Tennessee Titans

Jake Locker's career hasn't started out with a flashy winning streak or an easy trip to the playoffs, but those that think Locker is a bust already are really missing the devil in the details. Firstly, lets talk about just how unlucky Locker was to have the combination of Steve Hutchinson, Deuce Lutui, Leroy Harris, Kevin Mathews, Kyle Devan, and Mitch Petrus all see time as starters on the interior of the offensive line due to injures. Since they all played so poorly we will call that group the "Subs". Together the subs managed to allow 45 hurries, 13 hits, and 10 sacks on 2,053 snaps. To give some perspective the combination of Fernando Velasco, Michael Roos, and David Stewart allowed only 41 hurries 13 hits, and 6 sacks on 2,658 snaps. That means that while compensating for the backups, the OTs and the OC still managed to out preform the backups on more snaps. As a unit the offensive line certainly didn't do Locker any favors, but what about his WRs? In fact, Locker had 8% of his catch-able passes dropped by his targets, that was the 6th highest drop rate in the league. When using PFF's adjusted completion percentage, Locker finishes just .2% off from Eli Manning and above Cam Newton, Andrew Luck, and even Joe Flacco. That doesn't scream inaccuracy to me. As for Locker's most impressive attribute, his legs, he finished 6th in quarterback rushing yards behind RG3, Newton, Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick and Michael Vick despite missing five games with an injury. Much more impressively, Locker was 1st in the league in yards per carry by a QB who ran the ball 15+ times with 7.1 YPC. Final stat, Locker ended the season with five runs of over 20 yards, 3rd among quarterbacks finishing just one behind RG3. If Locker would have stayed healthy last year, he would have contributed 3,174 combined yards while scoring 15 TDs, and 15 INTs. That is with the terrible OL and drops. Not terrible numbers for a first year QB without a running game. Locker has all the tools to be a winning QB now that the Titans have surrounded him with better options at WR and a vastly improved offensive line. If the fan base will support him and hold the boos until at least the bye week mark, then Locker may build the confidence and rhythm he needs to lead this team to the playoffs. Poll Do you think that Jake Locker can lead the improved Titans to the playoffs? Yes No 0 votes | Results

Jeff Hanisch – USA Today Sports Images The 2012 NFL regular season for the Tennessee Titans was largely defined by the disappointments that they had to endure. Despite being hopeful that they would improve as they came into the season, they finished the year just third in the AFC South with just a 6-10 overall record. Obviously they missed out on the postseason with that finish to the regular season. One of their biggest individual disappointments was from their supposed star running back, Chris Johnson. Not long ago CJ2K, as he calls himself, rushed for 2,000 yards. However, he finished the season with just 1,243 yards, scored just six touchdowns, and lost four fumbles, hardly a star-type performance. Their defense also ranked towards the bottom of the league in most categories, as well. Despite the many disappointments, one of the major ones was the lack of consistency and proficiency that quarterback Jake Locker showed over his second season and his first where he had the role as the starting QB for the majority of the season. He started 11 games for the Titans this past season and it was supposed to be the start of the team moving towards the future. If that was actually the case, though, the future doesn’t look too bright for Tennessee. In the 11 games he played, Locker threw 314 passes, but completed just 56.4 of those attempts. Moreover, he threw for only 2,176 yards and averaged just 6.9 yards per completion. Locker also only threw 10 passes for touchdowns while throwing 11 INTs. He had a bit of success with his feet, rushing for 291 yards on 41 attempts, scoring one touchdown and losing just two fumbles. The main issue for Locker, particularly with his passing, was his accuracy. He missed a ton of easy throws over the course of the year and never seemed to complete the difficult ones. He also didn’t take off running as much as some might have liked him to. There’s no doubt that he has a lot of room for improvement, especially if the Titans want him to be their primary starter for the future. Locker needs to be working on his mechanics during the preseason and trying to improve his accuracy. He’s not going to be an effective NFL quarterback if he can’t make the big play at times and especially if he can’t complete the easy ones. The Titans might also want to design a system that can potentially get Locker into the open field where he can utilize his speed. However, if improvements aren’t made with his mechanics and in the offense, the Titans are likely to be disappointed again. Cody Williams is a Senior Writer with Rant Sports. Follow Cody on Twitter @TheSizzle20 and like his Facebook page.

