Another season...another non post season for the Tennessee Titans. At 7-9, Tennessee must be kicking themselves for failing to capitalize on their numerous opportunities to make the playoffs...especially after losing six of those games by 7 points or less. Watching San Diego (9-7) and Pittsburgh (8-8), two teams the Titans defeated earlier in the season, fight it out for the last playoff spot in week 17 added salt the wound. So what went wrong? Who's to blame?
Let's take a look.
In order to win in today's NFL, you need to have quality qb play. The Titans were average at that position, thus the average end result. Starting qb Jake Locker started out playing well, committing no turnovers through the first four weeks. Tennessee was 3-1 coincidentally, with their lone loss coming on the road...in overtime. Locker was injured in week 5, and the Titans season fell apart. Ryan Fitzpatrick entered, and so did the turnovers (12 int's in 9 starts). Locker returned briefly, only to add four more int's of his own. With so many close games, the qb's, and their turnovers, were largely responsible for the team's slide.
The run game was nothing spectacular (14th in the league, avg 118.4 yds per game), but was productive when asked to be. Newly acquired Shonn Green and Jackie Battle provided the tough short yardage conversions the Titans sorely lacked last season. They also combined for 5 red zone rushing td's. Chris Johnson quietly amassed 1,422 yards form scrimmage, with 10 total td's. It's hard to judge this unit solely by the numbers, as the team's philosophy switched to a shotgun, empty set attack when Fitzpatrick entered the lineup. Which brings me to the passing game.
Coming into the season, the Titans' receivers were touted to be the most talented group the franchise had assembled in Nashville. And Kenny Britt was projected to lead this group with a standout season.
Good news and bad news.
The bad news? Kenny Britt flamed out (no pun intended) early in the season, and made no contribution this year. Consequently, his days as a Titan are over. The good news? This year's receiving corps still managed to be the most talented since moving to Nashville. Following up his league leading rookie reception campaign, Kendall Wright lead the team in receptions (94) and yards (1,079) this season. Wright has established himself as a young star on the rise. Rookie wr Justin Hunter also showed flashes of big play ability (lead team with 19.7 yd per rec), and improved each week as the season progressed. Veteran Nate Washington was his usual steady self (58 rec, 919 yds), and more importantly, continues to mentor the young receivers with his professionalism and tenacious work ethic. And newly acquired te Delanie Walker paid huge dividends in the passing game. Not only was Walker a steady receiver (60 rec), he brought a physicality to the run game that his predecessor could not. The Titans may want to develop another young te, but other than that, this unit lived up to expectations.
Although they finished a modest 14th in total defense, Tennessee made huge strides on that side of the ball. Remember last year's defense? The one that was 28th in the league? Credit assistant defensive coordinator Gregg Williams for, in large part, establishing a much needed identity for that group. Corner back Alterraun Verner lead the team with 5 int's, and earned his first trip to the pro bowl. Defensive tackle Jurrell Casey was a pro bowl snub after notching an insane 10.5 sacks. That's incredibly hard to do at that position. The linebacking corps was an eye sore for the most part, regardless of who played where. Newly acquired safety Bernard Pollard was a nice addition. Like Gregg Williams, Pollard brought a toughness, an identity to that unit. Playing on a one year deal, Pollard has stated that he would like to stay in Nashville. Verner has already expressed that he would test the free agent market. Tennessee would be wise to bring both back.
There was absolutely nothing special about the Titans' special teams unit this year. Darius Reynaud caught the opening kick off of the season at the one yard line. He stepped back into the end zone and downed the ball....for a safety. We should have known then that would be a sign of things to come. Reynaud made more costly errors, ultimately costing him his job. The Titans replaced him with some dude off the street, and he messed up so bad that Tennessee sent him back before the light changed. They finally got it right by signing veteran journeyman Leon Washington, who made an immediate positive impact...averaging 30 yards per return to close the season. This unit cost Tennessee at least two games, and could have been three (Pittsburgh), a mess of a unit to put it nicely.
