Tackle Jeff Backus.  I'm not as upset with Delmas over Laurinatus because he will be the leader of the defense, but I think the Lions will pay for years to come by not jumping on the franchise Left Tackle when they had a chance.

Here are my draft predictions for all 10 Titan's draft picks.  I did not take trades into consideration.

 

1.  Hakeem Nicks - WR - North Carolina - Nicks actually compares to Cardinals Anquan Boldin, he has above average size and great hands and should be a #1 receiver in the NFL.

2.  Ron Brace - DT - Boston College - Brace is the huge DT that the Titans are lacking since Albert Haynesworth left.  He is over 330 lbs and should only get better working with Defensive Line Coach Jim Washburn.

3.  DeAngelo Smith - CB - Cincinnati - Smith is tough, physical, and agressive and is just the type of CB the Titans like.  He should play in nickel and dime situations his rookie year and take over for Nick Harper in 2010.

4.  Gerald McRath - LB - Southern Miss - McRath has tons of potential and should be a beast on special teams.  He can play inside or outside and should be a future starter.

4.  Kyle Moore - DE - USC - Moore has good size and is athletic.  He should provide depth and will be a good run stuffing end in the d-line rotation.

5.  Gerald Cadogan - OT - Penn State - Cadogan has great footwork and is smart.  He needs work on his technique but the Titans have the best O-line coach in the game.  He should end up being the backup at both Takcle positions.

6.  Jamie Thomas - G - Maryland - Thomas is big and has great footwork.  He should provide depth for the interior of the offensive line.

6.  Anthony Scirrotto - S - Penn State - Scirrotto is smart and is tough against the run.  He should provide depth at Safety and should be a special teams ace.  He also has experience as a Punt Returner.

7.  Tripp Chandler - TE - Georgia - Chandler has good size and decent athleticism and will provide depth.

7.  Mike Wallace - WR/KR -  Mississippi -  Wallace has good speed and good footwork and should have a chance to be the new Titan's punt and kick returner.  He should also provide depth at receiver.

It appears that the effort for the Titans to re-sign Albert Haynesworth will fall short and he will sign with another team.  So here is a contingency plan for if that were to happen:

First re-sign QB Kerry Collins.

Next go after a top of the line CB like Ronald Bartell or Bryant McFadden.  This will cost 7-8 million a year but will take pressure off the draft, as we will not have to pick an eventual replacement for Nick Harper, and allow the Titans to move Harper to nickel packages and allow the Titans to let Vincent Fuller go if necessary.

Then sign a veteran free agent to a contract around 4-6 million per year.  Candidates are TJ Housmandzadah (if he will sign for that low), Marvin Harrison, Joey Galloway or Torry Holt if he is released.

I would bring in a couple of DTs at a value price (sorry, there are no DTs even half of what Albert is).  Two intriguing guys are Colin Cole, who has great size and is a run stuffer; and Ron Fields who was miscast in SanFran's 3-4 defense.  These are 2 guys that maybe Jim Washburn can work some magic on.

At the draft, I truly think this is the year that the Titans take a WR with the number 1 pick.  I like Darrius Heywood-Bey or Hakeem Nicks.  Then definitley go DT in the second round like Fili Moala or Evander Hood.

So our starting DTs would be Jason Jones and Tony Brown.  Our rotation would include our 2nd round pick and one or two of the following: Kevin Vickerson, Colin Cole and Ron Fields. 

 

 

Just thought I would let everybody know what I thought would be a good offseason for the Lions:

Free Agency:

My philosophy would be to keep in mind that we are re-building, therefore I would not sign anybody over 30.  The Lions have money under the cap to spend but I would only sign one high priced free agent and several mid level free agents.

QB - I would try to re-sign Dan Orlovsky (1.5 million per year) and let him compete to start with Duante Culpepper.

RB - Kevin Smith is our workhorse and I would bring in a veteran presence but nobody expensive or that is going to take carries away from Smith.  I would go after somebody like a DeShaun Foster (1 million per year)

Offensive Line - I would go after a guy like G Elton Brown (4 million per year) who was a top backup for Arizona last year and started several games.  I would also take a chance on OT Daniel Loper (2 million per year) who was a top backup for the Titans.  He has been in the league 4 years and can play any spot on the line except Center, and many think he would be a good starter.

