Titans Camp: 5 players on the hot seat

Whenever there is turn over at the executive level of a company, two things are sure to follow......

1. There is usually a shake up at the management level as well. Most high level executives are where they are today because they have a team of trusted confidants (managers) that deliver for them. Those managers are usually brought on board.

2. A season of what I call "transitional fear" ensues. New management means new expectations, so the favor you accrued with the previous regime is now thrown out the window. There are no more comfort zones. Everyone is starting from scratch.

Welcome to the 2014-15 Tennessee Titans.

There is a new owner in town. An owner that brought in a whole new coaching staff. Players that gained favor under the previous regime have been booted from their comfort zone. They have to learn a new playbook, just like the rookies. They're going to have to fight, and scrap, and claw their way up the depth chart.....just like the rookies.

Every player will be stepping into a pressure cooker when they take the field for the first time today, but these five Titans better bring their A game.

They're on the hot seat...and they know it.

QB Jake Locker: 

Let's knock out the obvious. The gauntlet was thrown down when Tennessee elected not to exercise a one year option on Locker for next year. A make or break season is a gross understatement. Jake knows it. 

This his credit, Locker was playing the beast ball of his career prior to his week 4 injury against the Jets last season. He had 6 tds, 0 turnovers, and a 90 plus yard game winning drive under his belt. Tennessee sprinted out of the gate 3-1. The Titans need Locker to play that way in order to have any chance at a successful season this year, and he needs it to have any shot of being a Titan next year.

RB: Shonn Greene:

Brought in last year to be the smash to CJ's dash, Greene disappointed, only carrying the ball 77 times all season. He also averaged less than four yards a carry. Tennessee drafted Bishop Sankey, and brought in Dexter McCluster. Both figure to have prominent roles in the offense. Green missed mini camps while recovering from an injury, so he's actually behind the newbies heading into camp. Shonn Green, I hope you packed your A game, your lofty salary definitely puts you on the hot seat.

WR Justin Hunter:

Hunter is on the hot seat for a different reason. The Titans have no plans to release the second year wide receiver from the University of Tennessee, they just need him to take his game to the next level.

On the eve of training camp, head coach Ken Whisenhunt spoke openly about Hunter's frustrating mix of raw talent and inconsistency. His first two professional catches were touchdowns. His first was a game winner. Hunter's ability to stretch the field (19.7 yds per rec) makes him an important component to an offense with mostly possession receivers. His ability to jump out of the stadium makes him a dangerous red zone target as well.

If he can keep his head on straight.

Far too many times last season Hunter was ineffective, mostly because of mental errors. We'll chalk that up to rookie woes. This year he will be given no pass, so he'll have to catch more of them. Wide receivers behind him on the depth chart are looking to do what he did last year, but better. Mr. Hunter, you are on the hot seat sir.

OT Michael Oher:

After signing a 4 yr 20 million dollar contract to become the Titans right tackle, Michael Oher watched Tennessee select offensive tackle Taylor Lewan with the 11th overall pick. Lewnan played left tackle at Michigan, but the Titans are set there with Michael Roos, their best offensive lineman.

Lewan is young, strong, and downright nasty. A prototypical Big Ten tackle. He's the left tackle of the future (Roos is in the final year of his deal). If he dominates in training camp, the Titans would be hard pressed to keep Lewan off the field. Michael Oher, you better bring your A game, or you could be the highest paid back up tackle in the league this year.

DE Derrick Morgan:

Morgan, who is also playing in the final year of his contract, was the biggest benefactor of the previous regime's favor. Year after year he would underwhelm, and year after year he'd be at the top of the depth chart. His 6 sack, 1 forced fumble performance from a year ago just wont cut it this year. Tennessee is transitioning to a 3-4 defense, which is designed for defensive ends to make plays. Morgan better show something in camp, because he is definitely on the hot seat.

Let the camp battles begin!

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Titans training camp: 5 new faces

The 2014-15 NFL season is officially underway, and residents in the Music City are eager to finally get a glimpse of their new look Tennessee Titans. The Bud Adams (RIP), Jeff Fisher, Mike Munchak  era is over after a 15 year run in Nashville.

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. 

NFL: Last year's worst, this year's playoff birth?

NFL training camps, and the 2014 regular season, are set to fully get underway this week. There is true optimism in the air for every team. And why not? The NFL is synonymous with producing fresh faces each year in the playoffs. In fact, a recent trend has been gaining steam.