Oct 7, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Moise Fokou (58) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeated Green Bay 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports Luke Mullins of The Washingtonian has reported that Tennessee Titans linebacker Moise Fokou was arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) following an incident in January 2013. Fokou pleaded “not guilty.” His trial date has been set for October 22. That falls on the Tuesday during their bye week (bye date: October 27). The entire report can be read here. This report creates a lot of questions. Did the Titans know anything about this before they signed him in March? Although his trial date doesn’t occur until after Week 7, will it affect his chance of making the 53-man roster? What does Delanie Walker think about this? For anyone who doesn’t know, Walker has lobbied for harsher DUI penalties in Tennessee. Walker lost his aunt and uncle following an accident that was allegedly caused from an intoxicated driver. As of this article, the Titans and Fokou have yet to comment. It’s worth noting that Brandon Barden has remained with the team following his DUI charge from February. That involved a wreck with two passengers. While Barden probably won’t make the 53-man roster unless one of the top three tight ends get injured (Craig Stevens, Taylor Thompson or Walker), recent history suggests that the Titans won’t make any quick or irrational decisions. Not expecting anything to come of this but it’s worth keeping an eye on. Look for Fokou to compete for one of two, possibly three job openings at linebacker. Colin McCarthy, Zach Brown, Akeem Ayers and Zaviar Gooden are all-but-locks to make the team. Tim Shaw, Patrick Bailey, Greg Jones and Jonathan Willard are some of the linebackers who’ll compete with Fokou for a reserve job. Barring an awful training camp, Fokou has a good chance to make the roster.

Titans linebacker Moise Fokou was charged with DUI in Washington.

The attorney for Titans linebacker Moise Fokou said Friday he believes Fokou is innocent of a DUI charge he received February in Washington, D.C. A blog in the Washingtonian.com on Friday said Fokou was pulled over at about 3 a.m. “on a Friday in January” after a U.S. Park Police officer witnessed him driving at a high rate of speed and across the solid double yellow lines on 14th Street near McPherson Square. After administering a field sobriety test on Fokou, the officer placed Fokou under arrest, according to the Washingtonian report. Fokou was taken to a Park Police station, where he declined to take a breath alcohol test. Fokou was charged Feb. 4 with driving under the influence of alcohol or a drug and operating a vehicle while impaired. Fokou pleaded not guilty and has a case scheduled for trial on Oct. 22, which is during the Titans’ bye week. His attorney, Mark Schamel of Womble Carlyle in Washington, D.C., , said he disputes the charges. “I think Moise is an amazing and talented young man and I think when this case is over, he’s going to be cleared,” Schamel said. “This guy is going to be an absolute credit to the Nashville community. He’s a great guy.” In a statement, the Titans said “ we are aware of the report and we will let the legal process conclude before commenting further.” Fokou signed a two-year, $2.8 million contract with the Titans in March. Asked if the Titans knew about the incident when Fokou signed, a Titans spokesman referred to the team’s statement. Fokou, who has been working toward completing his degree at the University of Maryland, had not had any previously publicized legal incidents. Share on FacebookPosted In: Team News

The Washingtonian's Luke Mullins is reporting that Titans reserve linebacker Moise Fokou was arrested on Suspicion of DUI back in January. In February the Washington DC attorney general officially pressed charges, and Fokou is due in court on October 22. That's not a good thing to hear about a guy the Titans targeted in free agency, but who hasn't taken the field in two-toned blue yet. Given when the incident happened, and when the charges were pressed, it's almost a certainty that the Titans were aware of the situation when the signed him to a two-year contract back in March. Here's the recap of what happened, per Mullins' report: A United States Park Police officer arrested the 27-year-old Fokou around 3 AM on a Friday in January. The officer pulled Fokou over after witnessing Fokou drive his BMW at a high rate of speed and across the solid double yellow lines on 14th Street near McPherson Square, the arresting officer said in a sworn statement. "As I was speaking with [Fokou] I detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage," the arresting officer said in the statement. "His eyes were bloodshot and watery while his speech was slurred." Fokou told the officer that "he had a few drinks" at a DC nightclub, and claimed his BMW "just takes off sometimes," said the officer. After administering a field sobriety test on Fokou, the officer placed Fokou under arrest. Fokou was taken to a Park Police station; he declined to take a breath alcohol test. The Titans refused a request for comment, but it'll be interesting to see if they're as surprised by this news as most Titans fans are.

