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Titans 2018 (1 Viewer)

I would guess candidates get a second interview before hired. It's possible someone blows them away in an interview but I think we should look for seconds as the ones that they are strongly considering hiring. It's all a guess, remember, but...

There's also no indication Amy was present for Vrabel or Wilks' interview. They won't hire anyone without her approving. 

 
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Bri said:
I don't like the idea of JRob having to add two Gs from this list

http://walterfootball.com/freeagents2018G.php

I really really hope they re-sign Quinton Spain. One seems doable, but I see a lot of older guys and one dimensional guys- run or pass block well
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I viewed Tennessee as having one of the best o-lines in the NFL with great, young bookend OT's. I'm not optimistic about Conklin next year considering his ACL tear was so late in the year and o-line is a grueling position. Now there's a chance they lose their 2 starting OG's as well? How much does this hurt Derrick Henry next year assuming he's the full time lead back?

 
Lionsfan011 said:
I viewed Tennessee as having one of the best o-lines in the NFL with great, young bookend OT's. I'm not optimistic about Conklin next year considering his ACL tear was so late in the year and o-line is a grueling position. Now there's a chance they lose their 2 starting OG's as well? How much does this hurt Derrick Henry next year assuming he's the full time lead back?
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Hurts him a lot. 

They bring in a HC that wants to pass more could hurt him a lot more. 

 
Lionsfan011 said:
I viewed Tennessee as having one of the best o-lines in the NFL with great, young bookend OT's. I'm not optimistic about Conklin next year considering his ACL tear was so late in the year and o-line is a grueling position. Now there's a chance they lose their 2 starting OG's as well? How much does this hurt Derrick Henry next year assuming he's the full time lead back?
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It all depends. 

What you have are fans used to a junky team. Good teams have depth. We're not used to that so a lot of us speak out of turn.

Kline played center in New England. Ideally he is re-signed and becomes depth battling Brian Schwenke for the backup G/C spot. 

Spain has only allowed 6.5 sacks over three years. That's phenomenal. I gotta believe they re-sign him. You'd have to name some all-pro to find someone with better stats than that. He's also been the top (directional) run blocker by position for them. He was a UDFA and this will be his "first" payday so we may be seeing some posturing discussed this offseason, but I expect him to return.

The new coach's offensive style is going to be important. Are they beasting or zone run blocking or pulling often? 

Even if they add two new Gs, again I'd keep Spain as a backup. He's cheap (so far) and was a college tackle with starting NFL experience.

Conklin and Lewan are cream of the crop athletes and linemen. They can play well in any system. I don't think a coaching change affects them. I also don't think torn ACL is as super serious anymore as people are saying. It used to end careers, we've had developments in surgery, physical rehab etc. Some days I think people are a bit much when discussing Conklin. We'll see. It surely is too early to be guessing on him.

We don't know if Grimm returns and Munchak is looking for work. Will they have a top OL coach?

There are too many questions to answer.

Henry's success also relies on Mariota being a threat to slice up a D. He wasn't, often, this year. An improved Mariota will help Henry a ton. NOT running Mularkey's offense where 11 men are in the center of the field will also help. We're talking about a RB that faced 8 men in the box more than any other back in football the last two years. A traditional offense against a common defense could be refreshing for him

 
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NREC34 said:
Hurts him a lot. 

They bring in a HC that wants to pass more could hurt him a lot more. 
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No one is joining the Titans and missing that Henry is the biggest baddest fast man around. It's not like he's gonna only get 5 carries with Mariota throwing 50 times. The Yulee Express will be rolling at some point

 
NREC34 said:
Hurts him a lot. 

They bring in a HC that wants to pass more could hurt him a lot more. 
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I don't think that's necessarily true.  There are plenty of carries to go around regardless of Mariotta's passing.  It's the RB competition/alternative he has to worry about.  But with new coaching that's probably a much smaller threat now than it was when MM was returning.

 
msommer said:
Seriously considering going to the Titans game in London - if they could only decide which day it is...

Then I'd have to find my old McNair jersey - or buy a Mariota one. Decisions, decisions...
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London games are generally annouced earlier than the whole schedule

 
Vrabel had dinner with Boston College coach, an offensive minded guy. The dinner was interrupted by reporters a few times. Welcome to being a head coach Mike.

Yep I already asked around, he's got a list of guys he thinks are special and is trying to get one of them for Marcus. JRob is aware of the list and idk how it breaks down from there.

