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