November 25, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kendall Wright (13) is defended by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Jeremy Mincey (94) and cornerback Derek Cox (21) during the game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports Competition brings out the best in any true competitor. Fans should anticipate much competition from the Tennessee Titans, who prepare for training camp with many roster spots that are up for grabs. There’s a logjam of talent on the offensive line and defensive line. That doesn’t include John Abraham or Israel Idonije, who may join the rotation at defensive end. Kendall Wright and Derrick Morgan are two players who are locks for the 53-man roster. Both players are all-but-guaranteed starting jobs or key role positions (e.g. slot receiver). Despite that, they’re searching for every advantage that will help them take their games to the next level. Simple things that will make them more productive on Sundays—and a Thursday night. Craig Peters from Titans Online wrote an article about how Wright and Morgan have both spent this offseason focusing on their health. Wright lost 14 pounds after he eliminated junk food from his diet. He has replaced his junk-food habits with fruits, vegetables and a daily breakfast that often consists of turkey, bacon and either eggs or egg whites. This puts Wright at 5-10 and 187 pounds. Will Morgan enjoy a breakout campaign during the 2013-14 NFL season? He’s another player who has emphasized a stronger focus toward strength and conditioning. According to Morgan: That’s one of my major goals, is to be in the best shape of my life coming into the season and just taking care of my body. With or without Abraham, the Titans need Morgan to develop into what that they had hoped for when they drafted him with the No. 16 pick of the 2010 NFL Draft. A perceived lack of depth at defensive end has made it more important that he’s in the best shape possible. The Titans can’t afford any long-term injuries similar to his ACL tear from 2010. What can fans expect from this offense? A lot of change. Dowell Loggains will get his first full-season opportunity to install his offense and everything that goes with it. Jake Locker will have a healthy shoulder. Two-fifths, possibly three-fifths of the offensive line have been upgraded. Jared Cook has been replaced with Delanie Walker, a more-complete tight end. While Wright has lost weight, the Titans have asked Justin Hunter to gain weight. Kenny Britt is another season removed from his 2011 ACL injury. Many different faces. Many different philosophies. For the Tennessee Titans, it all starts with getting the players physically and mentally prepared for training camp. Good to see two of the future cornerstones taking their off-field responsibilities seriously.

General manager Ruston Webster brings fans up to date on where the Titans are currently at in the 2013 off-season.

ED: I'm in the midst of Football Outsiders Almanac 2013 writing season, which means I've written a couple thousand words about the Titans this week but you don't get to read them yet. Blogging rate will be light for potentially the next month or so. Quote dump today, since I'm short on time and these have been sitting on my computer for a while. First, Russ Lande in a podcast with Mike Tanier before this year's draft: Jake is a guy that when you look at everything he has, it's rare except for one thing, and that's his accuracy. He can't hit the broad side of a barn. And I mean, I sat there at the Senior Bowl with two quarterback coaches, and we watched him. And they both turned to me and they said, "Russ, I don't mind taking on a quarterback who's inaccurate, but he better have a mechanical flaw. This kid has no flaws. He's perfect mechanically, and he still can't hit the broad side of a barn." He said, "How am I supposed to fix him?" That's the issue. Some coach saw something, I think it was Chris Palmer, and felt he could correct something, but it is so tough to correct a flaw to change the accuracy. ... It's really a shame, because he's really what you want in a quarterback. He's tough. He'll come and play through any type of pain. He teammates love him because he takes command of the huddle. I mean, he's a great athlete. He's got a tremendous arm. He can fit the ball into tiny pockets. But the problem is he doesn't know when he's going to throw into that pocket correctly, and that's the biggest issue because the ball goes everywhere. Second, Greg Cosell talking to the Midday180 on 104.5: Let’s talk about what I think you can do with him. What you can do ultimately with Jake Locker, and I think this is what they’re trying to get accomplished, is you want to get the run game going and be a play-action quarterback because play-action defines and clarifies reads a lot better and therefore you can take some shots, defined shots down the field. Then you hope because he’s athletic that when you get into the third-and-8s and third-and-9s that he can make enough plays with his legs to sustain some drives. I think everybody would agree that he’s not going to be a 66 or 67% passer. He’s never been that. He’s not going to wake up one day and that’s going to happen. You try to craft an offense in which you can take advantage of your entire offensive personnel and what Jake Locker is. Don't forget they had a very poor defense. That’s the other part of this equation. I don’t think Jake Locker will be effective if he has to put up 30 points on a weekly basis. Good luck, Dowell Loggains.

The Office ended last night. In what is one of my favorite TV shows and a show I've grown up with it was hard for me to accept the end. For today's music, "Nobody But Me" lipdubbed by the office members, and also an hours + worth of The Office Bloopers from throughout the series. In the NFL top 100, CJ is ranked 62nd. And he's mad. My opinion is that the NFL 100 is stupid, but if CJ uses this as added motivation, then fine. NFL.com is doing a countdown of the best games of 2012. If the Lions vs. Titans game isn't on there, then I'll be pretty upset. Top 5 Defensive Tackle tandems in the NFL? The Titans aren't on that list but we are definitely top 10 IMO. Yahoo did a team report with some Munchak quotes for the offseason thus far. Pretty good read. Fanspeak continues the positional ranking with RB/FB. These guys graded better than our QBs did. And finally, a Fanspeak way too early power ranking has us at 25. Quote of the Day: "No matter how you get there, or where you end up, human beings have a miraculous gift to make that place home." - Creed Bratton