Several have said he is a manager- even with this super brief career as coach, he has stolen that page from Belichick. Someone will run the offense and someone will run the defense, and someone will run special teams. He'll have "ultimate power" and implement his plans or thoughts, but it will be their show. 

I've learned he is super popular; even been reminded of some things he was at. Vrabel knows the Steelers and Patriots systems backwards and forwards, as you expect. When he was a player, he hunted down coaches to ask questions and pick their brains. Everyone always knew he'd be a coach. I heard some stories of him staying at away games to spend time with some of their staff after. That's illegal, even after a contest, so he had to stop. He began seeking former coaches and knew this guy lives near this team and he'd meet up with them on some days off. 

He has a book (a lot of coaches do) that's loaded with plays and theories and such from tons of coaches over the last 20-30 years.

He had a fascination with Parcells because Belichick seemed to not like him and (like many of us) it didn't make sense to him. TONS of the coaches he mentions as influences were Parcells' tree as much as Belichick's like Coughlin, Groh, Romeo, and Weis. 

Very much like Mularkey in wanting good guys but takes it a step further and says he wants productive individuals. Made Texans run if they ran their mouth, eventually just pointed and they knew. Lots n lots of "good leader" type comments from people about him.

Amy met him today after talking on the phone and loved him just like JRob and Moustache so they didn't wait. Amy will officially meet him tomorrow and idk what that distinction means.

I will now always wonder about JRob's buddy Schwartz and why he didn't wait to interview him.

Vrabel would discuss players with JRob and they had a lot of interaction in NE. Some thought he might wind up being a scout or GM rather than a coach.

The manager aspect is what the Titans wanted.

He played for Lebeau so he is likely to stay but they haven't had their sit down yet. Many think Lebeau will be assistant head coach(he is already, but...) and Spanos will be named defensive coordinator.

Pepper Johnson is likely to be stolen from the Jets but it's unclear since he is a DL coach and I don't see the promotion. I argued it's illogical but a friend swears it's gonna happen.

I know Brian Cushing personally...some. Already asked and he said he's looking for work. Texans won't be keeping him and already told his agent. He said some more that I can't say. Suffice to say, he might be a Titan. Depth, work ethic, good guy, Vrabel loves him. He was injured this year so I've yet to find out how Vrabel wound up appreciating him but...whatever

Vrabel is expected to say he wants a D capable of playing every alignment and doesn't want to be categorized as 3-4 or 4-3.

Fullback will be back without a doubt.

(Belichick Parcells....) Look for Murray to become Meggett and Faulk like. Faulk was super key for the Patriots despite "only" playing third downs. I could really see this, makes a lot of sense with the team's faith and how a Bill "descendant" would value the position.

JRob, Belichick, and Vrabel all review film and score players and make cuts or don't re-sign based on bad scores. There's no debate of contract or position or that, common offseason exercise is all. This probably won't be surprising and will be like "well the Titans won't re-sign McCain."

Mularkey was present for the exit interviews in prior years. Vrabel is anxious to sit in. They have only done a few and it should be interesting for Vrabel to sit in on these and hear what each position coach thinks of 2017 and the future and all that. I found it interesting that Vrabel can't wait to sit down with Robiskie if he shows up. The why we've debated has come to- well he stunk but he's experienced and knowledgable so hearing why he thinks the O stunk might offer some clues for Vrabel

Peter King mentioned that despite the connection to two Bills, Bill Cowher is who he thinks Vrabel will be like. He also said he wouldn't be surprised if Cowher becomes some sort of advisor. Called it unlikely but that he adores Vrabel and wants to see him succeed and...then said "it's unlikely but let's say it wouldn't surprise me."

King called him one of the most well connected young men in football. Host said he's curious about free agency. King said, the Titans can attract names now. Good young team, well respected coach that might take a year of experience but he thinks free agents will want to go to Nashville. Said it's significant for the organization.

Steelers south stuff I've been mentioning, already people discussing how Titans will strike up the curiosity of Pats and Steelers free agents and available coaches.

Mariota is in hawaii and not coming back til the Titans ask him to. Offered to return but is afraid he'll upset Mularkey. JRob? Someone told him to wait til they tell him to.

Vrabel was at some college thing with Lewan and Lewan blew him away with something he did. Loves him. 

King said Vrabel judging players on production 24/7/365 could cause a rift with JRob but JRob is gonna have to get over it. Expects Vrabel to have his coaches sub often and have no qualms about benching a name.

 
msommer said:
Kick the tires on Haley?