The rise of the last place team.

In 2011, Cincinnati and Denver qualified for the playoffs after finishing last in their respective divisions in 2010. Indianapolis, Minnesota, and Washington pulled off the feat in 2012. And last season, Philadelphia and Kansas City kept the trend going.  

If you are a fan of an NFL team that finished last in their division in 2013, then have no fear. History suggests that at least one of you fan bases will have a magical turnaround season, culminating in a seat at the big table...and a chance for a spot in this year's Super Bowl.

Of course, all 8 teams from a year ago are in play, but these four fan bases should be particularly encouraged....

The Atlanta Falcons: 

Dirty Bird fans suffered through their first losing season in a while. Injuries to their primary weapons were largely to blame. Wide receiver Julio Jones was lost for the year with a foot injury. His "Robin"...wide receiver Roddy White fought through his injuries for the most part, but was not the same player. And running back Steven Jackson, who was supposed to be the bell cow, was rendered helpless with a nagging season long hamstring injury. 

Quarterback Matt Ryan should have his horses back, and at full strength when the season starts. A healthy Jones and White are arguably the best tandem in the league. That in itself will help a defense that was on the field entirely too long last year. Their NFC schedule is favorable, having somehow avoided the Eagles, 49ers, and Seahawks this year. 

The Houston Texans

Let me paint a scary picture for you. Not only did Houston lose 14 straight games last year. Wait...how do you lose.....????

Let me digress:

Their victories in week one and two came on the game's final play. That could have very well been a goose egg.

So why should Texans fans be encouraged?

Well for starters....it can't possibly get any worse. Like the Falcons, Houston was also devastated by the injury bug. Their best weapon, running back Arian Foster, missed considerable time with a season ending injury. They have a new coach, a move that was long overdue, and they add Jadeveon Clowney to the league's third best pass defense. Throw in the fact that the AFC South is bad, and the Texans could very well bounce back and steal a wild card birth.

The Oakland Raiders:

I have to admit, New York Nick Johnson put me up on this one. And he makes a good case. Oakland came in last, but they were not one of the worst teams in the AFC. Denver, KC, and San Diego all played well last year. 

The Rhhhhaaaaidas added quality veteran leadership on both sides of the ball via free agency. Charles Woodson is a Hall of Famer, and a champion. He also has about a quarter of a tank of gas left, which should push him through another year. Running back Maurice Jones Drew was a disappointment in Jacksonville last year, but he was injured through most of the season. He still has prime years left, and playing with better talent in a new location might revive his career.

Oakland also hit in the draft, selecting LB Khalil Mack and QB Derek Carr with their first two picks. Their schedule doesn't get tough until November, and one of their games with Denver is in week 17. Peyton Manning and Company may be sitting that one out. Worth considering if the wild card race is tight. 

Oh, and for the record...Nick predicted the Chiefs last year. Good job man.

The Washington Redskins:

What a roller coaster ride for Washington fans. From worst to first (2011-12), to first to worst (2012-13). I'm catching a ride on the pendulum. Last season was the disaster in DC. When we all caught wind that RGIII would start week one....after not taking a snap the entire preseason...after a major surgery on his knee less than a year prior...we all saw that result coming.

The entire franchise reeked of dysfunction. The receivers were throwing the qb under the bus, the qb was throwing the coach under the bus, and the coach said to hell with it....he knew he was fired so threw the whole season under the bus.

That regime has been cleaned out, and RGIII gets a much needed fresh start. He get's the benefit of a full off season, and full preseason. He also gets a weapon in wide receiver Desean Jackson. Like RGIII, Jackson has something to prove after being released by Philly. With Pierre Garcon, Washington has a much better passing unit to pair with their 5th ranked rushing unit. And let's not act like the NFC East is the SEC West, anyone can win that division....any season.

For the teams that didn't make the playoffs, but didn't come in last...my advise.....either get better at winning, or get better at losing.

Tiger Woods and Mike Tyson: eerily semilar

Tiger Woods is back!

Wait, what does that actually mean now? Yes, Tiger is back in action after undergoing surgery in March...but this Tiger bears no resemblance to the golfer that put on those smedium red Nike polo's on Championship Sundays. The golfer that trotted behind his putt shot...pointing at the ball as if to say....

