Titans fans and followers, the preseason is officially in the books, and we can finally look forward to games that actually count. The 53 man roster is 98% set, and all eyes are on the hated Pittsburgh Steelers. Prior to the start of camp, we profiled several positions. Today, we revisit those positions to see if we've found out anything new about this year's "new look" Titans.
Quarterback: Coming into camp, the biggest question concerning the Titans was the evolution of starting qb Jake Locker. There were questions about his accuracy and playing style. The Titans were also hampered by Locker's turnovers and inefficiency on third down last year.
This preseason Locker has improved dramatically in two of those categories....accuracy and turnovers. Locker completed 67% of his passes this preseason , that's over 10 percentage points higher than his career average. Locker also did not throw a pick all preseason. On the flip side, Locker only threw one td as well, and often checked the ball down (threw to a closer receiver) instead of stretching the defense. That completion percentage could be padded.
At the very least, there is optimism that Locker has improved to the point that he will not cost Tennessee games like he did in the past. Free agent signee Ryan Fitzpatrick proved to be an upgrade over last year's backup Matt Hasselbeck.
Running Backs: Any questions on whether Chris Johnson and newly acquired Shonn Greene could coexist were put to bed early...and often this preseason. Johnson was the unquestioned starter, and looked explosive right from the beginning of camp. Greene has done what he was brought in to do, convert on third and fourth down short yardage plays.
Credit a newly revamped offensive line for opening up huge holes for Johnson and Greene all preseason. And the Titans also found a gem in free agent running back Jackie Battle. This is a throwback Titan for sure. Battle tore through defenses with his down hill running style all preseason. His physical style of play could be just what the doctor ordered for closing out games. That is...if Tennessee has the lead of course. The Titans have a three headed monster at running back, arguably the best set in the league. The Titans should be fine there.
Wide Receivers: Coming into training camp, the wide receiver corp was said to be the most talented since the team moved to Nashville. To date, the jury is still out on this unit. Last year's breakout receiver Kendall Wright was sidelined with an injury. He hopes to play week 1. Prized free agent tight end Delanie Walker saw his first (albeit limited) action in last week's game against the Vikings due to his own injury. And free agent signee Kevin Walters has yet to see any playing time because of an injury. Rookie second round pick Justin Hunter has improved each week, catching touchdowns his last two games.
This unit will not have played together until this coming week. We'll know more come Sunday afternoon in Pittsburgh.
Defense: This unit we do know about, and it looks like...for the most part...the same ole defense. Tennessee's starting defensive unit was...once gain...gashed on the ground the entire preseason. The opposing starting units marched down the field at will...and scored with relative ease. Yes, the sacks and turnovers were an encouraging sign...but Tennessee has two conerbacks (Alturan Verner and Tommy Campbell) fighting for a starting job...and both are trying to literally give the job to the other.
The problem is...the other is playing just as bad...so he couldn't take the job if he wanted to....
Let me move on.....
One thing in the defense's favor (at least this week)...is the fact that Pittsburgh's offense has looked just as terrible throughout the preseason.
So...from what we know about the Titans this preseason, it looks like a heavy dose of the three headed monster may be the recipe for success this Sunday.
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