2008 Tennessee Titans Season Preview

2008 Tennessee Titans preview from MadduxSports.com. The AFC South is once again loaded and week by week anyone can knock off anybody in this division. Having an expert NFL pick handicapper will help you maximize your sports betting profits this season.

2008 Tennessee Titans Predictions
By Adam Barone

Rundown
The Titans somehow managed to make the playoffs last season, despite finishing worst in the league in touchdown passes. Second year quarterback Vince Young threw 17 interceptions and finished with a 71.1 rating. He did manage to raise his completion percentage to 62.3 from just 51.5 in 2006.

Overall Tennessee was 27th in passing yards, but fifth in rushing yards. Running back LenDale White led the team in rushing, with 1110 yards on a surprising 303 carries. White came into camp last season weighing about 270 pounds and was expected to be a disappointment. Running back Chris Brown is gone via free agency, but second year back Chris Henry and rookie Chris Johnson should compliment White nicely.

LenDale White managed to become exempt from the rule that all Titan running backs must be named “Chris.”

Other off season losses include receiver David Givens, tight ends Ben Hartsock and Ben Troupe, defensive ends Travis LaBoy and Antwan Odom, and guard Benji Olson.

Free agent tight end Alge Crumpler will replace Troupe and Hartsock. Crumpler was a perfect fit in Atlanta for Michael Vick, missing only four career games and catching at least 40 passes in five of his seven seasons. Tennessee is expecting similar results with Vince Young’s style resembling that of Vick.

Jevon Kearse and Justin McCareins also re-joined the team after spending time with the Eagles and Jets respectively. Both were drafted by the Titans. Kearse played in 14 games last season but had only 12 tackles and 3 ½ sacks. He’s not the same old freak. McCareins caught just 19 balls in 16 games.

Tennessee’s strength in 2007 was its defense. They were fifth in yards per game against, and eighth in points per game against. They’ll have to keep that up in 2008 in order to make the playoffs again.

Draft Analysis
Tennessee’s main weakness entering the draft appeared to be at receiver, with Justin Gage, Paul Williams, McCareins, and Mike Williams the top targets.

The Titans first round pick was the 24th, and they shocked their fans by selecting East Carolina running back Chris Johnson. Johnson’s size and skills have drawn comparisons to the Eagles’ Brian Westbrook, but how he fits into their crowded backfield is still uncertain.

The Titans other major need was at defensive end after the departures of LaBoy and Odom. In the second round they chose Eastern Michigan end Jason Jones. Jones is a converted tight end who’s seen as a power rusher in the NFL. Tennessee also selected Winston-Salem St. defensive end William Hayes with one of their three fourth round selections.

The Titans didn’t take a wide receiver until the second of their three fourth rounders, choosing Lavelle Hawkins out of Cal.

After viewing the Tennessee Titans preview check out other AFC South clubs including the Texans, Jaguars, and Colts.

Related Pages:
Titans Official Site
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