CJ?K: Tennessee Titans Season Preview

2011 Record: 9-7


2011 Ranks
Total Offense: 17
Rush Offense: 31
Pass Offense: 12
Scoring Offense: 21
Total Defense: 18
Run Defense: 24
Pass Defense: 14
Scoring Defense: 8

Offense

The reigns have been handed over to Jake Locker, who got to sit and learn from veteran Matt Hasselbeck during his rookie season. Locker has a load of talent and the foot quickness to get himself out of trouble. Running back Chris Johnson looks to get back on track after a disappointing season last year where he barely broke 1000 yards and averaged only 4.0 yards per carry, the lowest of his career. On the outside, WR Kenny Britt is suspended one game for multiple offseason arrests, but Nasty Nate Washington had a surprisingly good year last year in Britt's absence, tallying 1000 yards and 7 touchdowns. The Titans also added Kendall Wright (WR-Baylor) in the first round of the draft.

Defense

This is almost an entirely different unit from the group that absolutely dominated the league back in 2008. They were next-to-last in the league last year in sacks, tallying only 28 on the season. They brought in DE Kamerion Wimbley in free agency to help improve their outside rush. They lost more than they gained on defense this year and this will be the liability of the Titans playoff hopes.

Intangibles

The Titans stacked up on offense and lost some key pieces from their defense in the offseason. They finished in a tie with Cincinnati for the last Wild Card spot last year and should be right in the thick of it once again, provided Jake Locker doesn't crap all over himself.

Prediction

During the Jeff Fisher era the Titans were never really known as a passing team. For the first time since their move from Houston, this might be a pass-first team with all the weapons they have on the outside. There are still some question marks here but in a relatively weak AFC, they should still be in the playoff hunt. 9-7.