Head coach Mike Munchak survived black Monday, but is still not out of the water. A decision on his future could come by week's end. Regardless of the coach, if Tennessee does not address the qb, lb, and special teams units quickly, then the coach it'self would not really matter.
follow @plcolter
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Fantasy Football Focus: Week 16: PLAYOFF SEASON FINALE
What's up football family?!? Welcome to week 16 of the fantasy football season! Well ladies and gents...it's finally here...your championship game. Win or lose, congrats to each and every one of you. Seems like just yesterday we were logging into our fantasy football host site...eagerly anticipating our draft slot. Time surely flies when you're having fun! This week we'll focus on the flex position, so if you're undecided on who should fill that slot for you in this all important game, then once again you've come to the right place! The boys are back with that championship news you can use for the season finale.
SO LET'S...GET...STARTED!!!
Marques Colston: WR, New Orleans
Colston's up and down play left him in and out of your line up this season, but he's come on strong lately, and just in time for you. The last two weeks Colston hauled in 17 catches for 217 yards and 3 tds. He torched Carolina, this week's opponent, to the tune of 9/125/2 a couple of weeks ago.
Chicago Bears vs Philadelphia Eagles
The Bears offense vs the Eagles defense...plus the Eagles offense vs the Bears defense...equals start everybody but the defenses!! That means Cutler, Forte, Jeffries, Bennett, Foles, Jackson, McCoy, and Cooper are all must starts. Points should be a'plenty in this one...provided the weather plays nice Sunday night.
***Big Mike's Match Ups***
Greg Jennings: WR, Minnesota
Minnesota wr Greg Jennings torched Philly last week for 11 catches, 163 yards, and a td. With Matt Cassel under center, Jennings has flourished to the tune of 23/294/2 the past 3 weeks. With the uncertainty of the health of their rb's, look for Minnesota to throw it a ton this week against Cincinnati, giving Jennings an attractive match up this week.
Aldrick Robinson: WR, Washington
With the season over, Washington has elected to give fresh faces a look to close the season. Enter qb Kirk Cousins and wr Aldrick Robinson. Both were successful last week against Atlanta, with Robinson posting a 4/99 stat line. Robinson should certainly be able to eclipse the century mark this week against Dallas and their dead last ranked pass defense, giving up just under 300 yards per game through the air.
***Homer Alert***
If you are an owner of, and plan on starting Arizona Cardinals wr Larry Fitzgerald this week, then you...my friend...are on homer alert! Yes, Fitz went off last week, but he'll miss practice Wednesday as he undergoes the league's concussion test protocol. If he does play, he draws the worst match up in the league this week in the Seahawks and their top ranked pass defense (less than 180 yards a game). It's raining red flags in Washington for Fitzgerald owners this week.
I would like to send a shout out to the fellas that made this season a success:
"New York" Nick Johnson, Daniel "DP" Padilla, and Michael "Big Mike" Jasso. They are the engine that makes this Ferrari go, and this couldn't have been done it without y'all.
Life is a sport...so always play to win! Good luck, and see you in August!!
follow @nic_torious @D_Padilla2 @MichaelJasso @plcolter
SO LET'S...GET...STARTED!!!
Marques Colston: WR, New Orleans
Colston's up and down play left him in and out of your line up this season, but he's come on strong lately, and just in time for you. The last two weeks Colston hauled in 17 catches for 217 yards and 3 tds. He torched Carolina, this week's opponent, to the tune of 9/125/2 a couple of weeks ago.
Chicago Bears vs Philadelphia Eagles
The Bears offense vs the Eagles defense...plus the Eagles offense vs the Bears defense...equals start everybody but the defenses!! That means Cutler, Forte, Jeffries, Bennett, Foles, Jackson, McCoy, and Cooper are all must starts. Points should be a'plenty in this one...provided the weather plays nice Sunday night.