Not sure if he learned anything from his ARI stint
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It was interesting to learn that Vrabel is not a fan but would consider him as OC. This was where the conversation started tonight. Vrabel is sincerely truly 100% about results and nothing else. It got off track, how can you say that he doesn't like him but...idk, so the dislike might be untrue. The only reason I mention is because it stuck with me. You'd hire a guy ya don't like just because he was successful? Interesting

 
I like it. When Watt and Mercilous went down early in the season everyone wrote off the Texans defense but IIRC they did pretty well despite losing their two biggest stars (and Bouye in the off season). I believe Vrabel also caught a few passes in the goal line so he knows how to improvise there without having six TEs on the roster.... ;)  

Cushing seems like a high motor guy (even if he looks like a juice head - Vrabel did too when he was playing) and it could be that he was present in the off season and during the season in meetings enough to get Vrabel a feel for his person, if not all of his playing ability. He has a tendency to get injured, though, so I'd not wnt him to be a feature rather than a veteran presence in the D.

 
msommer said:
I like it. When Watt and Mercilous went down early in the season everyone wrote off the Texans defense but IIRC they did pretty well despite losing their two biggest stars (and Bouye in the off season). I believe Vrabel also caught a few passes in the goal line so he knows how to improvise there without having six TEs on the roster.... ;)  

Cushing seems like a high motor guy (even if he looks like a juice head - Vrabel did too when he was playing) and it could be that he was present in the off season and during the season in meetings enough to get Vrabel a feel for his person, if not all of his playing ability. He has a tendency to get injured, though, so I'd not wnt him to be a feature rather than a veteran presence in the D.
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Yeah he's played TE a little and FB several times. Not only did his advisors use it but he actually played it.

Cushing has calmed down. He was a hothead. Typical guy that calms down when the end is near and thinks what am I gonna do after football? I'll definitely find out more. We grew up in the same town, family members are friends, and....there's a lot of all that so I'll find out

Texans D was 20th. They didn't do good without those players but didn't fall apart. Originally I was "he's the same as McDaniels, gets credit for coaching Watt like McD gets credit for coaching Brady" but really he didn't. I was wrong there

 
I don't think I posted it but Boykins was re-signed the day after or later in the day when Mularkey was fired. I found that hmmm. There may not be anything to a deep backup being re-signed but the timing is curious.

He's 6-2 or 6-3 and a cornerback they taught to play safety too. Special athlete (twin brother on Eagles) but not the best football player, total developmental type. He looked good a few times in preseason and I thought he was a surprise to not be on the PS.

If ya don't know, other than that connecticut guy, there are rarely any CBs that have NFL talent above 6-1 so this is a consistent prob with teams trying to cover 6-4+ WRs. Maybe 2-3 guys each year and not usually cream of the crop DBs. IIRC Blidhi was 6-2. It's much more comfy when it's a late pick or UDFA and a team develops them. 

I usually say the NFL should hit the college basketball ranks. The NBA draft is only two rounds with some foreigners mixed in. There's a lot of tall special athletes to pick from. Find a guy with some muscle and speed to him and see what happens in camp. Usually though NFL teams like power forwards with nice hands. My theory has never really happened.

 
Ryan Day or Brian Callahan are being written about as QB coach candidates by some and OC candidates by others. 

Day is a smooth hire while Callahan is Detroit's QB coach. They blocked an interview for him a few days ago.  The guess is it was to be the Redskins QB coach. I don't believe a team can block an interview for a promotion but only for a lateral move.

That logic would lead to Callahan OC and Day QB coach but I'm not getting that. Everyone seems to believe it's either or, not both.

I don't know here, rumors too swirly

 
Elway scooped up Mike Sullivan to fix his QBs. He's a jersey guy I have always liked, former Army Ranger, coached all sorts of positions.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Sullivan_(American_football_coach)

To me, he's the best QB coach candidate. I mean like whomever and be interested in whomever, but based on resume he should have been interviewed.

Anyway, it's interesting to me that while several teams are looking to scoop up a QB coach, Elway went right after him

 
Vrabel was in Pitt while Lebeau was in Cincy. He didn't play for him. Someone said so and I didn't fact check. IDK how they have a relationship but they do and it was called strong. I whiffed here. COuld have asked Qs when I had the chance but didn't realize

 
Bri said:
Vrabel was in Pitt while Lebeau was in Cincy. He didn't play for him. Someone said so and I didn't fact check. IDK how they have a relationship but they do and it was called strong. I whiffed here. COuld have asked Qs when I had the chance but didn't realize
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Obviously years apart but they're both buckeyes.

 
msommer said:
Say it ain't so...

