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Titans 2020 (1 Viewer)

Given that this makes too much sense, I expect something different come draft day

From NFL.com

TENNESSEE TITANS

» Round 1: No. 19 overall -- Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
» Round 2: No. 51 -- Connor McGovern, OG, Penn State

Lawrence could be an instant run-stuffer alongside Jurrell Casey with future pass-rush potential.

McGovern gives the Titans a starting guard or center candidate -- he's worn both hats.
Does McGovern fill the G need or is he on the wrong side?

 
Given that this makes too much sense, I expect something different come draft day

From NFL.com

Does McGovern fill the G need or is he on the wrong side?
No idea about McGovern, but I have a feeling they go iOL in the first, try to give Mariota the best possible OL they can before they make the big QB decision (next year).

ETA: And, yes, it's too quiet in here!

 
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2019 Regular Season Schedule

Let's break this down into quarters..

Week 1: at Cleveland Browns

Week 2: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week 3: at Jaguars (TNF)

Week 4: at Falcons

- 3/4 road games, against teams that should be pretty darn good this year. Our boys will be lucky to be .500 after the first month. 

Week 5: vs. Bills

Week 6: at Denver Broncos

Week 7: vs. Chargers

Week 8: vs. Buccaneers

- much nicer here. Chargers should be good, the others are below average. 3 home games. Q2 is very friendly.

Week 9: at Panthers

Week 10: vs. Chiefs

Week 11: BYE

Week 12: vs. Jaguars

Week 13: at Colts

- late bye is good I think, right before the division rematches. Another set they'll be lucky to be .500. 

Week 14: at Raiders

Week 15: vs. Texans

Week 16: New Orleans Saints

Week 17: at Texans

- I don't like playing the same team twice in 3 weeks. Putting Brees and Co between is really tough, but at least that's at home. They may very well need to finish the season with 4 straight wins, week 17 should be huge unless Houston is already in. 

Overall not bad. Tough start and finish. easier Q2. We knew they'd have a top 10 schedule. I just don't really like starting that tough. Seems odd to call starting at Cleveland a tough draw but the browns should be good this year. 

 
https://www.titansonline.com/video/titans-wr-tajae-sharpe-s-expectations-for-titans-offense-in-2019

Part of me hope he gets traded to another team so that they can tap into his potential. If he can be taught to get in and out of his breaks a little more quickly, then he could be pretty good.
If he played WR in HS, college and now three years with the Titans then that's a decade to learn to get in and out of his breaks faster. I'm not holding my breath here...

 
Week 14: at Raiders

Week 15: vs. Texans

Week 16: New Orleans Saints

Week 17: at Texans

- I don't like playing the same team twice in 3 weeks. Putting Brees and Co between is really tough, but at least that's at home. They may very well need to finish the season with 4 straight wins, week 17 should be huge unless Houston is already in. 
I thought the same initially but week 17 often means nothing so now I'm wondering if this means they really only play the Texans once. 

If they trade Conklin and/or draft a G, I do prefer the new guys to get accustomed to the NFL before dealing with Watt and Clowney.

 
If he played WR in HS, college and now three years with the Titans then that's a decade to learn to get in and out of his breaks faster. I'm not holding my breath here...
He needs a Joe Montana Kurt Warner type QB that throws these short leading passes. He does have great hands and can make a catch with just the littlest space. Having him run curls is fine but coverable. Pretending he is Delanie or has great ups and work the sideline or middle and use his body is simply not something he's capable of. Sending him deep is almost comical at his slow speed.

I think he's a backup and Brees or Brady would use him for a bunch of key plays but all in all he'll never shine more than a few well-timed passes. If he leaves and goes to the wrong offense, his career could be over quick. Slants or short crossing patterns, that's it. Anything else and he'll be done

 
The draft visits seem to indicate they're going Edge, DL, or OL in the first few. (Neither right tackle is under contract for 2020. It's not just RG that's needed)

OLB and ILB are hmmms that I'm not sure they need after signing Wake. I think those were homework.

They have spent 10 of 47 interviews on cornerbacks. This isn't a need. Something is up with this. Trade? Significant camp competition? That is so unexpected and not normal. After signing Tye Smith, they go 5 deep with starting caliber CBs.

