So, 10 days into camp here are 10 observations:
Reason to be excited: running back Chris Johnson
Johnson looks like the real deal. He's lightning fast, and doesn't waste any time once he gets his hands on the football. Another plus: he catches passes with ease.
Going into camp I wondered how much of an impact Johnson might have as a rookie. Now I'm wondering how much he's going to impact LenDale White's playing time.
Reason to be concerned: quarterback Vince Young
Coaches say Young has been consistently good and have no issues with his camp performance.
It's a little too early to judge exactly how far he's come this offseason without seeing him in a preseason game. But my take is Young hasn't been that great, especially when passing. He does look faster when he tucks the ball and runs.
Silver lining: defense
Probably the biggest reason Young hasn't lit it up is because the defense has been so good. A unit that finished last season ranked fifth overall in total defense could easily be better this time around.
The front four should be dominant once again, so should the linebacker corps. And the secondary, led by cornerback Cortland Finnegan and safety Michael Griffin, has been especially impressive.
Most impressive veteran newcomer: tight end Alge Crumpler
Crumpler doesn't blow you away with his speed. He doesn't have the body of a tight end like San Diego's Antonio Gates.
But the big veteran sure knows how to catch the football. And he's a load when he runs down the field with the ball in his hands. He's going to make a big difference in the offense.
Biggest flop: receiver Mike Williams
No one should be surprised, or disappointed, that Williams was released less than a week into camp. He had no one to blame but himself.
While Williams lost weight and appeared to be doing all the right things to those outside the team, his attitude and lack of a commitment rubbed folks wrong inside the team. The Titans finally had enough.
His exit gives some younger, more motivated players more of a chance.
Most improved offensive player: receiver Brandon Jones
In his first three seasons, Jones teased coaches and fans with his big-play ability. This time it appears he might finally be ready to deliver on a consistent basis.
He's looked good catching the ball and is doing the right things within the offense. He seems especially comfortable in the slot. It's still early, of course, but Jones looks like a player on the verge of a breakout season.
Most improved defensive player: linebacker Stephen Tulloch
The starting defense returned pretty much intact and there appear to be no real cracks. So Tulloch won't be with the starters but he's made a pretty good case for himself to be on the field consistently in his third NFL season.
He's delivered some of the biggest hits of camp and gives the Titans a great option if one of their starters goes down.
The jury's still out: defensive end Jevon Kearse
When Kearse missed two practices with injuries last week some fans automatically started thinking the worst — he will never hold up this season. Kearse looked good when he returned to action, however, and coaches think he looks like the same guy who made life miserable for quarterbacks his first time around with the Titans.
Of course, Kearse looked good this time last year in Philadelphia but was unable to sustain it. Another year removed from knee surgery the question remains: how will he hold up in November and December?
Biggest myth buster: offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger
There was plenty of talk this offseason about a kinder, gentler Heimerdinger, that he'd toned things down compared to his first stint with the team.
Well, that talk was overblown. His intensity is back. He's letting guys know it if they're screwing up, he's just using a little more tact.
Heimerdinger was perhaps showing patience as players adjusted to his offense. By now he expects them to be up to speed and he's less tolerant when they mess up.
Hardest worker: defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch
If I didn't know better I'd think he was a madman, but his practice-field intensity should surprise no one.
Vanden Bosch is relentless every day, every snap. It's not uncommon to see him rush full speed into the backfield chasing the quarterback, and then to look downfield and see him chasing the guy who caught the ball.
I haven't seen a single FA signing where I thought, "Man, I wish the Titans had offered that b/c that's a STEAL." People are getting paid this offseason, and that's not necessarily a good thing.
I haven't seen a single FA signing where I thought, "Man, I wish the Titans had offered that b/c that's a STEAL." People are getting paid this offseason, and that's not necessarily a good thing.
I haven't seen a single FA signing where I thought, "Man, I wish the Titans had offered that b/c that's a STEAL." People are getting paid this offseason, and that's not necessarily a good thing.
