Tennessee Titans

Written by Rich Arleo Edited by Marc Caviglia To help better prepare you for your upcoming 2013 fantasy football drafts we have has decided to take a close look at each team’s depth and predict how each players role will play out during the 2013 NFL season. These fantasy football depth charts will cover every position, however the main focus will be on the running back and wide receiver positions, since fantasy football owners have the toughest time projecting these positions. Keep in mind our NFL Depth Charts are fantasy football specific. ::UPDATED: MAY 20, 2013 New York Jets Depth Chart QB1: Mark Sanchez | QB2: Geno Smith | QB3: Greg McElroy RB1: Chris Ivory | RB2: Mike Goodson | RB3: Bilal Powell | RB4: James McKnight WR1: Santonio Holmes | WR2: Stephen Hill | WR3: Jeremy Kerley | WR4:Clyde Gates TE1: Jeff Cumberland | TE2: Hayden Smith K: Nick Folk 2012 In Review The Jets were expected to get back to a ground-and-pound offense under offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, but while there was plenty of ground – the team ranked sixth in rushing attempts per game – there wasn’t much pound. Shonn Greene had yet another mediocre season with 1,063 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. In his second season, Powell showed some skills, especially near the end zone. He scored four times in a four game span in which he had at least 11 carries each contest. He also caught his share with 140 yards on 17 receptions. McKnight was mostly used as a kick returner but did some damage with 179 yards on just 30 carries. What to Expect in 2013 The Jets made a huge splash by drafting Geno Smith, who fell in their laps in Round 2. The team jettisoned Tim Tebow after the pick and it looks like Smith, Sanchez and McElroy will compete for the job. If Sanchez or McElroy win the position, they won’t have any fantasy football value. If Smith becomes the starter as a rookie, however, he can immediately become a playmaker and is one to keep on your fantasy football radar. Odds are Smith takes over the starting gig eventually if not right out of the gate. After a few boring seasons with the team, Greene bolted to the Tennessee Titans. To replace him, the Jets went in a completely different direction with Mike Goodson. Greene is a between-the-tackles runner who has no hands, while Goodson is a speedy back with great hands. The knock on Goodson has been his injury issues, but throughout his career he has been solid when on the field. **Editors Note: Goodson was arrested on drug and weapons chargers on May 17** The Jets also made a draft day trade with the New Orleans Saints to acquire Chris Ivory in a trade. Ivory’s running style is a lot like Greene’s, however he is stronger, more physical and known to make bigger plays. In a limited role for the Saints, Ivory averaged over five yards per carry and he enters training camp as the RB1. Powell can move the chains and punch it in near the goal line, however he his playing time could be limited. McKnight is nothing more than a kick returner who will see just a handful of touches this year. Out wide the Jets return there two best pass catchers in Holmes and Hill. Holmes is a veteran who should bounce back from his 2012 season in which injuries limited him to just four games. He has just one 100 yard receiving game over his last 20 and is nothing more than a bench player in fantasy football leagues. HIlls showed promise with two touchdowns in his first NFL game, however he isn’t roster worthy except for the deepest of leagues. Kerley and Gates are situational players that would be cut on the majority of offenses around the league. The Jets let tight end Dustin Keller walk and he signed with the Miami Dolphins. Cumberland showed signs of hope at times last season, though he has very little fantasy value. Don’t be surprised if… Ivory puts together a RB2 type of season. Look for the Jets to be a very run heavy offense and for Ivory to showc