***Big Mike's Match Ups***
Greg Jennings: WR, Minnesota
Minnesota wr Greg Jennings torched Philly last week for 11 catches, 163 yards, and a td. With Matt Cassel under center, Jennings has flourished to the tune of 23/294/2 the past 3 weeks. With the uncertainty of the health of their rb's, look for Minnesota to throw it a ton this week against Cincinnati, giving Jennings an attractive match up this week.
Aldrick Robinson: WR, Washington
With the season over, Washington has elected to give fresh faces a look to close the season. Enter qb Kirk Cousins and wr Aldrick Robinson. Both were successful last week against Atlanta, with Robinson posting a 4/99 stat line. Robinson should certainly be able to eclipse the century mark this week against Dallas and their dead last ranked pass defense, giving up just under 300 yards per game through the air.
***Homer Alert***
If you are an owner of, and plan on starting Arizona Cardinals wr Larry Fitzgerald this week, then you...my friend...are on homer alert! Yes, Fitz went off last week, but he'll miss practice Wednesday as he undergoes the league's concussion test protocol. If he does play, he draws the worst match up in the league this week in the Seahawks and their top ranked pass defense (less than 180 yards a game). It's raining red flags in Washington for Fitzgerald owners this week.
I would like to send a shout out to the fellas that made this season a success:
"New York" Nick Johnson, Daniel "DP" Padilla, and Michael "Big Mike" Jasso. They are the engine that makes this Ferrari go, and this couldn't have been done it without y'all.
Life is a sport...so always play to win! Good luck, and see you in August!!
follow @nic_torious @D_Padilla2 @MichaelJasso @plcolter
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Fantasy Football Focus: Week 15 PLAYOFFS
What's up football family?!? Welcome to week 15 of the fantasy football season. For those of you that advanced last week...congrats. For those of you that start your playoffs this week...welcome to the party...and for those that are just dropping by...a humble thank you on behalf of the fellas. This week we're focusing on flex play options...so if you're undecided on what to do with that slot, then once again you've come to the right place! The boys are back with that playoff news you can use for week 15.
SO LET'S...GET...STARTED!!!!
Dwayne Bowe: WR, Kansas City
Bowe fell out of fantasy favor during the bye weeks, but has turned it around just in time. Last week vs Washington, Bowe put up 4/69/1, giving him three td's his last four games. It could have been more last week, but the game was too out of reach to keep throwing. Oakland, this week's opponent, has been thrown on all year...to the tune of 250 yards a game. A great opportunity for Bowe to make it four td's in his last five.
Coradelle Patterson: WR, Minnesota
Coradelle Patterson, rookie out of Tennessee, is quietly putting together a solid rookie campaign. He's also peaking at just the right time for fantasy owners. Last week vs Baltimore, Patterson put up 5/141/1. And for you leagues that score return yards...throw in another 111 for Coradelle. An all purpose threat (514 total yards and 2 td's the last four games), Patterson draws an excellent match up against Philly...and their 31st ranked pass defense...that's giving up over 285 yards a game through the air.
Delanie Walker: TE, Tennessee
For you Gronk owners, Tennessee te Delanie Walker makes for a nice playoff fill in. Walker returned to practice this week for the Titans, and is qb Ryan Fitzpatrick's favorite target. Hauling in 20/204/2 over his last four games played, Walker gets a great opportunity to continue that trend this week vs the Cardinals...who have been getting killed by te's all season long. Worst in the league in that area.
***Big Mike's Match Ups***
Toby Gerhart: RB, Minnesota
Minnesota back up rb Toby Gerhart filled in nicely for injured AP last week, rushing for 89 yards and a td...at 5.9 yards an attempt. Although he tweaked his hamstring last week, AP owners should still pick up Gerhart as insurance. If he (AP or Gerhart) does play, then he has a great match up against a Philly defense that's giving up 112 yards per game on the ground.
