Titans 2018 (2 Viewers)

[Bri]

Dan Orlovsky was wonderful in interviews today. I'm gonna butcher this but here goes-

This was a starting point where he said let's strip it down first. In the Rams system, Mariota will not be asked to think or even read a D presnap but he'll have three hitches. If the first target isn't open, onto the next, and the next. That's it, very quick.

He did go on and I will butcher that so let's just stay with this.

As someone said in the chat- that's not Mariota! He is very smart and efficient, clearly a thinker. He can take longer because his legs can bail him out and we saw outstanding decision making early on. As Greg Cosell said many times this year, once Robiskie crowded the center of the field it left Mariota with 2 or 3 targets against six defenders so he either had to force it, take a sack, or run. When the Titans spread out, we saw comfy Mariota again. 

Orlovsky is saying Goff overthought things as a rookie and they were essentially telling him not to think. Fine but that's not Mariota. 

He said Mariota throws with his arm not his feet and there was some tangent that I somewhat understood.

more talk

Back to the thinking stuff- if Mariota is as cerebral as we're all telling him, this offense could be different from the Rams. Still quick hitches but if MM8 is what we say then it will definitely go in a different direction than the Rams. Ya gotta remember Goff wasn't asked to think. This is essentially the Rams issue this offseason. Their O is getting figured out and they have to add new wrinkles and those will be reads by Goff, most definitely. 

Re RUN

He expects some run formations on occasion but essentially this offense is to be lined up about the same no matter what you'll do. Giving it to Henry on 3rd and 8 or throwing a bomb on first are completely expected. They also have to show the NFL that they will run anything in any situation; that's what makes it unpredictable. 

Re Henry not the right back

Has way better hands than he expected or saw in college. He's seen him line up at WR but not catch many passes there. This O really needs a two way back. A younger DeMarco would be perfect here but they have what they have. If the right RB falls, could definitely see the Titans trade Henry and draft a RB in the first or spend a high pick. JRob trades so much the spots are almost debatable but could really see Titans making a move for a dual (way) RB. Thinks Henry will be a star in this league and would fetch a nice return but does not see him being fluid like Gurley. Could he be? Oh absolutely and it might be what the Titans do. Add a back and still go with Henry to see. Host-DeMarco didn't look like 2016. He's gonna have trouble finding teams after the way he played in 2017. RBs are done like that. It's a rough business. Orlovsky- I think he'll find a team, maybe the Titans, but there's something to that

Should JRob let DeMarco test free agency?

Absolutely. His value is going to ...mutter...not good

*************Here is the other issue***********

Biggest talk during Super Bowl week? What are you hearing?

Avery Williamson. He didn't catch Avery much this year but there are at least four maybe five teams eyeing him in free agency. 

***************

See if we signed him or re-signed him before this...grrr. The Titans won't pay Avery a ton of money. I keep seeing the Dolphins mentioned on twitter. We'll draft a LB and he'll replace Avery and there will be no progress

 

[msommer]

Dan Orlovsky was wonderful in interviews today. I'm gonna butcher this but here goes-

This was a starting point where he said let's strip it down first. In the Rams system, Mariota will not be asked to think or even read a D presnap but he'll have three hitches. If the first target isn't open, onto the next, and the next. That's it, very quick.

He did go on and I will butcher that so let's just stay with this.

As someone said in the chat- that's not Mariota! He is very smart and efficient, clearly a thinker. He can take longer because his legs can bail him out and we saw outstanding decision making early on. As Greg Cosell said many times this year, once Robiskie crowded the center of the field it left Mariota with 2 or 3 targets against six defenders so he either had to force it, take a sack, or run. When the Titans spread out, we saw comfy Mariota again. 

Orlovsky is saying Goff overthought things as a rookie and they were essentially telling him not to think. Fine but that's not Mariota. 

He said Mariota throws with his arm not his feet and there was some tangent that I somewhat understood.

more talk

Back to the thinking stuff- if Mariota is as cerebral as we're all telling him, this offense could be different from the Rams. Still quick hitches but if MM8 is what we say then it will definitely go in a different direction than the Rams. Ya gotta remember Goff wasn't asked to think. This is essentially the Rams issue this offseason. Their O is getting figured out and they have to add new wrinkles and those will be reads by Goff, most definitely. 

Re RUN

He expects some run formations on occasion but essentially this offense is to be lined up about the same no matter what you'll do. Giving it to Henry on 3rd and 8 or throwing a bomb on first are completely expected. They also have to show the NFL that they will run anything in any situation; that's what makes it unpredictable. 

