stephen tulloch - new mlb in tenn? (1 Viewer)

[odon]

i have not seen any info on the tennesse mlb position. is this spot tulloch's to loose? they brought in fowler from dallas. is he seen a depth, or does he have a shot to over take tulloch. who has been working with the first team in OTA's( assuming they have started for Tenn). lets say tulloch wins the starting mlb. what is his fantasy value with bullock and thorton at the other spots.

any type of info would be good.

 

[Warpig]

i have not seen any info on the tennesse mlb position. is this spot tulloch's to loose? they brought in fowler from dallas. is he seen a depth, or does he have a shot to over take tulloch. who has been working with the first team in OTA's( assuming they have started for Tenn). lets say tulloch wins the starting mlb. what is his fantasy value with bullock and thorton at the other spots.any type of info would be good.

From what I've read in here, he's only a 2 down backer. I believe I also read in here where they paid Fowler "decent" money. By "decent" I mean more than Tulloch. I'm assuming they gave Fowler more money because they currently plan on him being the starter in the middle.As a Tulloch owner myself, I'm trying to stay optimistic. But I need to cut down my roster size soon so I'm hoping to hear something promising or he may be cut from my squad.

 

[PatsWillWin]

in the same boat was warpig. i have him on my roster, but i might need his spot soon if i don't get any good news about him.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Fowler signed a multi-$M deal (4yrs/$11.5M) whereas Tulloch is signed for under $600K for the next few years.

Fowler might be getting groomed for the MLB in 2008, but Tulloch could hold on to it this year (but again maybe not all downs).

 

[Jene Bramel]

Tulloch is working under a rookie contract and the Titans were battling the Eagles (among others apparently) to sign Fowler to an offer sheet in RFA. The Titans LB depth is pretty poor, and while it was speculated that Fowler had the inside track at the starting MLB job when the signing happened, I don't think the salary discrepancy has much to do with it.

As far as I can tell, it remains an open competition between Tulloch and Fowler for now. I can't tell who is working with the starting team from local reports.

There was a thread earlier this season discussing the scouting reports and plus/minuses for both. In short, I agree that it'll be hard for either to play in nickel packages with David Thornton and Keith Bulluck around.

titansonline.com

(on linebackers Ryan Fowler and Stephen Tulloch)

They’re both doing great jobs right now. Ryan (Fowler) is not a surprise to us because he knows how to play and he understands the defense. Stephen (Tulloch) has had a great off-season so far. We’re in a win, win situation with both of them.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Of course, had I made one more click...

Nashville City Paper (5-22-07)

Two Titans battle it out for middle LB spot

By Terry McCormick, tmccormick@nashvillecitypaper.com

May 22, 2007

Keith Bulluck has played next to many a middle linebacker since becoming a full-time starter at outside linebacker in 2002.

He has started alongside the likes of Randall Godfrey, Rocky Calmus, Brad Kassell and last year Peter Sirmon. All those players have moved on, and now Bulluck will get to break in a new partner for 2007.

He’s not yet certain who it will be. It might be free-agent pickup Ryan Fowler, who came over as a restricted free agent from the Dallas Cowboys. Or it could be second-year man Stephen Tulloch, who is ready to challenge for the spot after backing up Sirmon a year ago.

“I’ve played with so many guys over the years,” Bulluck said. “Once those new guys get in and get up to speed, I try to help them out and make sure we’re on the same page. But it won’t be that hard.”

Bulluck has no sense yet of which one will emerge victorious in the battle that might last all the way through training camp.

“I got to play a lot with Tully last year,” Bulluck said. “It’s good to see his jump from last year to this year. Last year, some games he would make plays, but do the wrong thing. That’s very typical of a rookie, but this year, he seems more confident.

“Ryan, he’s just now getting out there and getting his feet wet. But he’s not making mistakes. He’s getting the calls right. It’s a matter of getting used to the personnel and the teammates you’re playing with.”

Fowler is making is the move from a 3-4 with the Cowboys to the Titans’ 4-3 scheme, but says that is not a big adjustment. His priority is familiarizing himself with the terminology and translating it from what he knew with Dallas.

“Most schemes have a lot of overlap, but it’s just the language as far as the learning the actual calls and what everything means,” said Fowler, who signed a four-year, $11.5 million deal.

The situation between the two is competitive, but both players are eager to vie for the starting job.

“Any situation where you have a job is a good situation. I think there is an opportunity for that [to start], but I’m just going to do whatever role they ask me,” Fowler said.

Tulloch also welcomes the opportunity to earn a starting job.

“I love it. A team gets better with competition,” Tulloch said. “If I’m not the man, then Ryan is going to be the man. If Ryan’s not the man, then I’m going to be the man. Somebody is going to be the man, and that’s what you want for the team and the organization, to get the best man.”

