The Tennessee Titans are finally starting to get it....the NFL is now an offensive driven league. Defenses do not win championships anymore. Case in point, last year's Super Bowl featured two of the best defenses the last few years.
The game was a shootout.
Titans qb Jake Locker had a legitimate beef with Tennessee and their approach to making him successful last year. But thanks to an aggressive off season by The Titans, Locker will have no such excuse this year.
And that can be good or bad for Jake.
Locker received a huge boost when Tennessee, who has been know to be...let's say...frugal, elected to pay star running back Chris Johnson $10 million this season to remain a Titan. The Titans also added former Jets running back Shon Greene to help carry the load. Although Greene is not spectacular, he is coming off back to back 1,000 yard seasons, and can help keep Johnson fresh (and explosive) late in the season. He will also become Tennessee's short yardage and goal line specialist, two areas where the Titans struggled last year.
Those struggles lay at the feet of an offensive line that was down right horrible last year...evidenced by Locker being sacked 20 times the last five games. 20 times?!? Yes, the position was decimated by injuries but still. This year the Titans took offensive guard Chance Warmack from Alabama with the 10th overall pick. He will immediately start at right guard. Chris Johnson tweeted in all caps "THANK GOD" when the pick was announced. I'm sure that Locker shares his sentiment. The Titans also picked up free agent guard Andy Levitre to play left guard. The return of two starters who were lost to injury should make this unit much improved from a year ago.
What does every qb need to be successful?
Weapons. Lots and lots of weapons.
The Titans are also helping Locker in that regard this year. The Titans traded up to draft Tennessee wide receiver Justin Hunter in the second round. Hunter is a field stretcher, and will immediately push for a starting role. Wide receiver Kendall Wright, last year's first round pick for Tennessee, finished the season tied for the lead in rookie receptions. Wright was also near the top of the league in third down receptions. Tight End Jared Cook was replaced by 49er's tight end Delanie Walker this off season. Walker brings a physicality to the position that Cook did not have. He is also a better blocker and less of a diva. The Titans also added veteran wide receiver Kevin Walters from the Texans. Walters is a big target possession receiver. A security blanket if you will. And if Kenny Britt can get his knee (and mind) back on track, Locker could have plenty of weapons at his disposal. A huge upgrade from a year ago.
So....Jake Locker, your shoulder is scheduled to be healed in time for training camp. The Titans have done their part...time for you to do yours. follow @plcolter
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