The following is a post taken by a fan on another board.
I like his reference to McNair's leadership skills.
I think that is an underated intangible.
Well I think the Titans are headed in the right direction. There are some things they have improved on:
* Their pass rush is improved. Kyle Vanden Bosch has got to be resigned this offseason. Keeping Albert Haynesworth healthy is key. When he is healthy there isn't an O-Lineman in the league that can block him.
* The cornerbacks were a big improvement this year from last year, and they were manned by two rookies in Pacman Jones and Renaldo Hill. Sure they had their growing pains but overall they showed improvement each week.
* Special teams. Last year the Titans stunk in this department. This year the combo of Courtney Roby and Pacman Jones have really opened up the return game and the kicking game was in good hands with newcomer Ron Bironas who was a pleasant surprise and always dependable Craig Hentrich. Kick coverage also was vastly improved.
Now for the things that need improvement:
* The run defense. These guys need to go back to the basics when it comes to wrapping up and tackling. Too many teams had their way running the ball.
* The safeties we have are horrid. Lamont Thompson was supposed to replace Lance Shulters and he failed miserably. He takes bad angles, makes no impact plays and looks lost at times. The same can be said for Tank Williams. I cut him some slack because he came back from blowing out his knee but his play before the injury was suspect at best before that.
* The offensive line really showed it's age this year. Penalties killed us all year long, and veterans Brad Hopkins, Zach Piller and Benji Olsen were the culprits most of the time. We had a rookie at RT tackle in Michael Roos who seemed lost at times. It's time to let the old walk. I don't expect Olsen and Hopkins back and frankly I won't miss them. Time to get the young players (who apparently have been very impressive) in the lineup and show what they can do.
* Wide receiver. Injuries killed us this year. We lost two rookies who were showing alot of potential. Brandon Jones and Roydell Williams really added a dimension we have lacked. Cortney Roby was a pleasant surprise but he's no better than a #3 or #4 WR. Having Jones and Williams back will be a plus. With that said though there is room for improvement. Tyrone Calico is a bust and a total dick tease. His height, speed and 40 time is amazing, yet he couldn't catch a cold. Drew Bennett is NOT a #1 WR.
* Running backs. Can someone please be stupid enough to trade for Chris Brown? God he stinks. He rips a 10 yard run, he rips a 8 yard run...then he comes out of the game hurt. He can't convert short yardage. He's as fragile as Fragile Fred Taylor in Jacksonville (and THAT'S bad). Travis Henry had his problems this year with the suspension but when he played he showed more than that punk Brown.
The Titans were the youngest team in the NFL and I really think that a few moves here and there will really make a difference. The main concerns are O-Line, Safety, WR and tackling. These can be addressed in the draft. I hope the Titans take a Jimmy Williams or Michael Huff to shore up the secondary in the second round and then use the rest of the draft to shore up the o-line and WR spot. Some competition in those spots will maybe make some of these lethargic vets step up.
Oh yeah....the McNair issue. If the Titans restructure McNair's contract and he comes back I would put the Titans one year away from competing for a playoff spot. If they let McNair go and go with Volek or draft a QB? Then I think we won't be talking about the Titans competing until 2007. I personally think Volek would not a the best way to go. He's fragile and does not exude the leadership McNair does. But then again.....who in the NFL comes close to McNair's leadership skills?
I like his reference to McNair's leadership skills.
I think that is an underated intangible.