Finally...Titans football is back!! Well...kinda, but football is football...preseason or not. Even the most die hard fans have trouble watching an entire exhibition game, including myself. If you do plan on watching our beloved team get ready for the 2012 season, here are some things to keep an eye on.
Jake Locker: Yes, the battle for the starting qb position between Hasselbeck and Locker officially starts tonight. Conventional wisdom says the conservative Titans would rather Hasselbeck win the job to start, due to the "tough" schedule to start the year. And if we struggle out of the gate, the keys would be handed to Locker for good. But what if Locker plays lights out this preseason and earns the job? Uh-oh...what does coach Munchak do then? If Locker starts, then he has to start...forever. You can't bring in Hasselbeck if Locker struggles out of the gate, because if you do there will be a full blown qb controversy on your hands. Anyone remember Vince Young and Kerry Collins? In contrast, Steve McNair was never benched for Billy Volek...no matter how bad he played. That worked out pretty well for us.
The Big Uglies: The offensive and defensive lines respectively were the main reason the Titans did not make the playoffs last year. We were also the only team with a winning record last year that did not make the playoffs. So it's reasonable to assume that any improvement from these two units should have us in the race in December. On the offensive side, keep a close eye on center Fernando Velasco. He's taking over for veteran Eugene Amano, who is out for the season with a triceps injury. It may not matter who's the starting qb if Velasco is not up to the challenge. Newly acquired guard Steve Hutchinson looks to help the Titans run game....a run game that struggled mightily last year. Hutchinson was the pro bowl cog in Shaun Alexander and Adrian Peterson's monster seasons.
On the defensive side, keep an eye on rookie third round pick Mike Martin out of Michigan. I watched every one of his collegiate starts, and the Titans got a steal. He has a non stop motor, great leverage (former wrestling star), and he is the fiercest of competitors. For a defensive line that finished second to last in sacks last year, don't be surprised if Martin snags a week one start from one of the incumbent defensive tackles. And Derrick Morgan...it's put up or shut up time for you bruh.
Wide Receivers: This unit is an absolute mystery. The only thing we know about Kenny Britt is that we don't know. Nate Washington is solid, but if he's your number one, then you're lacking talent. Can rookie first rounder Kendall Wright make an impact? He'll most certainly have to...there aren't many other options. Tight end Jared Cook looked great to close the season. Will this be the year he finally lives up to his lofty potential?
I'm ready for some football. Go Titans! follow @plcolter
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