They interviewed many safeties and I could see them drafting two and surprising people. Vaccaro (who wasn't re-signed initially) curiously has an out at year 1 and year 2. Webb and Cruik have not proven to be much so I'm figuring they'll draft one and if someone they like is still hanging around, they'll draft another. If not two here, then I would predict this is where they spend on a UDFA. Keep in mind they had Cyp, Vaccaro, Byard, and Cruik and looked well set a few months ago. Some of this is good evaluation, some is manufactured by JRob.

JRob still seems obsessed with a third down RB. They paid Wadley like a 6th round pick last year and Muhammad the year before. They've interviewed a few scatback third down back types again. I guess it's coming from the Pats and all and how they value that RB position.

Bryce Love was reported on NFLN as interviewing but no site lists him as a visit. I'm not sure what's up with that. I wouldn't mind a particular later pick being spent to see if he overcomes his ACL. 

 
If he played WR in HS, college and now three years with the Titans then that's a decade to learn to get in and out of his breaks faster. I'm not holding my breath here...
Sure, but people improve and evolve in the pros all the time. Just look at AB and Tom Brady.

 
I don't like the hitting a woman angle. It's good he got an award for work in the community. If the female owner approved of the pick, I'll roll with it. 

They dug into him and since the incident was in high school, they had enough data of "will he change" to form a conclusion. 

I'm not about to stick up for the guy as if I know him so please don't quote me here. Most of my thoughts here rely on Amy's evaluation.

As far as talent or the prospect of him playing-

I like reading that a team had him as the top player. I like the disruptive DL type talk.

I'm concerned that they say he needs to develop moves and better technique.

As a leader should, Casey adopts all the DL. Some buddy up with him, some don't. Simmons has to. He's gotta be around a good guy, gotta learn whatever techniques and tips and all. Casey is almost always double-teamed and sometimes triple-teamed. If this guy is special, he could benefit big-time from learning from Casey before he retires.

 
Happy with the Simmons pick in terms of value. Character he'll have to show.

Know nothing about the five other picks, AJ Brown WR, Nate Davis G, Amani Hooker S, D'Andre Walker OLB, Davis Long Jr LB

 
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I like the DE UDFAs. They're 4-3 ends not 3-4 but since the Titans are always in nickel, I guess that doesn't matter.
Bledsoe never really got going at OU. Why not? Does he stink? Great guy that went through NCAA troubles. He was a four star recruit and is as good an athlete as most.  He might be a project. Things might click and suddenly there's a stud athlete at DE. I don't know but he's worth the camp invite UDFA signing. 

Roberson not being drafted was odd. He was excellent his senior year (13? sacks) and Kiper had him up there. I like that I read he is mean and determined to show you. It made me laugh. What a description of a pass rusher. Roberson spent a day with Vrabel.

DeAndre Walker plummeted through the draft and I don't know that he's a steal in the fourth. He did not do well against top competition and his limited moves were supposedly to blame. 
 

This is how it goes though. First round DL start right away and make a big impact, anyone else brings questions. I love the competition added. Urban signed too is good competition.

I don't think they play much.

Finch had some OMG moments and the college DE was excellent on the edge when they were in nickel. Wake was signed to play edge. Landry (an elite athlete with precious few moves) will be chomping at the bit to come in for one of them. 

We are at a weird point in NFL history where defense is largely nickel. Everyone talks like teams are always in 3-4 or 4-3 and they're not. So many need to change their thinking. I llllllove Bruce Smith and Reggie White, but teams aren't really looking for that beastly DE anymore. I mean maybe if they could get the rare chance, but Belichick has made it about confusion. All these quick pass offenses that snap N throw minimize that beastly DE. The edge that can drop back or rush the passer, he's got wayyy more value now. Wake wouldn't even still be playing ten years ago. He can't play OLB regularly and he can't play End. What he can do is an awesome combination of the two to worry the offense as to what role he's playing.