Jerry Gray from May 21: Our scouts have done a terrific job of getting us guys who can go out there and win one on ones. That's kind of what you're looking for. A lot of teams are spreading you out, doing those type of things, and when you can win one on one it will give you a chance to make more options. So, you got guys like Fokou. You got guys like Pollard. They mix in with Wilson and Griff and all those guys. Now you've got three or four guys that can blitz from the back end. You've got big guys that can blitz inside with Ayers and with Zach Brown and those guys. Now it lets you use that talent, other than always schematic. ... Those big guys have a role in this league. You've got to be able to be physical up front. You've got to have a presence to stop the run. We went out and got some really big guys. And, after that, now your little guys get a chance to play. If the big guys can't stop the run, the little guys have to stop it and you're going to be in trouble trying to do that. And, I thought we did a terrific job of bringing in some more big guys. ... It gives you a whole lot more options. Offenses don't like that because now they've got to identify who that 4th guy is. Are you rushing him? Are you putting him in coverage? What are you doing with him? A lot of offensive linemen, they like four down line men. I can count them and find the Mike. When you've got three down linemen, it's always harder. Because, is it going to be a linebacker as the fourth rusher? Is it going to be a safety as the fourth rusher? And, we actually had a really good defense in Buffalo doing that. And, hopefully that's what we're working on getting now. I was a part of that in Seattle. We did the same thing. Matter of fact, we played with eight DB's in Seattle and it really screwed you up because you don't know who those other two guys are. And, offensive linemen, I'm telling you, they don't like that. ... Yeah, you know, I was with WIlson when he transfered from a wide receiver over to a defensive back. And, you know, played a little Will linebacker there in Buffalo. ... We get a chance to work together. Kind of sound some things off of eachother. [Gregg] is good at some things that I know I'm not good at. And, I'm good at some things I know he's not. George Wilson from May 21st: I mean, I didn't know other plans they had as far as the secondary went, but I welcome it. Bernard is a force to be reckoned with. He's a big hitter. But, one thing about it, you know, when they told me there's a lot of packages that we're going to have in place so that maybe there are opportunities for all of us to be out there at the same time. So, you've got to just wait and see how all the pieces continue to fit together. Multiple. That's the message I've gotten from this front office on both sides of the ball this offseason, but especially defensively. They've acquired big guys up front that will allow them to one gap and two gap situationally without substituting. At the LB spot, Gooden was added as a speed linebacker with a safety background. Conversely, Wilson was added as a Safety with a linebacker background. Let's start with a couple of pictures as that should help ground us a little better for the discussion. Here's a 3-3-5 look from last year. What you'll notice is that, in function, it operates as a 4-2-5. Ayers is standing up on the end and functions like a traditional end (they also put him down in a 3 point stance a few times last year). The important thing to note here is that this is not an additional blitzer. He's working on traditional 4 man pressure, which is different from when he blitzed from the Sam spot outside. Again, this lends to versatility. Matt Bowen had a good piece on Gregg's blitzing scheme in 2010. Let’s break it down by position to make it clearer and then get into some key coaching points. RDE- Slant hard to open side “B” gap - Klug/Pi

Charges from Titans tight end Brandon Barden's DUI arrest in February were dismissed after the arresting officer failed appear in a Georgia courtroom.

May 10, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans rookie Dontel Watkins (5) during rookie minicamp at Baptist Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports Here’s a look at the Tennessee Titans off season schedule that has been released so far. OTA Workouts: May 29-31, June 3-4, June 6, June 10-11, June 13-14 Mandatory Minicamp: June 18-20 When negotiating the new CBA, the players were able to tone down the off season programming a good deal.  The length of the OTA’s was cut from 14 weeks to 9 weeks, and their is no contact allowed in the mandatory minicamps.  The programming for the 9 weeks also has an outline of phases. Phase I – Strength and conditioning.  This phase is for the first two weeks of the programming and only strength and conditioning coaches are allowed to engage with the players.  No helmets and no footballs, although quarterbacks can throw to receivers. Phase II – Three weeks.  This is where the football side of things gets slowly integrated into the team activities.  The regular and position coaches are now allowed to interact with the players and the focus is on individual player drills.  The team can conduct drills as a whole, but the offense and the defense can’t play against each other yet. Phase III – The final four weeks of the program, the team may conduct up to 10 OTAs during this time period.  Contact is still not permitted, but team drills are allowed where the offense and defense line up against each other.  This is where the teams will be installing the base offensive and defensive plays they will enter the season with. This round of June workouts is huge for the Titans.  They have a lot of new faces whether they be veterans or rookies, and are trying to install a new offense as well as defensive looks.  I’m not exactly sure why the players would want to limit their ability to perform or learn a system when the season rolls around.  I understand the need to keep the physical part of the off season in check, but the interaction with coordinators and coaches being limited does surprise me a bit. Either way, the Titans need to absorb as much of the new system as possible and hopeful begin to gel with one another during this time period.  That way they can hit the ground running when training camp opens in late July. You can follow me on Twitter @gunnelsj

While I'm writing this, I am currently seething that the Pacers decided to leave Roy Hibbert out and let James run in for a easy layup at the buzzer. What a game though. Anyway, onto the links. Jack Doyle is trying to make the Titans at a position where we already have 3 guys that will make the roster. Mike Keith braves the storm and takes questions from fans. He covers special team additions and a variety of other topics. NFL.com has a pretty awesome highlight reel from last season. Fanspeak has the top10 player nicknames pre modern era. Fanspeak also has the top 50 RBs for fantasy football next year. Chris Johnson makes the list at #13. Chuck Norris is a Tim Tebow fan. Deal with it. NFL.com also has the top 6 players that would make great WWE wrestlers. Richard Sherman tops the list. Quote of the Day: "You don't have to find out your dying to start living." -Zach Solbiech Linked is a video of a kid who was diagnosed with cancer and was filmed in his final months, living life with his family and friends. Such an inspiration.

