TITANS Camp and News Thread (1 Viewer)

[Colin Dowling]

I'll post my tidbits here for the Titans. Please do the same if you follow the team. A few notes...

1. ESPN has a blurb that even though Mike Williams is down 30 pounds, he is still too out of shape to be a factor and their opinion is he won't make the team. For shame.

2. Haynesworth has agreed to his Franchise tender. There are performance incentives that, if met, will keep him from getting hit with the tag next year.

3. Roydell Williams is still out and hoping to be back in "a couple weeks."

4. Jevon and Thornton are excused til Sunday.

 

[benm3218]

Great info. Thanks man.

Anxious to see how the rookies do.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Summary (written by someone else) of VY interview on Sirius this morning...

he says he's been workin to get his mind into the game (better student of the game)He's been workin on going long and spreading the defense out this year, mentioned crumplerHe says he's seein more than just the 1st and 2nd guy, he says he's getting coaching like he's never had in his lifeHe's more comfortable in his presnap readsAbout his receivers: last year was their first year togetherTheyve been workin real hardBiren Ealy (watch out for him) TO size (little shorter) physical great hands, Goes and gets the ballHe said crumplers making a big impact and Haynesworth needs to get his butt to camp

 

[Colin Dowling]

Great info. Thanks man.Anxious to see how the rookies do.

My money is on Jones to have the biggest impact.

 

[SammyJankis]

Colin: Who do you think makes the biggest splash at WR for the Titans? Beyond that, will any of the WRs have value in deep leagues?

 

[Colin Dowling]

Colin: Who do you think makes the biggest splash at WR for the Titans? Beyond that, will any of the WRs have value in deep leagues?

I think that Biren Ealy is the guy who may have an unexpected impact. Gage is a certain starter and McCariens will get the other side as long as Roydell is hurt. If i had to guess right now, before camp begins at all, how things shake out I see it like this...Starters: Gage / McCariens (while Roydell is injured)Backups: P. Williams, L. Hawkins, Biren Ealy, Brandon JonesInjured (maybe even PUP): Roydell-------Cut: Chris Davis, Eric Moulds, BMWI think the final cut - if Roydell gets back quickly - will come down to Jones or Paul Williams.ETA: McCariens and Gage are exactly the types of WRs that work in Dinger's system. They are marginal route runners and don't do much after the catch, but both are good at getting separation down the field. I really think that the Titans will be tossing downfield to those to and Crumpler a lot more, which will likely decrease Youn'gs completion % but increase his YPA and total yards.

 

[benm3218]

From the Tennesseans blog site.

The rain is gone - for now

Posted by GaryEstwick at 7/25/2008 2:50 PM CDT on Tennessean.com

Fans are lining up outside the Titans training camp enterance for the 3:30 p.m. start. It's still partly cloudy outside, even chilly here in the media room, but I guess that's better than the high 80s.

Johnson signing should be soon

Posted by JimWyatt at 7/25/2008 2:54 PM CDT on Tennessean.com

By JIM WYATT

The Steelers announced Friday they'd signed running back Rashard Mendenhall, the 23rd pick of the NFL Draft.

What that means is the signing of running back Chris Johnson could be soon. Johnson was picked 24h overall by the Titans. In the NFL, agents and teams regularly use other deals to help with those nearby in the draft order.

Mendenhall's deal is for five years and it's reportedly worth $12.555 million, with $7.125 in guarantees.

While Johnson isn't expected to be signed in time for Friday's first practice at 3:30 p.m., right now I'd say chances are pretty good that he'll be on the field on Saturday.

Reach Jim Wyatt at 259-8015 or jwyatt@tennessean.com

 

[Max Power]

what ever happened to the rumor BMW was going to get a look at TE? I guess with the crumpler signing it doesn't matter. Just thought it was a fun rumor the first time I saw it. I'm going to guess his blocking limits him there.

 

[Bri]

I'll post my tidbits here for the Titans. Please do the same if you follow the team. A few notes...1. ESPN has a blurb that even though Mike Williams is down 30 pounds, he is still too out of shape to be a factor and their opinion is he won't make the team. For shame.

Fisher has made it clear he wouldn't be a Titan if he was out of shape. He's been pretty tough on Mike(which Mike sorely needs from a coach) so I have a hard time believing this blurb

3. Roydell Williams is still out and hoping to be back in "a couple weeks."

(more)fisher quote-Probably one of the most interesting is that of Roydell Williams. He will be day-to-day. I don’t know how much he’s going to do this weekend but we’re going to have to evaluate him. But he is getting closer so hopefully we’ll have him back on the field doing some things in the next couple weeks.

 

[Colin Dowling]

RUNNING BACK notes:

Lendale White was excused today and tomorrow, no reason given.

Chris Johnson is impressing coaches and players alike. It's always a "talking point" in camp, but it appears that he truly is fast in his gameplay and not just on a track. Fisher has commented about it, saying among other things that he's never coached anyone that fast. Similarly, he pointed out that the defenders are noticably having to take crazy angles just to get to him in the open field. No mention of Chris Henry so far.