Steve Smith: WR, Carolina
Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith put up 6/49/1 against a tough (top 3) Saints defense that was playing in the dome. Still the focal point of the Panthers passing attack (7 or more targets in 7 of his last 10 games), Smith draws a much better match up this week as he faces the Jets...who give up 254 yards a game through the air. Look for another end zone stare down from Mr. Smith to some unsuspecting Jet's db.
***Homer Alert***
If you are an owner of, and plan on starting New York Giants wr Hakeem Nicks this week, then you...my friend...are on homer alert! His 5 catch, 135 yard performance was nice, but it had one week wonder written all over it. For starters, that was Nicks' first 100 yard game in six weeks. He also has zero td's this year. As in none........
(letting that marinate)
It's not looking good for Nicks to record his first td this week, as he faces an angry Seattle defense that just happens to be number one in the league against the pass. Furthermore, King Spatula...aka...Eli Manning is tied for the lead in interceptions thrown. Seattle leads the league in picks. It's raining red flags in Jersey this Sunday afternoon.
***A Playoff message from Big Mike***
Be sure to check the weather report Sunday morning before you make your final changes. You may want to know if your kicker will be playing in a blizzard (see Detroit and Philly). Every point counts. ~ Big Mike
Life is a sport...so always play to win! Good luck!
follow @MichaelJasso @plcolter
SO LET'S...GET...STARTED!!!!
Dwayne Bowe: WR, Kansas City
Bowe fell out of fantasy favor during the bye weeks, but has turned it around just in time. Last week vs Washington, Bowe put up 4/69/1, giving him three td's his last four games. It could have been more last week, but the game was too out of reach to keep throwing. Oakland, this week's opponent, has been thrown on all year...to the tune of 250 yards a game. A great opportunity for Bowe to make it four td's in his last five.
Coradelle Patterson: WR, Minnesota
Coradelle Patterson, rookie out of Tennessee, is quietly putting together a solid rookie campaign. He's also peaking at just the right time for fantasy owners. Last week vs Baltimore, Patterson put up 5/141/1. And for you leagues that score return yards...throw in another 111 for Coradelle. An all purpose threat (514 total yards and 2 td's the last four games), Patterson draws an excellent match up against Philly...and their 31st ranked pass defense...that's giving up over 285 yards a game through the air.
Delanie Walker: TE, Tennessee
For you Gronk owners, Tennessee te Delanie Walker makes for a nice playoff fill in. Walker returned to practice this week for the Titans, and is qb Ryan Fitzpatrick's favorite target. Hauling in 20/204/2 over his last four games played, Walker gets a great opportunity to continue that trend this week vs the Cardinals...who have been getting killed by te's all season long. Worst in the league in that area.
***Big Mike's Match Ups***
Toby Gerhart: RB, Minnesota
Minnesota back up rb Toby Gerhart filled in nicely for injured AP last week, rushing for 89 yards and a td...at 5.9 yards an attempt. Although he tweaked his hamstring last week, AP owners should still pick up Gerhart as insurance. If he (AP or Gerhart) does play, then he has a great match up against a Philly defense that's giving up 112 yards per game on the ground.
Steve Smith: WR, Carolina
Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith put up 6/49/1 against a tough (top 3) Saints defense that was playing in the dome. Still the focal point of the Panthers passing attack (7 or more targets in 7 of his last 10 games), Smith draws a much better match up this week as he faces the Jets...who give up 254 yards a game through the air. Look for another end zone stare down from Mr. Smith to some unsuspecting Jet's db.
***Homer Alert***
If you are an owner of, and plan on starting New York Giants wr Hakeem Nicks this week, then you...my friend...are on homer alert! His 5 catch, 135 yard performance was nice, but it had one week wonder written all over it. For starters, that was Nicks' first 100 yard game in six weeks. He also has zero td's this year. As in none........
(letting that marinate)
It's not looking good for Nicks to record his first td this week, as he faces an angry Seattle defense that just happens to be number one in the league against the pass. Furthermore, King Spatula...aka...Eli Manning is tied for the lead in interceptions thrown. Seattle leads the league in picks. It's raining red flags in Jersey this Sunday afternoon.