LeBeau out?
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Yeah Lebeau, ST coach, and Robiskie all gone. They did do their exit interviews. They were brief and not normal. I think that's a mistake but...whatever.

Spanos is gone too. I'm surprised. They have some in common and I loved Vrabel's quote about if you're not the quarterback you'd better be capable of playing two positions. That's what Spanos demanded and implemented. He called college a great minor league or somesuch and that meshes up well too. 

Lebeau is sticking around TEN or coming back or somesuch. (Everyone has a different report) He wants to talk to Vrabel about his guys and Vrabel wants to hear all he has to say, respects and admires him and all that. 

Jason Wolf didn't break that story, PK did. He's getting destroyed by reporters and Tennessean workers too. He keeps stirring things up making me wonder if he won't last til next season

With Haley in CLE, Mike Mularkey rumor now is joining his friend in Jax. 

Deshea Townsend played with Mularkey and is getting praise for developing Byard and Adoree and Sims so it's not surprising he may be kept.

Grimm is an unknown in ways you'd expect. They gotta meet and he's a well known HOFer

 
Vrabel's quote about two positions above and he also said it's not about the best 53 players but something like the 53 that will win and be most useful. I'm probably botching that quote.

Anyway, I couldn't help but think of Antonio Andrews playing RB, FB, LS, WR, gunner, returner, and 4th QB

Darrius Jennings playing S, CB, RB, WR, and special teams probably grabs his attention. Wallace and Brown playing all four. 

The other thing was they plan to play 4-3 and 3-4 like the Pats. He mentioned the 5 on the line that Lebeau used and two as well. He said whatever works, we're not going to be limited. Host mentioned more to plan for and Vrabel said sure but he wants a team of men capable of stopping anything thrown at them. 

His bigger, faster, stronger quote can probably match word for word with a quote Parcells said years ago. Most Titans aren't small or slow. It about says what you'd expect, that they need to rework the DL and get some new guys in there.

 
Bri said:
Lebeau is sticking around TEN or coming back or somesuch. (Everyone has a different report) He wants to talk to Vrabel about his guys and Vrabel wants to hear all he has to say, respects and admires him and all that
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A consultancy? That works for me. 

Bri said:
Spanos is gone too.
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If Vrabel has a list of guys he thinks are better qualified now to be DC (or even LB coach) then I guess that makes sense.  

Early days, benefit of the doubt, still

 
Shame to see him go but it's probably time for a revamp. They were an average defense this year, I think they have the talent to be better and frankly I like letting Vrabel bring in some new guys who hopefully gel with him. Lebaeu probably would have worked fine so this is going to be one of the first tests for the new coach. Presuming of course he gets the key votes on picking his staff.

 
msommer said:
A consultancy? That works for me. 

If Vrabel has a list of guys he thinks are better qualified now to be DC (or even LB coach) then I guess that makes sense.  

Early days, benefit of the doubt, still




 
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No, no, like give him some sort of full report and full breakdown. The exit interviews that were (in other years) anywhere from 4 to 16 hours were rushed and Lebeau wanted to do it. 

Yes but here's a LB coach that has DC experience and was getting groomed some from Lebeau. He could have kept him as is.

I do think it's "his guys" that he wants and I'm not that upset or annoyed or surprised altogether, I just thought Spanos was one of the keepers.

If he replaces Grimm, it better be with some high quality guy

 
I guess Day isn’t going to take the OC job. 

Would have possibly been good because he is a Chip Kelly protege. 

 
"Front multiplicity" is his phrase for 3-4, 4-3...play anything like I mentioned earlier.

Lebeau's 5 man BB used a lot and Vrabel did in Houston especially after Watt and Mercilus got injured. Forces offensive linemen to almost declare their matchups and puts the defensive leader in a great spot to make adjustments on the field.

Coverage will switch from zone to man at any given moment and back again

Other than Woodyard and inexperienced Byard, I don't know that they have the defensive leader to make the calls. If they draft the best of the best MLB then maybe but usually drafted players are too young and not entrusted like that. It might mean a free agent need.

If we're interested in keeping Deshea and adding Perry, what do Lake and Woodson do now? 

 
Bri said:
"Front multiplicity" is his phrase for 3-4, 4-3...play anything like I mentioned earlier.

Lebeau's 5 man BB used a lot and Vrabel did in Houston especially after Watt and Mercilus got injured. Forces offensive linemen to almost declare their matchups and puts the defensive leader in a great spot to make adjustments on the field.