Wide Receiver - I would go after Reggie Williams of the Jaguars (2 million per year).  Yes he was a first round bust but has size, a good attitude and is not afraid to go over the middle.  He would make a good possession guy opposite Charles Johnson.

Defensive Line - I believe that Schwartz is going to do like the Titans and play a D Line rotation.  Therefore we need to build depth here.  I would go after DE Michael Montgomery of the Packers (4 million per year) and DT Ronald Fields of the 49ers (1 million per year).  Montgomery is stout against the run and Fields has a high ceiling as he was miscast in San Fran's 3-4 defense.

Linebacker - Ernie Sims is solid and we have got to give Jordan Dizon a chance.  Both of those guys are 3 down Linebackers.  That leaves the middle open.  The Lions should draft a 2 down run stuffing Middle Linebacker in the late rounds to develop.  In the meantime I would go after former Titan Linebacker Brad Kassell (1 million per year) who the Lions coveted at one time;  hi was solid for the Titans but miscast in the Jets 3-4 defense the last 2 years. 

Cornerback - This is where I would spend my money for a large contract.  I would go after a starting CB.  There are three guys I like:  Ron Bartell of the Rams, Bryant McFadden of the Steelers and former Lion Leigh Bodden.  My preference would be Ron Bartell (7-8 million per year), he is a sure tackler and solid cover guy.  I would also go after the Titans Chris Carr (3 million per year), who was the 4th corner in Tennessee but wants a shot at a nickel role.  He can compete for us and he is also one of the best kick and punt returners in the league, so he would solidify 3 spots.

The Draft

I am only going to predict the first 3 rounds as the draft is hard to predict and the later rounds are for depth and a crap shoot.

1 - Matthew Stafford QB - The Lions will finally have their franchise QB.  I would sit him the first year and begin the Stafford era right after the last game of 2009.

1 - William Beatty OT - This draft is full of talented OTs and this guy is one of the most athletic.  He has size and good feet and has as high a ceiling as any offensive lineman in this draft.  I would give him a year to develop if needed and start him by the beginning of 2009 protecting Stafford's blind side.

2 - Evander Hood DT - This guy is good against the pass and run, has a high motor and is a good character guy and team leader.  I would immediately put him in the DT rotation.

3 - Mike Mickens CB - This is a good all around CB who played in a small school but has true shutdown corner potential.  I would bring him along at his own pace, but would not hold him back if he is ready to start in year 1.  By year 2 he would definatley be starting opposit Bartell.

3 - Louis Murphy WR - This guy has size and speed and is not afraid to go over the middle and would play as the 3rd receiver in 08 and be starting opposite Charles Johnson in 09.

The later rounds I would draft:  MLB, TE, RB and any upper level prospects that may have slipped

Let me know what you think.

 

Two weeks ago I posted that I thought the perfect contract for Haynesworth would be 6 years 78 million with 36 million in gaurantees.

Now this from rotoworld:

The Titans have reportedly been offering free agent Albert Haynesworth a deal in the $36 million range over four years during negotiations.  Hahahaha. Haynesworth wants a six-year deal worth at least $72M. While we can't fault Tennessee for hesitating to pay a player league-record money when he's only met expectations in contract years, they can't be serious with this offer. Haynesworth is going to break the bank two Fridays from now.

 

This from rotoworld:

Titans promoted secondary coach Chuck Cecil to defensive coordinator.

A former onetime Pro Bowl strong safety and vicious hitter, Cecil was fined several times for helmet-first hits during his playing days. Coach Jeff Fisher is defensive minded and the scheme won't change, but Cecil will bring nastiness to the position formerly held by new Lions coach Jim Schwartz. Its seems he will be more like Gregg Williams than Jim Schwartz what do you think?

[UPDATE from Jimmy]- Here is the story on the official site.  Press conference at 3.

Check out this news from rotoworld:

St. Louis reportedly could've gotten a first-rounder for Holt at last October's trade deadline from an NFL team "believed to be" the Titans. The Rams balked at the offer, as interim coach Jim Haslett was trying to win games and keep the full-time head job. Pace is coming off a better season and is more valuable property than Holt now. However, St. Louis can double its salary cap space from $14M to $28M by moving both players by June 1. There is a good chance that Holt will be cut because of a high cap number and I think the Titans will try to sign him.