"See what happens to you if you don't go in that hole".

The golfer that showed his emotions, that swore, that completely psyched out his opponents before he ever took a swing. The ultra confident and competitive golfer that dominated the sport, both on and off the green. It wasn't a matter of if, but when he would become the all time leader in majors victories.

You know, the one from all those video games. The one with no wholes in his game, or persona.

Where's that golfer?

The Tiger we've seen lately, even when healthy, strikes fear in no one. There's no yelling, there's no swearing. There's no swag. And most importantly, there are no more victories. In fact, Tiger had his worst finish at a majors tournament today. And he didn't even qualify for the last tournament, and that was a tourney that he personally hosted.

How could a player that was so dominant, so clearly superior to his peers, just lose it like that? Is it as simple to think that his "off the course" demise directly affected his "on the course" play?

Ask Mike Tyson and he might say yes.

In the mid 80's, a young unknown boxer invaded the heavyweight division. In those days, boxers had entrance songs, and wore those colorful "Rick Flair" like robes to the ring a la professional wrestling.

But not this young boxer.

No robe, no music, no fanfare. Just a cut up white towel draped over his shoulders and black shorts. Young Mike Tyson was all business, and his opponents knew it. I remember enjoying the referee's instructions during Tyson's bouts. The look in his eyes when the boxers came together suggested that pain was on the menu. The look in his opponent's eyes suggested they might just high tail it out of there.

But Tyson rarely gave them enough time to.

He quickly disposed of his opponents with Terminator like precision. Not only did Tyson become the youngest heavyweight champion in the world, he created a public persona that he was in fact a Terminator, a machine if you will. A man with no holes in his game, or persona.

Then it started crumbling.

First it was a highly publicized, and messy divorce to actress Robin Givens. Then came the highly publicized, and messy divorce with the training crew that helped him reach superstar status. Then his highly publicized, and messy fight with promoter Don King.

"Hey wait a minute, he's no machine. He's human just like the rest of us".

So it's no coincidence that Tyson's first loss as a professional (title loss to Buster Douglas in 1990) occurred right when his personal life was spiraling out of control....on national television...for the whole world to see. By the time his legal problems were behind him, folks were lining up to get a shot at Tyson. And they were beating him, too.

A career with so much promise, a career that had a potential to be best of all time status, came to a screeching halt. Out of the ring issues, which led to a shattered public image, played a huge part.

Which brings me back to Woods.

Let's be honest, Tiger Woods was on top of his game prior to the release of the salacious details regarding his personal life. The fact that he had no "holes" in his persona made the story massive. Not Tiger Woods...THE Tiger Woods?

You can imagine his post divorce tournaments. Opponents were now whispering among themselves..."Man he ain't so tough after all. He's human just like us."

Before we quickly dismiss this notion let's check his pre - post scandal tournament record. It's hard to overlook. It's not like he forgot how to play. Neither did Tyson.

But to his credit, he was able to make a nice career for himself post boxing, even though he never vindicated himself in the ring. It was largely because of his openness to becoming a caricature of himself. His ability to laugh at his mistakes, and the consequences of them, allowed us to laugh along with him. He seems ok with not becoming the best of all time now.

Tiger, on the other hand, has a ways to go before his career is said and done. But if he doesn't start winning soon, he may want to start working on some celebrity roast jokes of his own.

Steve McNair: Lasting legacy

The 4th of July is a time for family and friends to gather and celebrate their independence. It's a time to reflect on all of the brave people who paid the ultimate price to ensure it. In Mississippi and Tennessee, it's also a day to reflect on the tragic passing of a fallen hero...Steve "Air" McNair.

The definition of a Titan: one that is gigantic in size or power. One that stands out for greatness or achievement. 

Yep, that was our quarterback. That was Steve McNair.

If you bring his name up to the casual fan today, two incidents would vaguely come to mind. Coming up a yard short from tying Super Bowl XXXIV on the game's final play, and the salacious circumstances that lead to his death. 

But there was so much more to McNair. His legacy is one that we can all apply to our every day lives.

Imagine the leader of your company being tough as nails with the thick skin of a grizzly bear. They're the first one there and the last to leave. They're unflappable, with a demeanor so even keeled that if the company was on fire you'd never even smell the smoke. They stand out front when a fall guy is needed, and deflect the praise unto you when it's heaped upon them. Oh, and they're clutch...delivering on their promises far more times than not. You'd probably run through a wall for a leader like right?