I'm not sure on that tiny LB they signed. 5-10 and 210 wouldn't have made the NFL years ago. The guy would have to be fast and play a hard-hitting safety spot. He's got speed and the rep for being everywhere. That does work in today's NFL. Jayon Brown was small and eh as a rookie. After spending a spring with his uncle Willie McGinest, he showed up with guns for arms and gained 15 pounds or so. It seems a bit much to ask this new LB to go through the same transition but...I'm curious and we'll see.

The Titans need another guard or two. OR Levin better be way improved. Nate Davis as the starter from day one? Hmmm. Small time college and he has some issues with his stance? Pamphile who couldn't win a spot last year so he went on IR with a minimal injury so he'd be around. 

I am still stuck wondering on Stinnie. Last year's UDFA that ate up a roster spot all season and yet never played. He was an all-american tackle in college (small) and a heckuva basketball player in high school with an NBA dad. His dad arranged a lot of workouts with former players last calendar year which was fun to read about. I never thought of it but athlete calling athlete "help my boy" makes total sense. Basketball had to give this guy great hands and good feet. His predraft reviews mention his feet and hand usage. I've been wondering if he's a tight end project. Right now though, I'm wondering if he isn't the backup plan at Guard. If he won't surprise and steal that starting spot. 

Conk was not good last year. There can not be a weak link next to him. If he rocks, then I guess they can handle growing pains. I'm definitely concerned for the right side.

JRob has said a few times that Kelly will not be playing guard. A supersub tackle is way too valuable to lose.

Rrrreally concerned about the RG spot but Casey is absolutely going to show them if there's a problem so I know they'll have time to address it.

 
Ilov80s said:
Titans didn’t exercise Conklin’s 5th year. Was he that bad?
He'd be locked in as about 13-15 mil. (I would have but I understand)

He was all pro as a rookie. OK second year til he got hurt. Meh last year coming back from ACL with little camp. 

Mariota is very much in this picture. He or his replacement will command big $ (as will Byard and maybe Henry but RBs are cheap)

The fear of him getting hurt, they rushed Conk so he had to deal with swelling in the knee all year.

Soooo is he all pro or just ok? They should know by now but they don't.

I'd have signed him because I don't like alternatives one bit- journeymen, spending a first, guys like Jeremiah Poutasi etc.

They didn't so it's probably "let's see how you do this year"

The prob with that is if he rocks, he's going to make a truckload for some other team.  Pro Bowl and an All Pro in first four, some team would pay handsomely for that.

 
He'd be locked in as about 13-15 mil. (I would have but I understand)

He was all pro as a rookie. OK second year til he got hurt. Meh last year coming back from ACL with little camp. 

Mariota is very much in this picture. He or his replacement will command big $ (as will Byard and maybe Henry but RBs are cheap)

The fear of him getting hurt, they rushed Conk so he had to deal with swelling in the knee all year.

Soooo is he all pro or just ok? They should know by now but they don't.

I'd have signed him because I don't like alternatives one bit- journeymen, spending a first, guys like Jeremiah Poutasi etc.

They didn't so it's probably "let's see how you do this year"

The prob with that is if he rocks, he's going to make a truckload for some other team.  Pro Bowl and an All Pro in first four, some team would pay handsomely for that.
Hmmm $13 million is a lot. It’s a gamble because if he fully comes back this year and plays closer to his rookie year this will look like a huge blunder. 

 
What's the story with Alex Barnes. Henry light?

His highlights are mostly him running straight through gaping holes. He seems fast and strong. 6'1", 227 lbs. Not small at all

 
Hmmm $13 million is a lot. It’s a gamble because if he fully comes back this year and plays closer to his rookie year this will look like a huge blunder. 
Therein lies the rub. Also, it's only a one year rental - if you have to spend 13/year on a right tackle, maybe you want a longer contract (if he's any good)

 
2019 Regular Season Schedule

Let's break this down into quarters..

Week 1: at Cleveland Browns

Week 2: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week 3: at Jaguars (TNF)

Week 4: at Falcons

- 3/4 road games, against teams that should be pretty darn good this year. Our boys will be lucky to be .500 after the first month. 
Yep. 3 on the road + 1 against Luck (who they've NEVER beaten anywhere) = tough first quarter

 
Therein lies the rub. Also, it's only a one year rental - if you have to spend 13/year on a right tackle, maybe you want a longer contract (if he's any good)
He makes 7.5 and that's been planned since they drafted him. It's not like they add 13.