Re Henry not the right back

Has way better hands than he expected or saw in college. He's seen him line up at WR but not catch many passes there. This O really needs a two way back. A younger DeMarco would be perfect here but they have what they have. If the right RB falls, could definitely see the Titans trade Henry and draft a RB in the first or spend a high pick. JRob trades so much the spots are almost debatable but could really see Titans making a move for a dual (way) RB. Thinks Henry will be a star in this league and would fetch a nice return but does not see him being fluid like Gurley. Could he be? Oh absolutely and it might be what the Titans do. Add a back and still go with Henry to see. Host-DeMarco didn't look like 2016. He's gonna have trouble finding teams after the way he played in 2017. RBs are done like that. It's a rough business. Orlovsky- I think he'll find a team, maybe the Titans, but there's something to that

Should JRob let DeMarco test free agency?

Absolutely. His value is going to ...mutter...not good

*************Here is the other issue***********

Biggest talk during Super Bowl week? What are you hearing?

Avery Williamson. He didn't catch Avery much this year but there are at least four maybe five teams eyeing him in free agency. 

***************

See if we signed him or re-signed him before this...grrr. The Titans won't pay Avery a ton of money. I keep seeing the Dolphins mentioned on twitter. We'll draft a LB and he'll replace Avery and there will be no progress

1. I have said it before. A good coach designs his scheme to fit his players, not the other way around. If Vrabel/LaFleur/Pees can't do that then we are in for another long three year agony. That said, obviously, in every scheme there are potential linchpins and you draft/contract to improve your efficiency there. If the WRs and TEs can catch the ball effectively, the need to have a RB that frequently lines up as WR diminishes.

2. Henry/DeMarco. I have no doubt DeMarco is not worth his salary any more. However, he can block and he can catch and he can run effectively at least when healthy (and with less use perhaps he'll stay healthy longer). Why throw that away (at least this year, for a rookie with unknown blocking prowess). Also - FFS - Let's see what Henry can actually do with the load before he is shipped elsewhere, shall we?

3. Vrabel/Pees and ILB - I think these guys get it. Whether the guy will be Avery Williamson or someone else, this position is highly unlikely to be overlooked

 

[-OZ-]

Re Henry not the right back

Has way better hands than he expected or saw in college. He's seen him line up at WR but not catch many passes there. This O really needs a two way back. A younger DeMarco would be perfect here but they have what they have. If the right RB falls, could definitely see the Titans trade Henry and draft a RB in the first or spend a high pick. JRob trades so much the spots are almost debatable but could really see Titans making a move for a dual (way) RB. Thinks Henry will be a star in this league and would fetch a nice return but does not see him being fluid like Gurley. Could he be? Oh absolutely and it might be what the Titans do. Add a back and still go with Henry to see. Host-DeMarco didn't look like 2016. He's gonna have trouble finding teams after the way he played in 2017. RBs are done like that. It's a rough business. Orlovsky- I think he'll find a team, maybe the Titans, but there's something to that

I'll keep beating the drum but really, draft This guy, keep Henry as your starter. 

 

[msommer]

I'll keep beating the drum but really, draft This guy, keep Henry as your starter. 

Can he block? If he's to be third down/change of pace guy, he'll have to block well.

No evidence on the video of that ability (or that it's missing).

 

[-OZ-]

Can he block? If he's to be third down/change of pace guy, he'll have to block well.

No evidence on the video of that ability (or that it's missing).

Good question. Like many backs in college, I don't think he was asked to block much. He'll have to learn. I'm not really looking for a blocking back but you're right that it's a useful skillset.

 

[msommer]

Good question. Like many backs in college, I don't think he was asked to block much. He'll have to learn. I'm not really looking for a blocking back but you're right that it's a useful skillset.

It's pretty damn crucial for QB health  

 

[msommer]

Back up QB:

Honestly I'd like a clean slate. Just get rid of Cassel, Weeden and Tanney and start again. As far as I can tell there is no cap effect of doing this as long as it is before March 18.

Draft a guy. It's reportedly a QB heavy draft, so pick one in the 3rd or 4th instead of 5th or 6rh as they usually do.

Get a decent Vet - like a Josh McCown (it won't be him, but someone like him - someone who isn't an automatic loss if he has to play like the three doofuses currently on roster)

Thoughts?

 

[-OZ-]

It's pretty damn crucial for QB health  

He can't be a sieve, but as long as he's on par with woodhead or McCaffery, he'd be useful. Obviously the better he is at blocking, the better for the Titans.

 

[-OZ-]

Back up QB:

Honestly I'd like a clean slate. Just get rid of Cassel, Weeden and Tanney and start again. As far as I can tell there is no cap effect of doing this as long as it is before March 18.

Draft a guy. It's reportedly a QB heavy draft, so pick one in the 3rd or 4th instead of 5th or 6rh as they usually do.

Get a decent Vet - like a Josh McCown (it won't be him, but someone like him - someone who isn't an automatic loss if he has to play like the three doofuses currently on roster)

Thoughts?