McNair's teammates ran through walls (opponents) for him too....an ultimate Titan...and his band of believers. 

His road to the Super Bowl was filled with potholes, flat tires, and engine breakdowns. He quietly believed in himself (key word being quietly), and went about the business of improving his overall game every week...every practice.

Perseverance.

When McNair finally got his shot, he handled it with class. After every Titans loss, no matter how well he played, McNair would simply say..."I need to play better" at his post game press conference. After one of his many Herculean late game heroic efforts, he would simply say...."The wide receivers were great today. The line have me time to find them, and the defense put us in some great situations today."

Humility.

I remember watching the games with my family. When the Titans got the ball with a chance to win my big brother would leap to his feet, march toward the TV, and chant..."Take us there...McNair." With every third down conversion, every scramble, the chant would get louder..."TAKE US THERE...McNAIR". By the time the Titans were in the red zone the whole house was yelling it. Time after time McNair would...literally...putting the entire city on his shoulder pads and leading us to victory.

That clutch gene....aka...self confidence.

All of the attributes that lead to winning. In football...relationships...life period. Was he a perfect man? No. But you are also reading the words of an imperfect man...

So we'll respectfully digress.

What made Steve McNair so endearing to his home town supporters in Mississippi, and his new home town supporters in Tennessee, was the fact that he went out of his way to denounce his super hero status. He would say to the kids..."I'm no different than you. If you believe in yourself, and put in the work, you can play in the NFL (pursue your drams) just like I did. And it was no act. It's who he truly was.

As we enjoy the festivities of today, lets honor the memory of McNair by being a leader...of some sort in our own lives. McNair has proved that may people will benefit from the sacrifice.

Starting qb for the Titans for 9 seasons. Super Bowl run in 1999. Untimely death in 2009.

Rest in peace....#9.

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Jimmy Graham's historic deal: more than a contract

The New Orleans Saints and their prized offensive weapon Jimmy Graham settled their differences and agreed to a historic four year deal today. A win for both sides. Graham is now the highest paid tight end in the history of the NFL. And the New Orleans Saints?

Well....they get Graham.

Let's be honest, without his services, the Saints have virtually no shot to beat the Seahawks or 49ers this year. At least not when it counts. Graham knew it, and so did the Saints. So why was this not a slam dunk?

You guessed it....money. But as negotiations became more contentious..and the resolution drew near...a third winner emerged.

Unable to reach a long term deal this spring, the Saints were exploring the option of placing the franchise tag on Graham. To the casual fan, Graham would have played under a guaranteed one year contract while being paid the average of the top five salaries at his position.

Key word being position.

Graham, a tight end by definition, would have earned  a one year salary of  just over 7 million dollars. His argument to the Saints?

"Hey wait a minute...y'all don't use me like a tight end, y'all use me like a wide receiver."

The franchise tag salary for a wide receiver is just over 12 million dollars.

So it's hard to blame Graham for going to arbitration to fight for his 5 million dollars. After all, he had the numbers to back it up. Over the past three years, Graham has an NFL leading 36 touchdown receptions. More than Calvin Johnson...more than Dez Bryant.

Both considered elite receivers.

The arbitrator ruled in the Saints favor, but they ultimately did the right thing by signing Graham to his well deserved long term deal today. While Graham was fighting for 5 million dollars, he possibly saved the tight end position as we know it.

Ah yes, our third winner.

Had Graham caved and allowed himself to be low balled. Had he not attempted to challenge the system, who knows if he would have gotten the deal he got today? More importantly, who knows if anyone of his skill set would want to play tight end after that? Why not just play another, more lucrative position?

It's happening to the running back position now. The role of an rb has been diminished, and so has it's value....and pay. Look at this year's draft, no running back was drafted in the first round. Look at free agency, running backs were the last position signed for the most part.

And it's not going unnoticed.

If a player in high school is a good running back, and a good cornerback, he may be inclined to play defense in college. After all, it's now a passing league on all levels. Cornerbacks have more value, and value equals money.

Which brings me back to Graham, and his stance.

He ultimately got the deal he wanted. A fair market deal for a unique player of his caliber. He put a spotlight on the tight end position, and how it can be used in revolutionary ways. High school and college players in his mold have hope. Like the mobile qb, don't be surprised if you see a run of hybrid tight ends popping up all over the place now.