 
What's the story with Alex Barnes. Henry light?

His highlights are mostly him running straight through gaping holes. He seems fast and strong. 6'1", 227 lbs. Not small at all
They sign UDFA RBs every year. They always do well and they rarely keep them. Many are still in the league. Barnes is a do everything well but nothing great type back. Some think he could have a long career as a backup but really no threat to Henry.

Vrabel loves Fluellen and at this point I'm thinking prove it. He barely plays and that indicates that they don't like him much. I mean there were games where Lewis and Henry stunk so anyone would have possibly been better or provided a spark.  The spark last year was Fowler in practices. 

 
Fluellen has been bumped up, in some degree. There are clear three RBs and then the backups whereas last year it was two RBs and then the backups. 

Vrabel continues to praise him and ya gotta wonder where Flu fits in and who gets less carries.

I will think nothing has changed until I see differently in preseason. Coaches have loved Flu before and he got like 2 carries last year.

I think the issue here is that whatever opening was there for Barnes to fill, Flu seems to have.

Barnes needs to find a way to stand out in his highly limited touches

More pass pro drills than ever for RBs, one friend even mentioned when every RB was young (Cobb Andrews Sankey) and that he didn't see it this much then. Remember the stats that Lewis allowed a lot of sacks. It seems like the Titans are adjusting

My thinking is that Lewis is the top backup RB and the third down back BUT Lewis has a short leash on sacks allowed. As long as Flu or Barnes can catch and get 5 yards where Lewis might get 10, they'll take it if it means Mariota is upright. 

Barnes may be PS if Lewis does well and make the roster if Lewis struggles with blitz pickup in preseason games. He may have that small a window to make the team

 
My thinking is that Lewis is the top backup RB and the third down back BUT Lewis has a short leash on sacks allowed. As long as Flu or Barnes can catch and get 5 yards where Lewis might get 10, they'll take it if it means Mariota is upright. 

Barnes may be PS if Lewis does well and make the roster if Lewis struggles with blitz pickup in preseason games. He may have that small a window to make the team
Doesn't it seem like a waste if they are planning on Lewis doing much blocking in the first place? I thought the reason they acquired him for a fair chunk of change was because of his receiving ability. Kind of reminds me when people would criticize Danny Woodhead for his pass blocking ability. Smart coaching utilizes a player in space as an outlet in case of a blitz, bad coaching uses that weapon in a way that maximizes his weakness and completely nullifies his strengths imo. 

 
Doesn't it seem like a waste if they are planning on Lewis doing much blocking in the first place? I thought the reason they acquired him for a fair chunk of change was because of his receiving ability. Kind of reminds me when people would criticize Danny Woodhead for his pass blocking ability. Smart coaching utilizes a player in space as an outlet in case of a blitz, bad coaching uses that weapon in a way that maximizes his weakness and completely nullifies his strengths imo. 
He often released vertically, not toward the sideline. I have no idea why, I did see him do this with the Pats and it still looks weird even if Brady can complete it. If there is a rushing defender that's a bit slow, Lewis is not open when he does this. No one talked publicly about it, so I have nothing more. It's just weird.

He allowed 13 sacks. He' copped to a bad attitude/effort and being "touched" when Henry went to give him the ball so he could get a TD, while Henry most assuredly would have broke the record. The Pats didn't go out of their way to try and keep him. I think he was a different player to start the year than from midseason on. 

The easiest read you can give a QB is to shift the RB to WR so the Titans have been doing this since Marcus was a rookie. Lewis didn't do well as an occasional slot and I thought he had that in him. Ya know if it's the right LB, with his history,...I thought he could do it, so I don't blame the staff for trying that. 

He wasn't a very good receiving back for the Titans and was pretty awful on third. He really showed me something with his vision on run plays and I was very impressed with how well he can fix a broken play or well defended play. 

He wasn't as advertised and I think that's a problem. I mean, I think they want the back everyone said he was.

If I had to guess, he was a bit miffed that Henry became the franchise back as he wanted to be the man. There is no public statements claiming that though- it's just a guess.