If you go with a vet, the best value is probably going to be Savage. Unless you want to pony up for Bridgewater or keenum which seems highly unlikely. Geno Smith isn't getting it done. Maybe Matt Moore, but Savage might be the better fit. 

For mid round rookies, unless Rudolph falls, I'm most intrigued by Kurt Benkart. Not a starting caliber guy, early anyway, but could be a good backup.

 

[msommer]

If you go with a vet, the best value is probably going to be Savage. Unless you want to pony up for Bridgewater or keenum which seems highly unlikely. Geno Smith isn't getting it done. Maybe Matt Moore, but Savage might be the better fit. 

For mid round rookies, unless Rudolph falls, I'm most intrigued by Kurt Benkart. Not a starting caliber guy, early anyway, but could be a good backup.

I was thinking maybe butt fumble not a fan of Savage at all

ETA Matt Moore might be interesting. I think Keenum goes to a place where he gets to compete for a starting job, so TEN is likely out

 

[-OZ-]

I was thinking maybe butt fumble not a fan of Savage at all

ETA Matt Moore might be interesting. I think Keenum goes to a place where he gets to compete for a starting job, so TEN is likely out

You prefer butt fumble to Savage?  Ok, neither are really optimal.

Maybe Cutler wants to come back to Nashville as the backup? 

 

[msommer]

You prefer butt fumble to Savage?  Ok, neither are really optimal.

Maybe Cutler wants to come back to Nashville as the backup? 

Is Tom Savage more than a poor man's Brock Osweiler (without all the money)?

Anyway, are there any likely cast offs that may have had a chance but did little with it that they can look at?

 

[-OZ-]

Is Tom Savage more than a poor man's Brock Osweiler (without all the money)?

Anyway, are there any likely cast offs that may have had a chance but did little with it that they can look at?

If the browns draft a QB, Kessler could probably be had.

 

[msommer]

If the browns draft a QB, Kessler could probably be had.

I'd say that's nearly a stone cold lock.

What about Trevor Siemian, he might also be dumped by the Broncos. But maybe not until TC

 

[Bri]

If the browns draft a QB, Kessler could probably be had.

he was fine. I'd be fine with him.

Right now I want Tyrod Taylor. If the thinking is that Alex Smith fetched a third so Taylor is either worth a third or fourth...OK. I don't care about his 6 mil salary since the Titans are 50-60 mil under the cap.

Mariota gets hurt every year. Even if it's dinged up and not 'out' I want a good backup. I bet Mariota played hurt for three games in 2017. What if 2 weeks of rest would have been what he needed? One start by Taylor? 

My problem has consistently been hope. That's all I want from a backup QB. I used to have goals and Taylor sure would be a QB with those goals in mind, but geesh I really just want a guy that doesn't make me think 'game over' the second he comes onto the field.

 

[msommer]

he was fine. I'd be fine with him.

Right now I want Tyrod Taylor. If the thinking is that Alex Smith fetched a third so Taylor is either worth a third or fourth...OK. I don't care about his 6 mil salary since the Titans are 50-60 mil under the cap.

Mariota gets hurt every year. Even if it's dinged up and not 'out' I want a good backup. I bet Mariota played hurt for three games in 2017. What if 2 weeks of rest would have been what he needed? One start by Taylor? 

My problem has consistently been hope. That's all I want from a backup QB. I used to have goals and Taylor sure would be a QB with those goals in mind, but geesh I really just want a guy that doesn't make me think 'game over' the second he comes onto the field.

Tyrods contract is a lot more than that if he is traded for. 10m base salary, 6m roster bonus on 3/16. So, 16m and a pick for a back up qb likely to be cut 3/15 by BUF? That doesn't seem smart. After he's been cut - different story.

I'd be good with Kessler. 

 

[Snorkelson]

Tyrods contract is a lot more than that if he is traded for. 10m base salary, 6m roster bonus on 3/16. So, 16m and a pick for a back up qb likely to be cut 3/15 by BUF? That doesn't seem smart. After he's been cut - different story.

I'd be good with Kessler. 

I think a few of the names mentioned will hold out hope for a starting job. I mean, who knows, but I think the better the qb, the longer you’ll have to wait to get them signed as a backup. Guys who have previously started will want to wait as long as they can, and maybe even stay unsigned and wait for someone to get injured. 

 

[msommer]

I think a few of the names mentioned will hold out hope for a starting job. I mean, who knows, but I think the better the qb, the longer you’ll have to wait to get them signed as a backup. Guys who have previously started will want to wait as long as they can, and maybe even stay unsigned and wait for someone to get injured. 

That's a good point, even if the player is anxious to get an income, his agent is likely even more anxious about potentially leaving money on the table.

At the same time, teams need time to teach a system/playbook so...

 

[Snorkelson]

That's a good point, even if the player is anxious to get an income, his agent is likely even more anxious about potentially leaving money on the table.

At the same time, teams need time to teach a system/playbook so...