The market has been set. If you can deliver insane numbers at the tight end/slot/receiver position, then you can still get your money.

And they have Jimmy Graham to thank.

Talkin Sports with Mike & P L 7-19-14

The Grizzlies Big Market off season

LeBron James has officially made his decision. And free agency...which has been held hostage by said James the past two weeks...has officially resumed. With most of the big puzzle pieces in place, we can get a better picture of what the 2014-15 NBA rosters will look like.

Folks down in Bluff City, Tennessee are liking what they see.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are the obvious off season winners, and one could argue that the Grizzlies were...quietly... second best in that regard. Memphis was able to add depth at positions, while addressing needs at other positions....all while staying true to their Grit & Grind philosophy.

Most importantly, Memphis put themselves in a position to obtain their ultimate goal this year.

For starters, the Grizzlies were able to retain the services of their best player, and face of the franchise Zach Randolph. A move that made sense on and off the court. On the court, you return a top ten power forward to your lineup. A player that's still capable of getting you 20/10 for the next couple of years. Off the court, it's endearing to the community...and sends a message that Memphis is a worthy destination.

Hard to make that sales pitch if your best players are always bolting.

From a financial perspective, Randolph's team friendly 2 year 20 million dollar extension won't leave Memphis cash strapped going forward.

In the draft, Memphis was able to add depth, while filling a need. First round pick Jordan Adams, a shooting guard from UCLA, gives the Grizzlies a much needed swing man that can shoot the 3. Memphis ranked dead last in 3 pointers attempted and made last year.

But it was another stat that made Adams leap off the page....

He led the Pac- 12 in steals per game. The Grizzlies pride themselves on great defense, finishing no lower than 4th in the league in steals three of the past four years. Tops in the league in 2010, and 2011..........

..................... sorry, I was just imagining a point guard trying to dribble through a Jordan Adams / Tony Allen half court trap......

OK, moving on.

In the second round the Grizzlies selected Memphis native Jarnell Stokes, who grew up a big fan of the team...and it's style of play. Stokes took that Grit & Grind mentality to the University of Tennessee, where he was one of only three players to average a double double in division I conference play last year. He also became the school's all time leader in offensive rebounds.

And he played just over two years.

A Memphian indeed, the Grizzlies were the third best offensive rebounding team in the league last year. Stokes will be the prototypical Z-Bo protege, hopefully playing well enough to bring Randolph's minutes down over the course of the season.

Sealing the deal on an already successful run so far, the Grizzlies replaced departing sharp shooter Mike Miller with Vince Carter...who just signed a three year free agent deal.

First of all, kudos to owner Robert Pera for not allowing Miller to "decision" them while he figured out if he could reunite with LeBron. Acting swiftly on Carter was a wise move.

Although he's no longer half man half amazing, Carter brings a skill set to the table the Grizzlies sorely missed in last year's playoffs.....a clutch three point shooter off the bench that can create his own shot. That's where Carter is an upgrade over Miller, he can still put the ball on the floor and create if he's run off the three point line.

Vinsanity led the league in three pointers made from a bench player the last two years, with over 300. We also know that he's not afraid to take, and make the last shot.

Ain't that right Manu Ginobli?

All in all, a great off season for a small market team like Memphis. Not only do they keep themselves Western Conference competitive after posting consecutive 50 plus win seasons, but they also keep themselves in play for the ultimate prize.

Marc Gasol.

The best center in the NBA will be the crown jewel of next year's free agent class. He has a rare ability to make bruit force play look graceful. He can bang in the paint, rebound, shoot the floater, hit his free throws, pass like a guard, and defend like a center.

Although Memphis cannot officially start negotiations with Gasol until December, they have certainly given him every reason to stay. If the Grizzlies want to compete with the big boys, then they have to do what the big boys do.

So far so good, Mr. Pera.

How can you not be happy for Cleveland?

Cleveland wins!

Wow, what an eight week ride for a city that has always been synonymous with losing. A city where black cats roam the fields and arenas. A city that has not only gone 50 years without winning a title of any sort, but has also endured more than it's share of gut wrenching sports disappointments.