Fluellen has been in the NFL several years and yet only has two carries. He is a typical end of the roster guy that hustles and does everything coach wants and does everything the way it should be. I think it's wise to pit Lewis against him in camp. Lewis has the God given talent Fluellen doesn't have and can win, but he better do things the right way if he expects to. I wish I knew more of his bad attitude, but that isn't gonna work if a well-known hustler is his competition. Fluellen has been every coach's pet and again, has just two carries. 

The Titans have wasted a lot of time on UDFAs and late picks that could be a third down back. We never have heard what happened with Akrum Wadley last year but they loved him, made plays for him, and then he was a surprise cut that no one picked up. This year's hopeful is Barnes and he gets compared to Woodhead by most everyone. He does everything well, maybe not fast but quick and an intelligent back. Barnes has great hands and is so smooth the way he catches and turns up field. RBs are a dime a dozen in today's NFL and I don't agree with this but it is what it is. In another era, he would totally have been drafted. I think he sits on the PS a year and becomes a contributor next year. I think he too is there to pressure Lewis.

I don't see threats that are genuine where I even wonder if Lewis is capable of beating the other guy out. Henry is the lead back, but while Lewis isn't guaranteed the backup spot, it seems assured. I think they're needling him the right way. Fluellen, the runner, is a hard-nosed tough guy. If he finally steps up, I would guess he only takes some 3rd and 1s away from Lewis. I can't see him being some complete backup even if that's what they're selling. (Two carries in 6 years tells alot IMO) Barnes has never picked up an NFL LB in a blitz or shook off some NFL DB. Third down backs are supposed to read pressure and either block or release. He has to get acclimated to NFL speed before he could do this. Barnes looks like he has the ability to supplant Lewis, but the stuff Lewis does involves veteran savvy and ya just can't give a rookie that. I think this is all needling to make Lewis the guy that was advertised.

Vrabel talked about swing passes to Lewis being in the offense this year. It seems like Smith is also incorporating what Lewis does best. 

 
Lewan to be suspended four games
The Titans are oh so commonly expected to lose the first four. This is what many predict is the biggest point of the season- either they crumble or bond together. Many have them crumbling but I think they've shown some good things as a group. Anyway, Lewan suspended (in my mind) guarantees the prediction of losing the first four.

Vrabel has refused comments on the 0-4 start. I think there is some things that can be planned whether it be to study the opponents and win or take it easy

They have backups that have been there and Kelly is a fine replacement tackle. The issue is more going from elite to fine.

 
Titans are itching to trade Taywan or Tajae. Taywan has started since day one. Tajae has been practicing very very well since day one. The depth players, UDFAs, free agent types, are all playing real well. There is no reason to have Taywan or Tajae as the 5th WR if a reasonable trade comes along.

Jonnu's recovery is being handled in an odd way and it's unclear if he is doing great or hurting. My guess is he is sore after each practice and they're babying it until the knee responds. It's too much to rationalize the up N down stuff

Flu is a FB, H-back, and runningback LAST, well last. He is doing the blocking very well and the backup TEs are not. He seems to have that spot down.

McNichols continues to do well. Similar to Henry (or CJ) in that he has a slew of eh runs and then breaks one. He's the only threat to Lewis for Henry's backup spot now. Barnes and the rest have not stood up as the D got used to the new offense and made it an even battle.

Firkser has received a ton of snaps as has MyCole Pruitt. They're both as expected- fine but not good enough to start. Occasional good plays, occasional oops.

Davis keeps missing time. Ben Jones and Pamphile playing RG. My friend expects a move to be made. Marz ran with the ones and was pretty good. There's no confidence in him though to cover for Lewan and shift Kelly to RG. Friend-Pamphile looks exactly like the guy they cut last year, definite problem.

G Davis has done real well and real bad. He hasn't leveled off. He could still be fine, he's a rookie, but it needs to happen soon.

