As the Titans' 2009 season continues to circle the drain, we'll hear a lot in the next couple of weeks about whether Vince Young should start at quarterback. But the biggest decision the Titans need to make is figuring out who to blame for the team's complete collapse on defense.Last year, the Titans allowed two 300-yard passers all season. This year, rookie Mark Sanchez is the only quarterback in the first five games who hasn't thrown for 300 yards. The Titans are now 31st in the league in passing yards allowed per game, something that is extremely uncharacteristic for a Jeff Fisher coached team.
It's easy, and somewhat fair, to blame part of the problem on losing defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. Without the league's baddest defensive tackle soaking up double teams, the Titans defensive ends have struggled to generate a pass rush (the Titans were fifth in the NFL in sacks last year and are tied for 19th this year).
But when Haynesworth was out last year, Tennessee didn't have the problems they are having this year. The biggest problem this year has been the secondary. Last year Tennessee's back four was one of the better groups in the league--three members of the Titans secondary made it to the Pro Bowl. This year safety Michael Griffin seems to have taken a big step backwards while Tennessee has struggled to get consistent cornerback play.
eff Fisher has been adamant that new defensive coordinator Chuck Cecil isn't the problem, but at this point it's hard to believe that. With the exception of the loss of Haynesworth, this is largely the same group of players that were one of the best defenses in the league last year. Now, they're one of the worst, and now they have 11 games to figure out how to fix that. If not, it's hard to see how Cecil's not a one-year coordinator.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-12-2009 @ 11:05AM
robert said...
0-7 since stomping on the terrible towel. Im sure it has nothing to do with the fact that they have a sorry quarterback ( and backup quarterback), a rotten defense and an over rated running game! Instead of their fans covering their heads with bags they should cover their heads with terrible towels. Go Steelers!
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10-12-2009 @ 11:26AM
Melvin said...
There's also the possibility that the 2008 Titans' secondary had a collective "career year" and that Finnegan, Harper and the rest of those guys aren't nearly as good as they were made out to be.
If you look at tape from '08, you'll see all sorts of advantageous "bounces" and tips that went in Finnegan's direction. Maybe being in the right place at the right time involves skill and film prep, but luck is also a factor. Finnegan and his backfield teammates aren't getting the "luck" so far in '09.
I think this shows the REAL talent level of the Titan's secondary, which is why they are in trouble.
2008 was a deceptive year for Finnegan. Now you see the real Finnegan- not Pro Bowl caliber by a long shot. Yeah, he's hurt, but he didn't play very well when he wasn't.
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10-12-2009 @ 1:31PM
govikesatw said...
WHY TENESEE IS WAITING TO FIRE THE HEAD COACH!! THEY SHOULD HAVE FIRED HIM LAST SEASON. HIS STYLE IS NOT WORKING AND HE NEEDS TO GO.ALONG WITH HIM, SEVERAL OTHER COACHES AND PLAYERS NEEDS TO BE FIRED TOO. TEAM NEEDS NEW BLOOD,NEW DIRECTION. IM A DIEHART VIKINGS FAN BUT ALWAYS WAS A BIG SUPPORTER FOR TITANS. OWNERS NEEDS TO CLEAN THE HOUSE. I WONDER IF TITANS WILL WIN A SINGLE GAME THIS SEASON. WHERE IS THE OWNERSHIP??
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10-12-2009 @ 8:01PM
robert said...
Any one who thinks jeff fisher should be fired is crazy! The team was 13-3 last year, so its not like fisher all of a sudden forgot how to coach. How about get a quarterback who hasnt been let go by several teams and have a decent backup qb?
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10-13-2009 @ 1:39PM
shapiromeadows7 said...
If Vince Young was the starting quarterback people would say let the other guy start!!!!! WELL HE IS AND NOW YOU SAY BOTH OF THEM ARE SORRY YOU ALL ARE JOKERS. THEY IS 0-5 MAN IT IS NOT VINCE WHO IS PLAYING,huuuuuuuumummmmmm
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10-13-2009 @ 3:50PM
Cory said...
I think that the main problem is the 4 man rush that Chuck Cecil is sticking with, even without Hayensworth. They need to blitz, their linebackers are a pretty good group and i don't see why they can't bring blitz packages like the Jets or the Ravens...............basically we need Rex Ryan!
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