Either way, the Titans special teams unit should get a boost. Tulloch was one of Tennessee’s top special teams tacklers a year ago, and playing on cover teams has been Fowler’s calling card for years.

“It’s competitive,” Titans coach Jeff Fisher said. “We’ve got one that’s got a great deal of experience on special teams, that will continue to contribute on special teams. And you’ve got a second-year player that’s improving.”

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

any new news on this? i know training camp starts very very soon and it will reveal whats left but hoping to get on the inside track

 

[Rozelle]

PFW TWWHI

Middle linebacker does not carry as much responsibility in the Titans’ defense as it does, say, in the Bears’ or Broncos’ schemes. Titans OLB Keith Bulluck slides over to the middle in passing situations, alongside David Thornton. Essentially, the “Mike” is a two-down position in Tennessee. But that’s not to say that it’s an afterthought. The team has gotten worse defending the run the past three seasons (ranking 30th in 2006, 22nd in ’05 and 18th in ’04) and has not had a standout at the position since Randall Godfrey. So, the MLB competition of newcomer Ryan Fowler vs. Stephen Tulloch is not one to overlook in camp. “That’s going to be a hell of a fight in the preseason,” assistant head coach/LB coach Dave McGinnis told PFW in June. “It’s already been really good (competition) for both of those guys. Those two guys have made each other better this offseason. They’ve made each other better in the workouts, in our OTAs — we alternated both with the first unit. They help each other.” Fowler has started three career games, all with the Cowboys in ’05 in Bill Parcells’ 3-4 defense. Tulloch started three as a rookie last season with the Titans and had a few moments, but he needs refinement.

This has the look it could be late in preseason before it's settled.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

I question the value of either as a 2 down MLB there.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

ok then. the titans offense looks iffy and their defense leaves much to be desired. they may on defense ALOT next year. so if fowler/tulloch are only 2down LB'ers they may play more than the norm with those conditions. they may not be very good or productive but they may have the perfect storm of shoddy offense and poor defense. leaving teams running the ball galore all season for those 2 at MLB to occasionally run into the ballcarrier.

 

[Tick]

Who took away the caps lock in the IDP forum?

 

[chook]

If Bloom contributes to this thread we'll have most of the IDP heavyweights in here. Just wondering what some of you guys thought about Norton's take on the Titans MLB situation in his Eyes Of the Guru - AFC Preseason Report this week?

As it's subscriber content I don't want to post his projection, but he seems pretty sold on Tulloch putting up the combined numbers of he and Sirmon from last season. Why on earth would they bring in Fowler if they were going to give Tulloch all of the snaps? Everything in here suggests the battle is far from over, but Norton has his mind made up and suggests we should too.

With the perception the Titans offense won't be on the field all that often, opposition teams should be running on them all day long, leaving enough plays for Tulloch to be borderline startable on a team with a weaker D, should he get the full time nod at MLB.

 

[msommer]

If Bloom contributes to this thread we'll have most of the IDP heavyweights in here. Just wondering what some of you guys thought about Norton's take on the Titans MLB situation in his Eyes Of the Guru - AFC Preseason Report this week?

As it's subscriber content I don't want to post his projection, but he seems pretty sold on Tulloch putting up the combined numbers of he and Sirmon from last season. Why on earth would they bring in Fowler if they were going to give Tulloch all of the snaps? Everything in here suggests the battle is far from over, but Norton has his mind made up and suggests we should too.

With the perception the Titans offense won't be on the field all that often, opposition teams should be running on them all day long, leaving enough plays for Tulloch to be borderline startable on a team with a weaker D, should he get the full time nod at MLB.

That was a call I did not like. Unless they used a pick a and some serious dollars primarily for Fowler's special teams prowess (that I am unfamiliar with, if any) I would think he at least will get a fighting chance to be the starter.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

damn i'm not a subscriber and i seen the value for whoever wins MLB job for the titans. both guys may suck but with them(titans) possibly playing defense 70% of the time whoever wins that job might or can be a viable IDP'er. i don't care how good vince young is losing henry, having no semblance of a viable WR, losing pacman's stellar CB play, losing pacman's stellar punt return abilities means there defense will on the field add day all year.

 

[Chaos Commish]

damn i'm not a subscriber and i seen the value for whoever wins MLB job for the titans. both guys may suck...

Maybe not. I'm with Norton, fwiw. Tulluch has the look of a potential tackle machine.

 

[Jene Bramel]

I'm still waiting for the situation to play itself out. Like most, it seems clear that Fowler isn't a starting caliber player and the team seems to like Tulloch. Still the contract, draft pick compensation and coaches comments that the competition remains open should give prospective owners pause.

The Titans played the largest number of defensive snaps in the league last year and the fourth most rushing snaps. You have to bank on that continuing and one player getting every snap in the base defense to approach the combined Tulloch/Sirmon total from last year.