Coverage will switch from zone to man at any given moment and back again

Other than Woodyard and inexperienced Byard, I don't know that they have the defensive leader to make the calls. If they draft the best of the best MLB then maybe but usually drafted players are too young and not entrusted like that. It might mean a free agent need.

If we're interested in keeping Deshea and adding Perry, what do Lake and Woodson do now? 
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What would you think of signing Navarro Bowman?  He should be able to be that MLB but would be be worth the cost?

 
Bri said:
"Front multiplicity" is his phrase for 3-4, 4-3...play anything like I mentioned earlier.

Lebeau's 5 man BB used a lot and Vrabel did in Houston especially after Watt and Mercilus got injured. Forces offensive linemen to almost declare their matchups and puts the defensive leader in a great spot to make adjustments on the field.

Coverage will switch from zone to man at any given moment and back again

Other than Woodyard and inexperienced Byard, I don't know that they have the defensive leader to make the calls. If they draft the best of the best MLB then maybe but usually drafted players are too young and not entrusted like that. It might mean a free agent need.

If we're interested in keeping Deshea and adding Perry, what do Lake and Woodson do now? 
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Avery Williamson?

 
saintfool said:
Avery Williamson?
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He's gone from special to average to poor to average to will he be re-signed.

I like the guy. There's only maybe one or two Titans more chatty with fans and he's always hustling and...I like him.

No one within the organization has ever admitted they stunk at NT since Avery's been in the league. They've started four the last three years and three haven't been kept but they're never the problem. It's maddening. Anywho until they admit that, they won't be able to admit how difficult a MLB or ILB's job is behind poor NT play. Look at Zach Brown thriving, often the best tackler in the NFL.

I think they need to keep him and progress like good teams do and bring in competition then. I think replacing a bunch of starters is the loser way when our teams stunk. Good teams bring competition and possibly push them to being a backup. 

In early free agent conversations, Avery is commonly the mid-ranked guy that the host or writer thinks will be a solid signing and could impress. 

I guess Vrabel and his DC gotta hit the tapes, meet with JRob and do whatever and then make an offer to him in the early period when they can re-sign their own. Gonna be a bit before we know anything on Avery. 

 
-OZ- said:
What would you think of signing Navarro Bowman?  He should be able to be that MLB but would be be worth the cost?
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I remember the Titans blocking the ILB or MLB very well but the OLBs were a challenge. I don't think he did so well in the Titans Raiders game. 

 
Everyone's gone. Cameron Wolfe story. No more exit interviews, Vrabel is with JRob in Mobile, everyone else on the staff has been told they're not returning.

Deshea Townsend went to meet with him and will possibly be offered a job (back)

Anyone they talk to in Mobile is a potential candidate or just talking so....it'll get tricky

 
well now some, very few, assistants may be retained besides Deshea

Luke Steckel (mentioned earlier, WR asst coach), Aukerman(asst ST coach) and Arthur Smith. Smith has been with the Titans a while. He's been TE coach and something else for Munchak, maybe even last year of Fish.

 
Bri said:
Vrabel's quote about two positions above and he also said it's not about the best 53 players but something like the 53 that will win and be most useful. I'm probably botching that quote.

Anyway, I couldn't help but think of Antonio Andrews playing RB, FB, LS, WR, gunner, returner, and 4th QB

Darrius Jennings playing S, CB, RB, WR, and special teams probably grabs his attention. Wallace and Brown playing all four. 

The other thing was they plan to play 4-3 and 3-4 like the Pats. He mentioned the 5 on the line that Lebeau used and two as well. He said whatever works, we're not going to be limited. Host mentioned more to plan for and Vrabel said sure but he wants a team of men capable of stopping anything thrown at them. 

His bigger, faster, stronger quote can probably match word for word with a quote Parcells said years ago. Most Titans aren't small or slow. It about says what you'd expect, that they need to rework the DL and get some new guys in there.
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It was "the right 53, not the best 53".  I thought that was kind of odd, but in the context of versatility it makes sense now.  He might prefer a pretty good OLB that can drop plus rush plus tackle over a superstar pass rusher that's a liability in coverage or maybe a guy that's a good locker room/hard work guy over a silver spoon freaky talent knucklehead.

 
Hankmoody said:
It was "the right 53, not the best 53".  I thought that was kind of odd, but in the context of versatility it makes sense now.  He might prefer a pretty good OLB that can drop plus rush plus tackle over a superstar pass rusher that's a liability in coverage or maybe a guy that's a good locker room/hard work guy over a silver spoon freaky talent knucklehead.
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Gives me some concern about Avery Williamson. Not really a cover guy.

 
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