WR comments in threads

Tannehill getting a day with the ones so MM8 can rest is a wise move by Smith. There should be one practice each week like this, the rest of the way

Hooker is their "steal of the draft" this year. I wouldn't be surprised if Vaccaro is traded or cut because of $ but otherwise, they are running 3 safety sets and Hooker is swapping with Vaccaro with the first team D. Hooker has many more snaps which could indicate a strong lead but could also be getting more looks at him and experience against NFL offense.

Finch's snaps were well ahead of Landry and he appeared to have a noticable edge. Out of nowhere, Landry is running with the ones and Finch became the backup. (Wake opposite) This smells exactly like Antwaun Woods and other times where JRob got involved and made his own sub. Landry IS starting to use more moves than just the speed rush but it's not often enough. Finch is doing so well with the second unit that it looks like this will be short-lived or we have a Pees versus JRob scenario.

The Titans depth DL players are sitting with hang nails and not being the tough sonofa that you'd expect from backup DL. I wouldn't be surprised if there is some coaching influence exerted during the first preseason game. I don't know what, but they probably won't get the lion's share of snaps after not practicing.

Urban has the edge over Austin Johnson. They're flipping he and Casey a lot. Urban is 6-7 with long arms and he may just be annoying enough against the snap N throw offenses. After this game, expect Johnson to push Urban and DaQuan to get his spot back. 

Evans and Brown have subbed in at OLB enough that it is a definite thing. Woodyard is a supersub at this point and not a starter, but if he is on the field then they know they have a good player at that spot which....pushes Evans or Brown to sub in for an OLB.

Casey, the lone DL, is still a thing. Not sure how I feel about this set. JRob gets negative points for lack of improved DL. 

The super rook playing in October sounds like a pipe dream to me. I expect November to be that he could play and then December to be that they'll shut him down til next year- so I don't expect he plays. If injuries happen, well then that would change things. After watching Conklin last year, I'm really not interested in a rookie rushing back from an ACL. If it takes a year, then let it take a year.

 
I wasn't able to watch but it seems from the play by play that Tannehill is a capable back up. So there's that.

 
I wasn't able to watch but it seems from the play by play that Tannehill is a capable back up. So there's that.
He threw late-ish so the WRs all took big hits OR had to turn around to catch the ball. Same as he did with Dolphins and why they had so many WR injuries. 

I like the #s, but watching it was creepy.

Taylor's deep drop was disturbing. It was like the ball stopped in mid flight. Taylor went from flying past the D, to turning around, to a backpedal. That DB had all day and somehow didn't deflect it

It's way better than Bortles and what we've had 

 
OLB D’Andre Walker to  IR. Dang.
Development move. This came a week after he left with a minor injury, the day after the game, so they could activate Casey.

It's abnormal to consider a 5th rounder on the cusp of the 90 at that point

 
Taywan rocked today, ARW did well, rest of offense stunk

Brady rocked

Not a good day for defenses

 
Again just from the stat line and game book - looks like a big improvement from the 1st game. That's nice!

 
From NFL.com trending up or down, in the trending down section

Marcus Mariota's job security: I don't put much stock into the concept that Ryan Tannehill could start for the Titans in Week 1, if only because no local Tennessee reporters have mentioned this is remotely possible, and Titans management has declared there is no quarterback competition. Even the comments by ESPN's Dianna Russini last week that helped start a firestorm around this topic cited "a tone in Tennessee right now that this coaching staff just wants a quarterback to go out there and be the best quarterback there," rather than sourced reporting.

That doesn't mean Mariota's job is ensured that far past Week 1, and this month probably hasn't helped. I found it interesting that Paul Kuharsky, who has covered every day of Mariota's career as a beat writer, said this week he's "closer to done with Marcus than I've ever been" because of an uninspiring offseason. It's not that Tannehill is consistently out-shining Mariota in practice. It's that there isn't an obvious separation between the two players. This isn't a huge surprise, and it's worth wondering if the Titans will one day view Mariota, the second overall pick in 2015, like the Dolphins came to view Tannehill before trading him away this year: as a homegrown quarterback who couldn't push the organization beyond spinning its wheels.

 
Nice showing by the D. A lot of help from penalties - and Robinsn getting ejected certainly didn't hurt.

On to Luckless Colts and Folesless Jags the next two weeks. Shaping up different that I imagined when I saw the schedule first time

 

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