I have the perfect comprimise for Albert Haynesworth and the Tennessee Titans for a long term contract:

6 years - 78 million - 36 million in gaurantees

Year 1 - 20 million signing bonus and 1 million salary

Year 2 - 8 million roster bonus and 2 million salary (bonus is gauranteed if Haynesworth plays in 10 games during year 1)

Year 3 - 8 million roster bonus and 2 million salary (bonus is gauranteed if Haynesworth plays in 1 game during year 2)

Year 4 - 10 million salary

Year 5 - 12 million salary

Year 6 - 15 million salary

Advantages for Albert:  This contract is larger than Jared Allen's last year and makes him the highest paid defensive lineman in the NFL

Advantages for the Titans:  Albert stays a Titan, the gaurantees are spread out and they can save money on this deal if incentives aren't hit

Just outside looking in here guys, I think the Lions should let all but maybe one or two assistant coaches go.  I mean fire them.  They should not be around.  This team needs a culture change and it will not come if only the head coach is replaced.  My preference would have been for a total shake up of the front office as well.  I know Millen is gone, but the other guys were there in the front office with Millen.  Look at what Miami did last year.  They went from 1-15 to winning the division.  How did they do it?  Culture change.  There was a front office shake up - Parcells plus a new GM, and there was a new Head Coach and almost every assistant coach was replaced.  That should have been the blue print for the Lions from the start.

There is no questioning that the Defensive Tackle was one of  the Titan's most productive and most crucial units.  The Titans consistently got pressure with their front four and blitzed sparingly all year, allowing the linebackers and secondary to make plays in coverage.

All Pro Albert Haynesworth is a free agent.  Not only is he a free agent, but because of incentives achieved this year he cannot receive the franchise tag.  The biggest question for the Titans this offseason is whether to re-sign Albert.  They defintiley should, and my gut feeling is that they will.  I think there has been a change in the Titans front office and I truly believe that, although not publicized, Jeff Fisher has final say over all personnel matters.  For years Fisher watched players that he devoloped leave for free agency because of cap issues.  With a new GM, the strategy seems to be to avoid big name free agents and spend money on keeping guys that the team has developed.  The Titans are 35 million dollars under the cap and I truly believe that Albert will be re-signed. 

The rest of the defensive tackles are in place as long as Albert comes back.  Tony Brown is becoming a beast and is solid against the pass and the run.  Rookie Jason Jones also played extremely well and should end up splitting time with Haynesworth and Brown equally as the Titans like to rotate defensive linemen.  Kevin Vickerson made the most of his opportunities and proved that he can contribute when given the chance.   All of these guy's success, however, is greatly dependent upon the Titan's re-signing Albert, as they would be a mediocre group without him.

Running Back was one of the most productive positions for the Tennessee Titans in 2008.  

 Rookie Chris Johnson had a great year and appears to be the player the offense will revolve around.  Johnson, who many felt was nothing more than a 3rd down, change of pace back, proved to be more of a Tikki Barber type.  In the pre-season Mike Heimerdinger said CJ reminded him of a young Clinton Portis.

Lendale White also had a great year.  He was used alot in short yardage and goal line situations and did not disappoint.  The Titans were able to get both players an ample amount of touches in 2008 and that should be no different in 2009, although I would think CJ would get just a few more carries, but we'll see.

Both Smash and Dash are signed through 2009.  The only question is who will be the Titans 3rd running back.  They have plenty of candidates already with the team in Chris Henry, Quinton Ganther and Rafeal Little.  The Titans should not waste a draft pick or free agent signing on a 3rd RB, but should ensure these guys have good 0TAs, a good training camp and a good preseason and let the best man win.  And this could mean that Henry, a 2nd round draft pick a couple years ago, could be let go.  The Titans can not afford to carry 4 RBs again this year to wait on Henry. 