So you’re looking at the savage/Kessler tier or or drafting a guy, or most likely, keep 2/3 of the guys you have. Matt Moore seems like a good fit- I was surprised Miami didn’t give him a legit chance to start- it always baffles me when a guy gets injured and the team signs someone off the street instead of going with the backup. If he can’t be the backup, why have him on the team? Ticked me off years ago when the lions signed a 300 lb culpepper off the street and played him 2 days later rather than play 2nd rd pick drew Stanton and cited that they “didn’t want to hurt his confidence.” Don’t want to hurt your confidence, but we don’t think you can do it kid. 

 

[msommer]

So you’re looking at the savage/Kessler tier or or drafting a guy, or most likely, keep 2/3 of the guys you have. Matt Moore seems like a good fit- I was surprised Miami didn’t give him a legit chance to start- it always baffles me when a guy gets injured and the team signs someone off the street instead of going with the backup. If he can’t be the backup, why have him on the team? Ticked me off years ago when the lions signed a 300 lb culpepper off the street and played him 2 days later rather than play 2nd rd pick drew Stanton and cited that they “didn’t want to hurt his confidence.” Don’t want to hurt your confidence, but we don’t think you can do it kid. 

Well, as mentioned above I personally think we should clean house at backup qb, so the keeping of existing players is right out!  

 

[Snorkelson]

I'll keep beating the drum but really, draft This guy, keep Henry as your starter. 

Thanks for the post- I hadn’t gotten to him yet and I was impressed but question whether all that dancing is going to work at the nfl level. Pretty amazing jukes, he’s fast but every time he makes one of those moves it takes him time to get back up to speed. Decent target at the end of rd 2/beginning of rd 3 in dynasty drafts for ppr. 

 

[-OZ-]

Thanks for the post- I hadn’t gotten to him yet and I was impressed but question whether all that dancing is going to work at the nfl level. Pretty amazing jukes, he’s fast but every time he makes one of those moves it takes him time to get back up to speed. Decent target at the end of rd 2/beginning of rd 3 in dynasty drafts for ppr. 

Agreed on the concern which is why I wouldn't expect him to go high. But he seems like an ideal compliment to Henry.

 

[msommer]

Agreed on the concern which is why I wouldn't expect him to go high. But he seems like an ideal compliment to Henry.

If he can learn to block. Which would make the screen pass option to him lethal

 

[Bri]

Tyrod's four years remaining- first one is high, but then it's 2,2,1 or 2,1,1. That looks like a "classic" renegotiate contract where the GM spreads things out to make it tolerable

 

[Bri]

I would rather Kessler and Tyrod. I don't think it has to be either or.

3rd string should be young and worth developing. If we were gonna project them to spend a third or fourth on such a guy...I'd rather Kessler who I thought looked fine. It'd all work out if the Tyrod scenario is true. There really is a lot of meat to the rumor when ya google it. It's not your average rumor to discard

 

[msommer]

Tyrod's four years remaining- first one is high, but then it's 2,2,1 or 2,1,1. That looks like a "classic" renegotiate contract where the GM spreads things out to make it tolerable

per spotrac "2019-21 years automatically void if on the roster at the end of the 2018 league year"

The whole contract is a redo.

 

[Hankmoody]

Tyrod's four years remaining- first one is high, but then it's 2,2,1 or 2,1,1. That looks like a "classic" renegotiate contract where the GM spreads things out to make it tolerable

That happens when there are multiple contracts or a deal gets reworked and the bonuses are pro-rated over non-concurrent periods.  Say he originally had $10M signing bonus over 5 years - that's $2M per year.  Say after year two they restructure the deal to split salary into a new signing bonus - say another $10M over another 5 years.  So now years 3-5 will have both prorates, for $4M each, while years 6 and7 will only have the second prorate at $2M each.

As was already said, the years will void either way, so they are going to take the dead money hit for that remaining $7M at some point.

 

[Bri]

per spotrac "2019-21 years automatically void if on the roster at the end of the 2018 league year"

The whole contract is a redo.

a contract voids if on a roster? Weird. I didn't see that

 

[Bri]

Got all the coaches done, presser tomorrow

 

[Bri]

http://www.espn.com/blog/tennessee-titans/post/_/id/25512/titans-add-three-more-position-coaches-to-mike-vrabels-staff

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- New Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel has found the final three lead position coaches for his staff, hiring Keith Carter as offensive line coach, Terrell Williams as defensive line coach and Tony Dews as running backs coach. The team is also retaining longtime strength and conditioning coach Steve Watterson.

These hires come one week after the Titans added nine assistants, including Matt LaFleur as offensive coordinator and Dean Pees as defensive coordinator.

Carter leaves the Atlanta Falcons where he spent 2017 as running backs coach. He was also the Falcons' assistant offensive line coach from 2015-16. He spent most of his collegiate career working with offensive linemen.