Feb 2, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; NFL players Devin McCourtny and Jason McCourty pose for a photo on the red carpet at the Maxim Party presented by Patron Tequila. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports It has been more than 3.5 years since Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty was a rookie participant during a 2009 regular-season matchup against the New England Patriots. Amidst blizzard-like conditions at Gillette Stadium, the Titans fell behind 45-0 at halftime and 59-0 at the end of the third quarter. That 59-0 deficit was the final score. This loss dropped the Titans to a 0-6 record. Despite winning eight of their last 10 games, the Titans didn’t qualify for the postseason. For (Jason) McCourty, that loss couldn’t have been much worse. At least it came before his twin brother, Devin McCourty, became the Patriots’ 27th-overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Imagine the bragging rights that Devin would’ve had if he were part of that 59-0 shellacking. Of course, Devin earned his bragging rights when the Patriots invaded L.P. Field and dominated the 2012 Week 1 opener, 34-13. So maybe Jason hasn’t enjoyed much success against the Patriots. Maybe his twin brother has gotten the upper hand with higher draft selections, head-to-head matchups and a Super Bowl appearance. These brothers won’t hold grudges because of what happens on the gridiron. Their competitiveness and love for one another won’t allow that. What it will allow for is teaming up for a wonderful cause. On June 9, the McCourty Twins will host a 5K Run and Walk in Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. This will serve as the major fundraising component of the “Tackle Sickle Cell” campaign. Partnering with Embrace Kids Foundation, the McCourty Twins have launched the Tackle Sickle Cell campaign in an effort to educate the public, increase blood donors, and raise money & awareness for the fight against sickle cell disease. Learn more about this event at TackleSickleCell.org. Some Titans enthusiasts are likely aware of sickle cell disorders after Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark missed a 2011-12 AFC Wild Card matchup against the Denver Broncos. However, according to his Cure League foundation, Clark doesn’t have sickle cell disease; he has sickle cell trait. From the Cure League website: The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Ryan Clark does not have sickle cell disease. He has what doctors refer to as sickle cell trait. People with sickle cell disease inherited two sickle cell genes — one sickle cell gene from each parent. People with sickle cell trait, like Ryan Clark, inherited only one sickle cell gene from one parent. Typically, those with sickle cell trait never experience any symptoms associated with the blood disorder. But Clark did experience symptoms — symptoms that nearly cost him his life. Read more about Clark’s story and his near fatal experience during a 2007 game at Mile High Stadium. The McCourty Twins have witnessed some of their own family members battle the disease. Complications include fatigue, body aches, poor eyesight, ulcers, infections in the bones, gallbladder, lung and urinary tract, and painful joints caused by arthritis. They want to create awareness for a disease that affects approximately 100,000 Americans. It’s crucial that Titans fans pull together and help Jason raise money for the Tackle Sickle Cell campaign. If Devin wins, Jason will endure something much worse than a six-game losing streak, 59-0 loss or a Week 1 home loss to a twin brother. If Jason loses, he’ll morph into a Patriot—and not just any Patriot: Jan 13, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots mascot Pat Patriot gestures during the AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Texans 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports So let’s review. If Jason loses: Oct 30, 2011; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans corner back Jason McCourty (30) celebrates after recovering a blocked punt

There have been a lot of stories lately about college kids wanting to transfer and coaches blocking them from schools where hey want to go. The NCAA is the most hypocritical organization there is, but that is not really what I want to get into in this post. In case you aren't aware of the current rules, after a player has signed a letter of intent to go to a school, they cannot transfer without the coach letting them out of that letter. That is why the list of schools that the coach tells the player he will not release him to is so important. My question for tonight is what is fair when a kid wants to transfer. Should a coach just be able to "block" the player from transferring to another school in the conference, from schools that are on the future schedule, or should the coach be able to determine where the player goes?

Mike Keith and Amie Wells take you inside the 2013 Bash of the Titans, benefiting the Boys and Girls Club, at LP Field.

Your thoughts on Jeff Fisher being included in this picture?

Huzzzah! It's MCM Radio time again tonight, and Danomite and myself are set to delivery you a cram packed show of Titans goodness promptly at 9:00 Central. In light of the sparse news cycle, we're cutting tonight's show down to 30 minutes this week, but that just means we'll be going rapid fire. We'll also have the lines open for anyone who wants to call in be a part of the show! You can listen in live, get the call in number and join the chat by clicking here. If you can't make the live show, you can always download the show as a podcast via iTunes minutes after the show ends, or you can stream it live on the BTR page. As always, I'll also post a recap article with the live streaming app tomorrow morning here on MCM. We highly encourage you to catch the stream or the podcast version each week to get our exclusive post-show segment that continues after the live feed ends. If you enjoy MCM Radio and want to help keep it growing and improving, we'd love for you to donate at our PayPal account, titansmcm@gmail.com. Even the smallest bit helps, and every cent will go to the show. We don't profit at all from MCM Radio, we just want to make this a bigger, badder experience for you loyal folks who send us so much love!