So, unforunatley the offseason is here and soon the Titans brass will be meeting to discuss personnel and decide in which direction they should go at each position.  So, I thought we could do the same thing.  Here is my assessment of the QB position:

Kerry Collins and Chris Simms are free agents and both should be brought back.  It should be very easy to retain Simms, but Collins wants to be a starter.  Collins proved this year that he can handle the Titans offense.  I feel we should do whatever it takes to bring Collins back.  Probably a 2 year 10 million dollar contract would be fair.  Then I think we should have an all out 3 man battle for QB next year.  Let each QB have a chance to start and also who ever doesn't win, let there be a battle for the backup.  Vince Young is the 1500 pound elephant in the room on this thing because he was a top 5 pick and because he was backed so heavily by the owner, but I feel it is time to move on if necessary.  Let Vince compete for the starting spot and if he doesn't win, let him compete to be the backup.  If Vince doesn't win starter or backup then I think you have to consider releasing him, trading him or possibly a position change, if that is even feasable.  This team is too well equipped right now to win a Super Bowl to be developing a starting QB on the fly.

There are some around the league that think that LeRoy Harris may be a better fit at center for this game.  Mawae is a finesse guy and Harris is more of a mauler.  Mawae weighs around 280 and Harris goes around 320.  With the Ravens running a 3-4 defense, Haloti Ngata will be lining up right over the center and the only knock on Mawae is sometimes he gets pushed around by big nose guards.  I know the Titans will miss Mawae's veteran presence on the mental side, but the physical edge may go to Harris, especially against the 3-4.  Coach Fisher said this week that the Ravens will be remarking after the game how strong Harris is.  Let's hope so!

It has long been said that the backup QB is the most popular guy on any NFL team.  Since the Oilers / Titans have been around that has definitley been true.  I remember in 1999 when McNair would struggle, everyone would call for backup Neil O'Donnell to come in and save the day.  At the time I thought that Nashville was racist and only wanted O'Donnell because he was a white QB.  Then Vince Young became our QB and when he would struggle everyone would call for backup Kerry Collins.  I again presumed that Nashville was racist and wanted Collins because he was a white QB.  But now Collins is our starting QB and Vince Young is the backup, and the fans are calling for Vince to come in and save the day.  I guess Nashville isn't all that racist after all.  That really puts Nashville in a better light in my mind.  I guess we are just a normal NFL city that will always have our eyes at the end of the bench waiting for the backup QB to come in and save the day.

The Titans have had a great season so far, thanks in a large part to a strong running game and QB Kerry Collins getting the job done in clutch situations.  But teams are starting to figure the offense out.  The offense is beginning to struggle and needs a spark.  Three weeks ago I would have been totally against this, but with what transpired Sunday in a loss at Houston, I think it is time to implement the LONGHORN PACKAGE.  The Longhorn package features QB Vince Young in the shotgun formation.  Using this formation two to three times a game would have several advantages including:

• It would give Defensive Cordinators something else to scheme for
• It would give a spark to the Titans offense
• It would ensure that Vince is ready when needed
• If Vince plays well from this package it would give them confidence in him if he had to replace an injured or struggling Collins
• It would help clear things up for the offseason, if Vince struggles we definitley would need Collins back

I know the Coaching staff has stated that they would not implement a package like this for Vince, but I think this could be the exact offensive spark the Titans must have if they are going to go deep in the playoffs.

While shopping with the wife, my 2 sons and I came up with a Titan's twist on the song The 12 Days of Christmas.  It goes something like this:

On the twelth day of Christmas Coach Fisher gave to me:

12 Johnsons drumming

11 Vinces cheering

10 Stewart pancakes

9 Collins comebacks

8 Bullucks shedding

7 Alberts crushing

6 Cortlands jawing

5 Super Bowl rings

4 Lendales a rumbling

3 Freaks a dancin

2 Bironas field goals

And a Touchdown Tennessee!

The Tennessee Titans have had great success this year with the Fisher formula.  The Fisher formula is running the ball, playing physical defense and controlling the clock.  The Titans won at least eight games this year sticking to that formula.  The last two or three games teams have crowded the line of scrimmage and dared QB Kerry Collins to beat them and he has.  Today it seems to me that the Titans got pass happy.  It looked as if the Titans looked to pass first, not typical of a Jeff Fisher coached football team.  The Titans did not run the ball hardly at all and the weak Wide Receiver core dropped several passes.  As a result, the Titans lost the time of possession battle badly.  The poor time of possession also helped magnify the poor depth at cornerback as 5th stringer Chris Carr was beat badly and commited several penalties.  Now that the Titans have lost their first game of the year, I hope they get back to the Fisher formula - physical defense, control the clock and run, run, run.