Old school sports fans remember the 80's Marty Schottenheimer led Cleveland Browns. Not once, but twice did they lose in dramatic fashion in back to back AFC championship games. First was John Elway's 98 yard masterpiece (the drive) in 1987. Not to be outdone, and with a minute left in regulation, Ernest Byner fumbled away the game tying touchdown as he drove toward the end zone in 1988.  

Seven years later the owner moved the team to Baltimore. Moved the team? The Cleveland Browns ARE the NFL, and so are their fans. Everyone knows who you are talking about when you mention the dog pound. 

As a born and raised Nashvillian,  I would be devastated if the Titans relocated. And we've had them for less than 20 years. I now live in Dallas, and as much as they complain about Romo, the city would be on suicide alert if the Cowboys moved to Los Angeles. 

But I digress.

The minute they touched down in Baltimore, the (now) Ravens draft Johnathan Ogden and Ray Lewis. Two Hall of Famers. Two Super Bowl victories.

Wow.

An empathetic pat on the back....followed by...."damn that's messed up"...is all a non Browns fan can muster as consolation. 

And it's not like the basketball gods have been any nicer.

Who can forget Michael Jordan's series clinching free throw line pull up jumper over Cleveland's Craig Ehlo in the 1989 NBA playoffs. The Bulls went on to own the 90's. The Cavaliers, who were a young and upcoming team at the time, faded into oblivion as the millennium came to a close.  

In 2003, Cleveland struck gold, drafting the best high school player that most of us have ever seen in LeBron James. Like the Browns, LeBron left the city high and dry. And like the Ravens, he has two rings to show for it.

"Damn that's messed up"...says the non Cleveland fan.

But if the past eight weeks are any indication, it seems as if Cleveland is finally starting to catch some breaks.

It started in May. Johnny Manziel fell to the bottom of the first round where Cleveland was able to snatch him up...after initially passing on him with their earlier first round pick. A Heisman trophy winner, Manziel has the intangibles to be a great player. Don't know if he will, but at least there's hope.

Shortly after, the NBA basketball gods pulled Cleveland's ping pong ball last in this year's draft. Andrew Wiggins was the prize. Now let's rewind to this time last year. Wiggins was widely considered the best high school player to come along since you know who, and was universally destined to be a star. Yea, that Andrew Wiggins. Even if the Cavaliers trade him (as rumored to Minnesota for Kevin Love), Cleveland still gets in return an All Star power forward.

That in itself is a nice run.

Then came today's news that the most polarizing athlete in the world is coming home...with a message of..."I missed you...and I'm coming home to finish what we started."

A win for the rejected.

If this were a movie you'd be all teary eyed by now. How can you not be happy for Cleveland? 

Titans should embrace pre season power ranking

Ah yes...it's almost here. You know the new NFL season is rapidly approaching when the annual pre season power rankings are released. Pro Football Talk, a credible source, just released it's rankings....and Tennesseans had to run their pointer finger way down the list before they landed on their beloved Titans.

30th to be exact. And for the casual fan, there are only 32 teams in the league. 

Ouch.

Naturally, Titans fans flooded local sports talk radio stations today to voice their displeasure. After all, Tennessee hasn't had a top 5 pick in almost a decade. And sure, you won't mistake the Titans for the Patriots, but they certainly aren't NFL vulture food either. 30th is way too low right?

Wrong.

We have to remember, this a pre season ranking...for the 2014-15 season only. And coming into this season, the Titans have more question marks than the Riddler. 

For starters, there has been a complete overhaul on the coaching staff. Tennessee will not only have to learn a new offense (again), but they are also changing from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense. Yes, there has been a huge upgrade at the coaching position....on both sides of the ball. But that's not a tangible change to voters, that doesn't  necessarily reap instant rewards. 

Not quite the same as replacing Tim Tebow with Peyton Manning. 

New head coach Ken Whisenhunt will be given time to place his stamp on this team. But at this point, we really have no clue how...or it if will all come together this season.

Nate Washington, Kendall Wright, Delanie Walker, Bishop Sankey, Justin Hunter.......

Who are they?

They are the key skill position players for the Titans offense this year. Aside from locals, and fantasy football junkies, no one has ever heard of any of these names.

The Titans most recognizable face the past few years is now toting the rock in New York. Say what you want about CJ, but his name alone would've bumped us up to at least....28. And I'm not taking shots at Johnson, I'm just pointing out the fact that the starting offense is a question mark as well. Yes, the players are all talented and capable of getting it done on Sundays. But it's the unknown. 