***A Playoff message from Big Mike***
Be sure to check the weather report Sunday morning before you make your final changes. You may want to know if your kicker will be playing in a blizzard (see Detroit and Philly). Every point counts. ~ Big Mike
Life is a sport...so always play to win! Good luck!
follow @MichaelJasso @plcolter
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Fantasy Football Focus: Week 14: PLAYOFFS
What's up football family?!?! Welcome to week 14 of the fantasy football season! You're probably reading this for one of two reasons this week.
1. You made your fantasy playoffs
2. You enjoy the show
In either scenario....congrats...and a humble thank you on behalf of the fellas. It's playoff time ballas and ballettes....which means you probably have a good feel for your core starting lineup. After all...they brought you this close to a championship right? What we will discuss today, and going forward, are your flex play options. If you are having match up issues, or can't decide one way or the other, then you've once again come to the right place! The boys are back with that playoff news you can use for week 14.
SO LET'S...GET...STARTED!!!
Michael Floyd: WR, Arizona
Arizona wr Michael Floyd has been playing out of his mind lately, peeking just in time for the playoffs. The last three weeks, Floyd hauled in 18 rec, 396 yards, and 2 tds. The Rams defense should do little to slow Floyd down this week, as they're giving up close to 250 yards a game through the air this year.
Julian Edelman: WR, New England
The last two weeks, New England wr Julian Edelman put up matching 9 catch, 100 plus yard performances. He also threw in 2 tds for good measure. Yes, Cleveland has a top 5 pass defense, but so did Houston...the Patriots opponent last week. All New England did was throw for nearly 400 yards. It's Tom Brady people, ride the hot hand this week.
***Big Mike's Match Ups***
Brandon LaFell: WR, Carolina
Carolina wr Brandon LaFell has a td two of the past three weeks, and has been targeted at least five times the last six weeks. Both of Lafell's recent td's were in the red zone, which is encouraging because he's traditionally known as a vertical threat. LaFell should get plenty of targets again this week in the Super Dome, where the Saints are a juggernaut on offense. Super Cam will have to throw more than run in this one...making this a good match up for LaFell this week.
Montee Ball: RB, Denver
Denver rb Montee Ball has entrenched himself as the complimentary back to Knowshon Moreno, evidenced by his 223 total yard, 2td performance over the past three weeks. Ball also has seven receptions in that span, giving him upside for ppr leagues. He should have opportunities again this week against a Tennessee defense that's givng up close to 115 yards a game on the ground.
***Going DEEP with DP***
Oakland Raiders defense:
Yes ladies and gentlemen, the Oakland Raiders defense. The best of the best are among you, and points are at a premium. Big Mike told you...it's all about the match ups. And Oakland has a great one this week against the Jets and their anemic offense. How anemic? Starting qb Geno Smith is the king spatula, turning it over 8 times with only one touchdown (rushing) the last five games. No wonder why New York is 31st in the league in scoring. So what do the Jets do this week? Yep...start Geno Smith. Get the Raiders defense in there.
Ladarius Green: TE, San Diego
For my 12 to 16 team leagues, we're about to go DEEP DEEP with San Diego te Ladarius Green. San Diego is now featuring a two te set, with Ladarius Green being the beneficiary...to the tune of over 200 yards and 2 tds the past three weeks. Green makes for a quality last minute replacement for Tennessee te Delanie Walker, who will likely be out this week with a concussion.
***Homer Alert***
If you are an owner of, and planing to start San Fransicso wr Michael Crabtree this week, then you...my friend...are on homer alert. It's great to see Crabtree back on the field, making his long awaited debut last week. And I know it's tempting to want to thrust him into your flex position this week...but please consider this. Seattle, this week's opponent, has the number one pass defense in the league...giving up less than 180 yards a game through the air. They also have one of the top corners in the league...who will likely shadow Crabtree across the field. Throw in the fact that the 49ers are 31st in the league in passing offense, averaging 180 yards a game themselves, and you have enough red flags to stay away this week.
