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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