And it's a pre season ranking.

On defense, their best and most recognizable player (pro bowl cb Alturan Verner) bolted this off season via free agency. Which leaves the defensive unit in the same conundrum as the offense...a group of "no name" but talented players adjusting to an entirely new scheme. We have no frame of reference on whether or not a star is on that side of the ball.

Last but not least, the qb position. There is an injury prone starter returning from season ending injury, and a free agent back up that hasn't played a meaningful down in....in.....

While we wait.

Third on the depth chart is a rookie sixth round pick...not exactly reassuring when your back up played in half the games last year. 

People who closely follow the Titans know that we were grossly out coached last year. Something that should not happen with this new regime. We know we're going to improve...over time. We just don't know if it will be right away.

30th isn't disrespectful. It's the harsh perspective from an outsider looking in. But it's also an opportunity for Tennessee to play with no pressure, no expectations. Make no mistake about it, there is a rebuilding project going on in Nashville this fall. We're going to have to prove we're better than the third worse team in the league....on the field. And we will...just give it time. 

Plus...it's just a pre season ranking.

LeBron James: this decision far more important

And.....we wait. The NBA free agency period officially began on July 1st, but let's be honest, it doesn't really start until LeBron James makes his decision. The league's balance of power is once again in LeBron's pre game powder filled palms.

And for good reason.

Prior to James' arrival in Cleveland in 2003, the Cavs were an NBA wasteland. Overnight, they became the darlings of the ABC game of the week. They also routinely won division titles and made the playoffs. Prior to James' arrival in Miami in 2010, the Heat were a "where are they now" franchise. Now, they could potentially go to five straight NBA Finals. Oh, and they both made money. Lots and lots of money.

So it's easy to see why fans, mostly in Miami and Cleveland, are sitting on pins and needles until LeBron breaks his silence. A player of his caliber could change the fortune of your team for years to come. NBA owners are even more interested in LeBron's decision.

And it has nothing to do with on the court fortunes.

The Big 3's decision in 2010 was the perfect ammunition the owners needed to lock the players out the following summer. The owners wanted a bigger piece of the annual revenue pie, and a harsher luxury tax for exceeding the salary cap. It's message was framed under the "competitive balance" mantra, but it was really an attempt to bring spending down around the league....at the player's expense.

Which brings us back to LeBron, and his "post lock out" decision.

As the best player in the world, and the face and voice of the league, it's imperative that James understands the impact his decision will have on not just future free agents, but the next collective bargaining agreement as well. There's a lot more at stake than who wins next year's title this time.

If James, let's say, decides to take a massive pay cut to team up with other stars...who also take massive pay cuts,...then score a huge win for the owners. That's what the lock out was intended for....for the cost cutting to come at the expense of the players.

Players who already negotiated to give away 6% of their revenue to continue playing.

For high profile players with tremendous earning opportunities off the court, it's easy to shave four, five million dollars off your annual salary. For the hundreds of other players, that's not so easy to ask. Plus their capacity to seek max deals would be hindered over time. Not to mention the fact that it would totally cripple any leverage the players union would have when time to negotiate a new deal.

If James, let's say, makes good on his demands to only accept a max deal for his services, while putting the pressure on the owner to pony up on the luxury tax to acquire the necessary pieces, then score a huge victory for the players union.

In 2010, the Big 3 basically did Miami a solid. LeBron, in his thirst for a title, gave up money for the ring, And it worked. But last season the Heat fired the first shot, letting veteran Mike Miller go in a cost cutting move. His services were sorely missed in the Finals.

Lebron must have been thinking..."so I'm giving up money and you're (Miami) not?"

James isn't ignorant to the fact that a franchise that only has one division title in it's history sold for 2 billion dollars this year. He also knows that a new TV deal is on the horizon, so the money is there. Most importantly, LeBron knows there is an owner out there thirsty enough to meet his demands...to pay the necessary tax for everyone to get their money. That is...if that owner wants to "win".

Lebron can send a statement, he can tell the NBA owners that a title will cost you this time. He's the only player in the league powerful enough to do it.

Regardless of his decision, his new destination, I hope LeBron remembers that the guy on the end of the bench was locked out too.

Talkin Sports with Mike & P L 7-1-14