To the casual fan, the Titans have only been in Nashville for 15 years.
So you can understand why there is an equal mix of excitement and anxiety in the air. It's all they've known. Titans fans literally have no clue what to expect on either side of the ball this year. Everything is new. New coaches, new players, even a new menu at the LP Field concession stands.
With the NBA Finals, World Cup, and LeBron's decision dominating the sports landscape this summer, we haven't had a chance to catch our breath, let alone keep up with NFL mini camps. But no worries, we'll narrow our focus to the five new Titans faces you should pay close attention to this preseason.
Ken Whisenhunt:
It all starts and ends here folks, the head coach. While Titans fans have no clue what the offense will look like on the field, Whisenhunt has proven over his various NFL stops that it won't look anything like the ground and pound episode that played every Sunday...every season...for 15 straight years.
Fifteen straight years.........let that sink in for a second.........
But I digress.
I'm also interested in seeing Whisenhunt's temperament when live bullets start flying. The previous regimes were uniform in their post game comments....you know...the "we're one play away" message......even when Tennessee lost by three touchdowns.
I wonder if Whisenhunt will hold players accountable, demand excellence, say we stink if we stink. One thing's for sure, his offenses are usually pretty good over time. What can he do with the Titans young weapons?
Bishop Sankey:
Speaking of young weapons, all eyes should be on rookie running back Bishop Sankey this training camp. With the departure of CJ, who rushed for over 1,000 yards each of his six seasons, Sankey will be asked to fill some speedy shoes. Although he's not a burner like Johnson, Sankey has shown to have a nose for the end zone, racking up 36 tds his last two years at Washington.
Dexter McCluster:
Acquired via free agency, Dexter McCluster will be the Titans version of a Swiss Army knife on offense. A running back in college, McCluster was forced to be a receiver / return man in Kansas City. I mean, he's talented, but I'm not starting him over Jamaal Charles either.
OK, back to the Titans.
Don't be surprised if McCluster sees more action at running back in Tennessee. He took a ton of reps at rb in mini camps due to the absence of Sankey (college obligations), and Shonn Greene (injury). McCluster even hinted recently that he will see more time at rb this year. With an offensive mind like Whisenhunt, that is very encouraging.
Taylor Lewan:
Rookie offensive tackle Taylor Lewan signed his deal today, and just in time. The Titans are not only looking for Lewan to finally put on the pads, they're also hoping to ignite some 2008 magic.
In 2008, Tennessee selected Chris Johnson in the first round, adding him to an already crowded backfield. National pundits bashed the pick, highlighting other more glaring needs. CJ turned out to be OK. Lewan was also drafted in the first round, and added to a crowded position.
If you never saw him in college, you're in for a treat. Lewan plays with a nasty edge. He's not looking to be the tackle of the future, he's going to push the incumbent starers right away. The competition should add quality depth to an already talented offensive line.
Zach Mettenburger:
If Titans fans had their way, then they wouldn't hear a peep from the rookie qb from LSU all season long. No knock against Zach, but that would mean starting qb Jake Locker played the entire season (stop laughing)...and played well. Currently listed third on the depth chart, Mettenburger will get plenty of garbage time preseason action. Keep a close eye on his maturation, you could be looking at your starting qb for 2015-16 season.
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