Analyzing the Tennessee Titans

Looking at the Tennessee Titans in 2006, you have to wonder how they won eight games. The answer is simple - Vince Young.

In those eight victories, the rookie quarterback threw 9 touchdown passes and completed better than 56 percent of his passes. Young also ran for 7 touchdowns in 2006, including several electrifying game-winning scampers.

Playing the most difficult position for a rookie, Young surprisingly carried the Titans - almost single-handedly.

He didn't get any help, though, from the Titans defense, or Tennessee likely would have made the playoffs. Tennessee was a respectable 9th in the AFC in scoring offense, even with a rookie quarterback and relative unknowns at wide receiver.

The Titans were dead last in the AFC, however, in scoring defense and 31st overall in the NFL. They couldn't put pressure on opposing passers and their secondary wasn't scaring too many offensive coordinators.

Tennessee improved the secondary with first-round draft pick, Texas safety Michael Griffin. This might be a huge upgrade, if not for the loss of Pacman Jones, who has been suspended for the entire 2006 season. Now, the selection of Griffin is like the proverbial finger in the dike.

Running back Chris Henry, a second-round pick from Arizona will bolster a backfield depleted by the departure of Travis Henry. Chris Henry will battle LenDale White for the starting tailback position. Tennessee wants White to win the job, but he beefed up to a robust 250 pounds in the off-season, about 25 over his best playing weight.

Starting flanker Drew Bennett is also gone, replaced by Brandon Jones, who has had only moderate success in two seasons. David Givens is a new addition to the receiving corp, bring veteran leadership from three-time Super Bowl champion, New England.

If this new set of starters at wide receiver and a completely new backfield can gel, and Vince Young can improve upon a great rookie season, the offense should be able to score more points.

The defense doesn't look much better than last year's generous unit, so it appears that Tennessee will be in a constant high-scoring battles, relying on its young QB to lead the team to victories.

This isn't a precise recipe for winning in the NFL, so another 8-8 or even 7-9 season appears imminent for Tennessee.

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