Williams spent the past three seasons as the Dolphins' defensive line coach, but he wasn't retained for 2018. He also spent three seasons as the Raiders' defensive line coach.

Dews, a longtime college assistant coach, left West Virginia, where he spent 2017 as running backs coach. He spent a decade before that working primarily as a receivers coach at Arizona, Pitt, Michigan and West Virginia.

Watterson has been on the Titans/Oilers staff since 1986. No other NFL assistant has worked for one team for as many consecutive years as Watterson.

There will be plenty of new faces on the Titans' 2018 coaching staff as no defensive assistants from the 2017 staff were retained. Only tight ends coach Arthur Smith has been retained among the offensive and defensive coaches from the 2017 staff thus far although there is still a chance for one or two others to come back as assistant offensive position coaches.

LaFleur, Pees and the rest of the Titans' assistants are scheduled to speak to the media late Wednesday morning.

Carter and Dews are charged with improving an offensive line and running game that used to be among the team's biggest strengths. In 2016, the Titans had over 100 yards rushing in 12 of 16 games. That number dropped to six regular-season games in 2017. The Titans went from ranking third in rushing in 2016 to 15th in 2017. The offensive line also gave up eight sacks in the team's season-ending divisional playoff loss to the New England Patriots this year.

There likely will be a few more minor additions to Vrabel's staff, but the core group is complete.

 

[msommer]

So, no Russ Grimm? No Bruce Matthews?

Colour me surprised

 

[Bri]

So, no Russ Grimm? No Bruce Matthews?

Colour me surprised

Nope. The OL coach has only been an assistant. He was recommended by Shanahan and worked with LaFleur in Atlanta. LaFleur was surprised so he didn't recommend him.

I prefer some of the former coaches, but that said I give Vrabel a lot of credit for the hires because he didn't hire his friends. That's the way hires should be. What he did was ask and ask and do his own research. JRob did the same. It's possible everyone stinks but...I do like this process better than Whis hiring everyone he knows in the NFL. 

 

[msommer]

Matt LaFleur says the right things

While LaFleur fell into coach speak about establishing the run, creating offensive balance, each game being a different episode, yadda, yadda, yadda, there was one line that stuck out:

"We're going to try to tailor our offense to our player's ability."

Halleluiah. If that isn't music to the ears of Titans fans, they're going deaf.

 

[-OZ-]

Matt LaFleur says the right things

That really shouldn't even need to be said, yet the previous coaches failed there, big time.

 

[Bri]

Matt LaFleur says the right things

Well Mularkey did (2016) do well to tailor the offense to Murray, Henry, Delanie, Fasano, and the OL.

The really surprising thing was his admiration and almost affection for Mariota and yet that's the guy he utilized worse

 

[msommer]

Well Mularkey did (2016) do well to tailor the offense to Murray, Henry, Delanie, Fasano, and the OL.

The really surprising thing was his admiration and almost affection for Mariota and yet that's the guy he utilized worse

I'd guess because he had been told after Whis' firing that he had to be mollycoddled and that he didn't realize that wasn't the right course any more

 

[Bri]

Kenneth Adams IV has moved into a condo in TEN and is working out of the Titans offices this spring. He was unhappy with things and is there to make sure professionalism, accountability, and "the Titans Oilers way" is upheld. He spent a day with Vrabel and JRob.

This is the NFL equivalent of a dad telling his boy "you better act right."

No one has any idea exactly what stirred him up, but it was enough for him to fly in from Houston, investigate, and decide to stay the spring in TEN. Kenneth is a hugely respected big time lawyer. He's the Titans counsel and also works for the NFL besides many major corporations. He was the expected heir when Bud died but didn't want the responsibility. 

We know all the exit interviews weren't done in the same fashion and that some that worked for the Titans org were let go by just a letter. That's it.

The news came out that he was there after the prior staff was let go. The news came out that he was staying after a weisenheimer tweet was posted by the Titans account. 

I have no idea if this will lead anywhere or something will come of this but...make a mental note now and let's see how the spring plays out

 

[Bri]

Titans brought back Mike Sullivan, assistant OL coach and Luke Stecker assistant WR coach. Sullivan will again be the assistant OL coach but Stecker's position is still to be determined. Stecker I mentioned many times over the last couple years. He's a coach's son and has worked in several different positions- very bright young guy that everyone thinks will be something someday. 

From Wyatt, they also hired:

On Tuesday, the Titans announced the hiring of Matt Edwards (Assistant Special Teams), Scott Booker (Defensive Assistant), Ryan Crow (Defensive Assistant) and Matt Pees (Quality Control).