I'd consider drafting Tulloch as a LB4-5 later if the preseason goes his way. But I'd comfortably take the under on Norton's current projection right now.

 

[chook]

damn i'm not a subscriber

Only one way to fix that dude.

But I'd comfortably take the under on Norton's current projection right now.

It's the safer bet against a high-ish projection, although not impossible to make the over. That little man Tulloch showed glimpses of being the abovementioned 'tackle machine' a couple of times last year when given the chance.PS - I only noticed Chaos Commish wasn't a staff member just the other day. Always sort of thought he was. Should be.

 

[Lash]

i actually like it when the 'experts' don't hedge their bets and step out on a limb and make an educated guess

so bravo to norton

[disclaimer] proud tulloch owner [/disclaimer]

 

[Weiner Dog]

-- Titans Training Camp Update - Brown & White Run with First Unit --

Fri Jul 27, 2007 --from FFMastermind.com

The Nashville Tennessean reports Titans tookie RB Chris Henry was the last to take the field after signing a contract just before practice. He made a few nice runs, and even put some defenders on the ground following contact on one play. QB Vince Young connected with TE Ben Troupe on a nice throw in the middle, and WR Brandon Jones made Young look good with a great catch just before hitting the ground. LB David Thornton intercepted Young early on a ball across the middle. On a cornerback blitz, CB Reynaldo Hill knocked down a Young throw at the line of scrimmage. S Calvin Lowry and S Chris Hope lined up at safety, while LB Ryan Fowler lined up at middle linebacker and DE Antwan Odom at defensive end with the first-team defense. RB Chris Brown and RB LenDale White lined up with the first-team offense. White said he reported to camp weighing 241 pounds.

 

[pretender]

 

[Toads]

The early word out of camp is that it's Ryan Fowler's job to loose.

He sheds blocks better than Tulloch and get's to the ball better than Tulloch.

 

[Weiner Dog]

The early word out of camp is that it's Ryan Fowler's job to loose.

He sheds blocks better than Tulloch and get's to the ball better than Tulloch.

Not that $$$ means everything, but Fowler is also getting paid about 10x more than Tulloch in '07.I also like fact that Fowler chose the Titans over the Eagles b/c he wanted the best opportunity to start immediately.

 

[Dominion]

WHAT IS THAT???

 

[Weiner Dog]

Some solid combine numbers on Fowler from '05...

6'3"

250lbs

40: 4.90

reps: 35

vertical: 37.5"

broad jump: 9'10"

3-cone: 7.20

It's noted that he has a 460lb bench and 540lb squat. It's also noted that this amazing strength does not always translate well onto the field, plus he really struggles in coverage.

Upside = starting 2-down MLB

Downside = backup MLB and special teams monster

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

WHAT IS THAT???

It means you're marking a thread so that it stands out later.the old board software used to do with a blackdot, now its a white corner.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

Some solid combine numbers on Fowler from '05...6'3"250lbs40: 4.90reps: 35vertical: 37.5"broad jump: 9'10"3-cone: 7.20It's noted that he has a 460lb bench and 540lb squat. It's also noted that this amazing strength does not always translate well onto the field, plus he really struggles in coverage.Upside = starting 2-down MLBDownside = backup MLB and special teams monster

2-down MLB for sure, but that 2-down MLB may play as much as many 3-down MLB as the titans defense will always be on defense.

 

[Tick]

WHAT IS THAT???

:Sehorn:

 

[Chaos Commish]

PS - I only noticed Chaos Commish wasn't a staff member just the other day. Always sort of thought he was. Should be.

Thanks. I am capable of the same knuckleheaded mistakes as Norton so there's a qualifier.

 

[chook]

6 solo tackles against the Pats this past weekend (Fowler got 3-1).

Anyone out there who may have seen the game able to shed any light on how they lined up, how much time & what stage of the game he and Fowler both got out there?

Thanks.

 

[Keith Lewis]

6 solo tackles against the Pats this past weekend (Fowler got 3-1).Anyone out there who may have seen the game able to shed any light on how they lined up, how much time & what stage of the game he and Fowler both got out there?Thanks.

All I remember is Tulloch started, the rest I can't help.

 

[stevegamer]

6 solo tackles against the Pats this past weekend (Fowler got 3-1).Anyone out there who may have seen the game able to shed any light on how they lined up, how much time & what stage of the game he and Fowler both got out there?Thanks.

Announcers said they are alternating starts throughout the preseason. I thought Tulloch looked better versus the Pats. I was mainly trying to get a handle on the Titans RB situation - it's looking like Brown to me - but I was watching this.I can't remember who started - Tulloch, i think, but both played at various times.The CB/S #1 draft pick was quite impressive.