Be sure to check out Big Mike's College Picks of the Week this week.....
Life is a sport...so always play to win! Good Luck!
follow @MichaelJasso @D_Padilla2 @plcolter
1. You made your fantasy playoffs
2. You enjoy the show
In either scenario....congrats...and a humble thank you on behalf of the fellas. It's playoff time ballas and ballettes....which means you probably have a good feel for your core starting lineup. After all...they brought you this close to a championship right? What we will discuss today, and going forward, are your flex play options. If you are having match up issues, or can't decide one way or the other, then you've once again come to the right place! The boys are back with that playoff news you can use for week 14.
SO LET'S...GET...STARTED!!!
Michael Floyd: WR, Arizona
Arizona wr Michael Floyd has been playing out of his mind lately, peeking just in time for the playoffs. The last three weeks, Floyd hauled in 18 rec, 396 yards, and 2 tds. The Rams defense should do little to slow Floyd down this week, as they're giving up close to 250 yards a game through the air this year.
Julian Edelman: WR, New England
The last two weeks, New England wr Julian Edelman put up matching 9 catch, 100 plus yard performances. He also threw in 2 tds for good measure. Yes, Cleveland has a top 5 pass defense, but so did Houston...the Patriots opponent last week. All New England did was throw for nearly 400 yards. It's Tom Brady people, ride the hot hand this week.
***Big Mike's Match Ups***
Brandon LaFell: WR, Carolina
Carolina wr Brandon LaFell has a td two of the past three weeks, and has been targeted at least five times the last six weeks. Both of Lafell's recent td's were in the red zone, which is encouraging because he's traditionally known as a vertical threat. LaFell should get plenty of targets again this week in the Super Dome, where the Saints are a juggernaut on offense. Super Cam will have to throw more than run in this one...making this a good match up for LaFell this week.
Montee Ball: RB, Denver
Denver rb Montee Ball has entrenched himself as the complimentary back to Knowshon Moreno, evidenced by his 223 total yard, 2td performance over the past three weeks. Ball also has seven receptions in that span, giving him upside for ppr leagues. He should have opportunities again this week against a Tennessee defense that's givng up close to 115 yards a game on the ground.
***Going DEEP with DP***
Oakland Raiders defense:
Yes ladies and gentlemen, the Oakland Raiders defense. The best of the best are among you, and points are at a premium. Big Mike told you...it's all about the match ups. And Oakland has a great one this week against the Jets and their anemic offense. How anemic? Starting qb Geno Smith is the king spatula, turning it over 8 times with only one touchdown (rushing) the last five games. No wonder why New York is 31st in the league in scoring. So what do the Jets do this week? Yep...start Geno Smith. Get the Raiders defense in there.
Ladarius Green: TE, San Diego
For my 12 to 16 team leagues, we're about to go DEEP DEEP with San Diego te Ladarius Green. San Diego is now featuring a two te set, with Ladarius Green being the beneficiary...to the tune of over 200 yards and 2 tds the past three weeks. Green makes for a quality last minute replacement for Tennessee te Delanie Walker, who will likely be out this week with a concussion.
***Homer Alert***
If you are an owner of, and planing to start San Fransicso wr Michael Crabtree this week, then you...my friend...are on homer alert. It's great to see Crabtree back on the field, making his long awaited debut last week. And I know it's tempting to want to thrust him into your flex position this week...but please consider this. Seattle, this week's opponent, has the number one pass defense in the league...giving up less than 180 yards a game through the air. They also have one of the top corners in the league...who will likely shadow Crabtree across the field. Throw in the fact that the 49ers are 31st in the league in passing offense, averaging 180 yards a game themselves, and you have enough red flags to stay away this week.
Be sure to check out Big Mike's College Picks of the Week this week.....
Life is a sport...so always play to win! Good Luck!
follow @MichaelJasso @D_Padilla2 @plcolter
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