Crow seems like a favor to someone at Ohio State or maybe they just saw something in him. Pees' son we discussed. Booker has coached for 15 years since playing for Pees so he makes a lot of sense. Edwards is from Tiffin University. I don't know or see anything notable. In the stats Mike Lane was a top d player for them but I get nothing searching quickly. Assistants are often times guys getting a chance where they otherwise wouldn't. I don't think we grade these. 

Sullivan is important because we have our doubts about the incoming OL coach as he only worked as an assistant. Sullivan has been with the Titans for 16? years. If this wasn't bringing in a new staff of young guys (for the most part) then Sullivan probably would have been OUR choice as OL coach with Grimm retiring. He worked under Munchak, Matthews, (forget his name) and Grimm. Us fans like the lineage and OL history so we would have preferred him I'm sure. Regardless, he's around and that's good.

 

[Bri]

Rob Moore was an interesting interview. OTAs and minicamp will be about teaching what he expects, getting in shape, and getting healthy. Training camp will be when he grades the WRs on running the right route, the right way(crisp), and making the catch if it is thrown. Scores 1-10, highest scores will get more reps. Scoring is only done in the beginning to set the tone, maybe the first week. If things go well, he'll score during OTAs and not at all during camp. Stole this idea from a prior coach. Will do this every year. Wants doing things the right way to be second nature, if he scored throughout camp they'd be thinking too much. Players should know how they're being evaluated and how they can improve and doing it this way is the best method he's experienced. 

This thinking I love: Big catches are not ideal. It's best for a WR to create separation and make an easy catch. Most big catches during his time in the NFL are because a WR didn't do all he could before the ball was thrown. 

WRs will cover WRs in drills. Defenders know routes and tendencies, best way to challenge a WR is to have the D know what's coming and he has to get open anyway.

Very little surprises in NFL. Delanie one of the best ever at getting open or getting position despite defense knowing what he was gonna do. Doesn't expect to have much of any time with Delanie but it's too early. Would like to have him work with group if there's time. 

Drops by Raiders- sure it's concentration but they weren't getting a cushion and tried to catch every ball with a man on their back. Very difficult way to play the game. Get separation, get some room, get comfortable, and make the catch. 

Called Taywan a laser. Davis not healthy not close to healthy, not sure how Vrabel feels about "troopers." Decker best graded WR, always where he should be, always running good crisp routes. Matthews one of best hands in NFL, poor at getting separation regularly. He, not Davis, would be prediction of biggest improvement, always wanted to get his hands on him. You can't teach what he's capable of with the ball near, but if he can get him to do the right things and get space the sky's the limit for Rishard. Tajae- like DGB the year before, not ready and thrown in there. Very curious what he learned. Appears to be an intelligent WR. Davis didn't adjust his game. If you hurt your leg, you're slower, you might not jump as well positioning would be key. Not that impressed with final game. Routes weren't impressive, very poor coverage, fortunate. Huge future, loves his potential, never gonna get there if he doesn't take pride in his routes. When the ball not going his way, some of the worst running he's ever seen. Exceptional blocker for a rookie. Taywan, terrible blocker. Extremely polished as a receiver, takes pride in everything, thought Titans would have used him more. Has no control over screens and usage, Arthur Smith has already told him the TEs will block better if they're run.

Marcus- exceptional discipline. Understands he has to make throws so WRs can count on it, his WRs have to be accountable in return.

Forcing- doesn't see that on Marcus on tape. Looks like coaches, that was the play. Put in very difficult situations all year. I'm telling ya there's probably only 2-3 QBs in NFL that would make the throws Marcus did last year. New offense should give him options. This will help with lazy route running when ball is not coming their way, everyone is an option. 

Lack of growth from Marcus- Didn't see that. I saw a QB being forced to throw where it shouldn't be thrown, so he made leaps n bounds in placement. He taught himself how to place the ball out of desperation. Bad mechanics could be like a child, asking him to do what he shouldn't be doing so he's begrudgingly doing it. Won't talk back to coach, probably that should have been a sign to the coaches that he's uncomfortable. This will be a neon sign to him that his WRs better do something to make Marcus feel comfortable

Knew a week before interview that he would. Watched every tape he could find. Made a booklet of notes, used some program to illustrate issues WRs had, videod himself doing things correctly, merged the tape. Had videos of WRs doing things well and called it goals. Can not communicate with players but to say hello and see you soon. Sent a list of what he requires of his players

Biggest problem in NFL? Titans don't have it. Hydration all over the facility. Hates seeing players working out without fluids nearby

No desire to bring anyone in, not his job. Coaches the players he's given. Didn't even recommend players to Jon.

Will he scout college players or free agents? Anything Jon wants

Biggest surprise in interview? Many questions about the defensive backs. Enjoyed how Vrabel thought. Heard LB coaches were asked Qs about RBs and offenses. This is the top of the top. You must know the competition. Vrabel took his videos home, felt good about that. 

What's he working on now til players come? Tapes of defensive backs, has a storage he has to add 2017 too. Nearly done. Jon has work for him, doesn't know what it is

 

[msommer]

Succop resigned 5 yrs 20m

 

[msommer]

Free Agency fit for every AFC team

Tennessee Titans: Jerick McKinnon, running back

The Titans require edge-rushing help, but I'd expect that to come through the draft. Assuming DeMarco Murray is history, I'm giving Tennessee a player to pair with Derrick Henry. McKinnon runs tough for his size and operates as a major asset in the passing game. He'd give this attack a burst of much-needed speed.

P.S.: The Titans are dead to me if they don't also find a backup quarterback better than Matt Cassel.

Not sure about the first paragraph, but Cassell has to go

 

[Bri]

PK has them adding Carlos Hyde as his prediction. The free agents are loaded with third down scat back types.

The 49ers opinion pieces seem to be they either don't like him or love the guy but he's not worth franchising

Avery was featured with his trip to Israel. A year or two ago, they had a bunch on Antonio Andrews and his dad which didn't indicate they were likely to re-sign him. I don't think Avery articles mean anything other than just sharing a nice story

A little radio nugget was that DaQuan (is doing well and) was helping some older woman bring groceries to her car and Vrabel saw him and shook his hand. DaQuan said it's a pleasure to meet you and Vrabel said no it's a pleasure to meet you- ie see the kind deed. Again, no idea if they'll re-sign him

Yeah re-signed Succup but that was widely expected. Awesome that he is the third most accurate kicker since joining the Titans.

Wyatt wrote something like- yes the Titans spent $ in free agency on special teams last year but it's still an area to address so he thinks they will again. Again, I don't want it. How about we just do it the normal way and ST is someone's extra position? Like he's a good LB that also plays ST well?

FWIW Vrabel once called Jamaal Charles the best back (like 8? years ago) so some are saying he'll want him in free agency and ignoring his age

Cushing to Titans still seems so. No idea why, truly, as that would give us the oldest LB corps in the NFL if not NFL history(or am I exaggerating?) but it's not just me hearing it because we grew up in the same town, 'name' Texans and Titans writers are hearing the same rumor.

As far as what I hear- Spain and Kline would be gone and the Texans were not glad to move on from Jones but fine with the notion he wasn't there so they expect Vrabel to be. When Matt LaFleur was "selling himself" and his offense to the Titans, he pointed out that a brand new interior as they switch to a zone blocking scheme is ideal like they could handpick the best fits. I'd be furious about Spain as he's statistically the best G since he started. The two people I asked think Jones could only fetch a fourth. I'd be against this. I did read a bunch about Kyle Shanahan and LaFleur does seem dead on accurate that the interior is so super key to the success but my brain is still stuck on "no no, Spain is one of the best, you don't get rid of one of the best, you make it work."

When I read of Kyle's O, Julio doesn't fit. I wanted to point that out because he's like the superstar that defies rules. If I'm following correctly, then LaFleur(I think) would want Julio and like four or five Taywan Taylors. Fast, quick, yards after catch, breakaway...all the words are for him. None of that stuff describes Rishard or Tajae or Decker. Davis isn't Julio type awesome. I don't know how he'll develop but I think I can already say that much. Are they about to ask too much of him in his second year? If Davis was a freak of freaks with the one handed plucks and sudden video game speed or leaping ability, we'd have seen that. He could be an excellent pro, but I don't get Calvin or ODB or Julio type awesome even with the most generous thoughts of his future

Back one paragraph again- For the record, Mularkey called his system zone blocking and a power scheme then said "we're multi-dimensional." What they went with was more about power and traditional concepts but some are pointing out that the current linemen could very well have already been taught and coached on the zone blitz schemes because that was usually Mularkey's plan.

Conklin's surgery went excellent. Update- changed from "likely to go on PUP" to "could go on PUP." There's no way they are going to know in February. He's got tons of physical rehab and healing to be done but if you're desperate for an update you can nitpick the word change like some are doing.

Mularkey is getting his due. Almost every writer (and I even noticed a fan write in to Wyatt's mailbag) is sincerely giving him credit for the Titans turnaround. He deserves it and the way he was stubborn, maybe playing out like this was expected, but yeah he definitely deserves that credit.

 

[-OZ-]

Free Agency fit for every AFC team

Not sure about the first paragraph, but Cassell has to go

Agreed on Cassell. McKinnon would be a fine complimentary back to Henry. Probably the best Jerrick could do too. 

Really don't want them to sign Hyde. He's a good player but the Titans don't need the committee approach. Ride Henry, JM could step up if needed, maybe still draft a back. Though if they signed McKinnon, I think I might prefer Jaylen Samuels as a hybrid TE/RB.

 

[msommer]

As far as what I hear- Spain and Kline would be gone and the Texans were not glad to move on from Jones but fine with the notion he wasn't there so they expect Vrabel to be. When Matt LaFleur was "selling himself" and his offense to the Titans, he pointed out that a brand new interior as they switch to a zone blocking scheme is ideal like they could handpick the best fits. I'd be furious about Spain as he's statistically the best G since he started. The two people I asked think Jones could only fetch a fourth. I'd be against this. I did read a bunch about Kyle Shanahan and LaFleur does seem dead on accurate that the interior is so super key to the success but my brain is still stuck on "no no, Spain is one of the best, you don't get rid of one of the best, you make it work."

This is beyond stupid. It stil may succeed but come on, you don't #### with a functioning OL

And- Screw Robinson if he chooses Hyde or McKinnon over Murray for the pass receiving/3rd down back role

 

[Bri]

This is beyond stupid. It stil may succeed but come on, you don't #### with a functioning OL

And- Screw Robinson if he chooses Hyde or McKinnon over Murray for the pass receiving/3rd down back role

It's like a riddle. "Bookends, any team with two excellent bookends will have a successful offensive line" is said about any other blocking concept than zone-blocking. Murray loves "the corner" and has had most of his career success around the corner just like Curtis Martin. The Titans have averaged gaudy numbers running behind Lewan. Ballpark of 7,8,9 yards per carry. Almost always tops in the NFL at that spot. 

Jonnu's incredible downfield blocking technique is now called a punch technique. Running inside instead of around the corner somewhat limits his ability to lead a play and punch to break someone free for a big gain too

The night of and day after Vrabel was signed, many expected the Titans to get a mammoth guard opposite Spain and good luck to the NFL stopping that group from overpowering them. 

Kubiak, Shanny...they all like the zone rushing so you can easily tell where he gets it from.

 

[Bri]

Jonnu's incredible downfield blocking technique is now called a punch technique. Running inside instead of around the corner somewhat limits his ability to lead a play and punch to break someone free for a big gain too




1

I wanna point something else out.

When I watched the Rams, the TE runs diagonally 6 yards or so and blocks the DB out wide. I don't see that the outside WR does a darn thing and it's like the coach has no confidence in his blocking. Once the TE has sealed off the outside CB, Gurley is past him and he isn't fast enough to really contribute any further.

The Titans (for as long as I can remember, not just Mularkey) TE blocks a LB somewhat straight ahead and tries to find another. The FB, if he's still on his feet, has taken out a LB, run to the side, and is looking for another too.

I strongly dislike how the Rams do it.

The Titans had good blocking WRs (and probably have awesome blocking WRs now that they had to block DEs and LBs under Mularkey) and this may just be that the Rams WRs weren't very good at blocking. That is a common NFL problem. However, I would be supremely confident in both Gurley and Henry if they had to take on a CB because a WR missed his block. I wouldn't expect this type of compensating for a deficiency at all.

This does bring me back to Jonnu though. The guy is phenomenal at downfield blocking, somehow staying on his feet, and being able to find another. Anyone watching tape of the rook during one of these times, should be like OMG I love this kid! I can not imagine, not one bit, that Vrabel approves of Smith taking on WRs. He played FB a bit himself and had such grit as a player. Aside from the waste, this is like a wimpy assignment for Jonnu. The teenie bit that I know of Vrabel, this wouldn't suit his personality at all. "Let's get Lewan out there with him and look like a wrecking crew running down the field" suits his personality. 

More

Goff is not stupid or dopey but his brain wasn't NFL ready. (Eli's wasn't as a rook and it happens, not trying to insult) Mariota is cerebral and borderline OCD. This is a stark contrasts in those two. McVay's offense did not (not so much) allow Goff to think but snap n throw. He often hit his first option because it was well designed and immediate. His second and third options were quick reads or throw it away. They wanted him snapping and to be done with the play "like that." Very very quickly. I don't think this suits Mariota at all.

The way I see it

If the Titans plug the Rams offense into their team, LaFleur will be fired before the year is over so don't listen to people thinking that's what they're doing. (And Mike Shanny with Denver, my goodness how long ago did TD play?) 

Their Lewan was Greg Robinson who about busted and moved to G. Henry is different than Gurley almost as different as Goff vs Mariota. They don't have a Delanie. On and on

I think there's an offseason meeting where they say the Rams did XYZ so I wanna do XYZ. Personnel gets discussed, what best suits which guys, and the resulting offense is a mishmash combo, some variation. 

It would be too naive to expect the Rams O just transplanted

 

[msommer]

I can not imagine, not one bit, that Vrabel approves of Smith taking on WRs.

You are going to have to unpack this one, GB

 

[Hankmoody]

You are going to have to unpack this one, GB

clearly a typo for CB?

 

[-OZ-]

clearly a typo for CB?

He's calling bri a golden boy.

Or good buddy.

 

[msommer]

clearly a typo for CB?

Why would Vrabel disapprove of Smith blocking CBs?