 

[footballman_696969]

RUNNING BACK notes:Lendale White was excused today and tomorrow, no reason given.Chris Johnson is impressing coaches and players alike. It's always a "talking point" in camp, but it appears that he truly is fast in his gameplay and not just on a track. Fisher has commented about it, saying among other things that he's never coached anyone that fast. Similarly, he pointed out that the defenders are noticably having to take crazy angles just to get to him in the open field. No mention of Chris Henry so far.

Thanks. I'm going to be keeping my eye on CJ. I remember him standing out the most of any of the rookie RBs when first watching the tape.

 

[moderated]

RUNNING BACK notes:Lendale White was excused today and tomorrow, no reason given.Chris Johnson is impressing coaches and players alike. It's always a "talking point" in camp, but it appears that he truly is fast in his gameplay and not just on a track. Fisher has commented about it, saying among other things that he's never coached anyone that fast. Similarly, he pointed out that the defenders are noticably having to take crazy angles just to get to him in the open field. No mention of Chris Henry so far.

Thanks. I'm going to be keeping my eye on CJ. I remember him standing out the most of any of the rookie RBs when first watching the tape.

ya, this guy is more then just a burner. Add that to having basically nothing in front of him and he could garner a bunch of touches this season.My #3 RB in this class behind Stewart and McFadden.

 

[Bri]

Rob Bironas and Josh Miller each had a strained groin muscle, Ingle Martin punted in practice

 

[Bri]

RUNNING BACK notes:Lendale White was excused today and tomorrow, no reason given.

not much more info but...Something personal came up. He left practice early on Monday and isn't expected back til Wednesday.

 

[Bri]

former NFLE DE Ulrich Winchler tore his left ACL

 

[No. 16]

Any news on Lavelle Hawkins?

 

[Bri]

Any news on Lavelle Hawkins?

comments like "nifty moves' and "shifty moves".Makes hard catches but dropped a couple gimmes

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

1. Roydell will be PUP first 8 weeks.

2. Michael Griffin and Cortland Finnegan are absolutely future pro-bowlers. Coaches and media are going gaga over their continued improvement.

3. DLine Coach Jim Washburn, a noted hard###, can't contain himself over the 2 draftees Jason Jones and William Hayes.

4. Haynesworth? Super attitude and the dude is in great shape.

5. I'd say Gage, Crumpler...and then a surprise will emerge. McCareins? Ealy?

6. Many are saying that Hawkins has a lot of Derrick Mason in him.

 

[Bri]

1. Roydell will be PUP first 8 weeks.

where'd ya hear that?I think PUP is 6 weeks

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

1. Roydell will be PUP first 8 weeks.

where'd ya hear that?I think PUP is 6 weeks

It is reasonably assumed around here. He isn't ready. Plus, it gives the 6 or 8 weeks to decide the last WR to cut.

 

[Bri]

1. Roydell will be PUP first 8 weeks.

where'd ya hear that?I think PUP is 6 weeks

It is reasonably assumed around here. He isn't ready. Plus, it gives the 6 or 8 weeks to decide the last WR to cut.

fisher said today he is keeping 6 or 7(he is entitled and maybe even likely to change his mind but...)ETA wait I think it was yesterday he said it

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

1. Roydell will be PUP first 8 weeks.

where'd ya hear that?I think PUP is 6 weeks

It is reasonably assumed around here. He isn't ready. Plus, it gives the 6 or 8 weeks to decide the last WR to cut.

fisher said today he is keeping 6 or 7(he is entitled and maybe even likely to change his mind but...)ETA wait I think it was yesterday he said it

Gage, McCairens, Brandon Jones, Hawkins, Roydell, Paul Williams, Mike Williams, Chris Davis, Byron Ealy.That is 9. At least 1 gets cut, more likely it is 2, and the other (Roydell) goes on PUP.I'm saying that Davis and Paul Williams get cut and Roydell starts season on PUP.

 

[Bri]

1. Roydell will be PUP first 8 weeks.

where'd ya hear that?I think PUP is 6 weeks

It is reasonably assumed around here. He isn't ready. Plus, it gives the 6 or 8 weeks to decide the last WR to cut.

fisher said today he is keeping 6 or 7(he is entitled and maybe even likely to change his mind but...)ETA wait I think it was yesterday he said it

Gage, McCairens, Brandon Jones, Hawkins, Roydell, Paul Williams, Mike Williams, Chris Davis, Byron Ealy.That is 9. At least 1 gets cut, more likely it is 2, and the other (Roydell) goes on PUP.I'm saying that Davis and Paul Williams get cut and Roydell starts season on PUP.

interesting thought

 

[vandyt]

1. Roydell will be PUP first 8 weeks.2. Michael Griffin and Cortland Finnegan are absolutely future pro-bowlers. Coaches and media are going gaga over their continued improvement.3. DLine Coach Jim Washburn, a noted hard###, can't contain himself over the 2 draftees Jason Jones and William Hayes.4. Haynesworth? Super attitude and the dude is in great shape.5. I'd say Gage, Crumpler...and then a surprise will emerge. McCareins? Ealy? 6. Many are saying that Hawkins has a lot of Derrick Mason in him.

McCariens has been far and away the best WR in camp so far, and is way more locked into a starting spot than Gage is (though there really isnt anyone to displace Gage with Roydell continuing to hobble.)

 

[benm3218]

A noted Titans Central poster named Bongo (many of you will fondly remember him from last yrs Travis Henry hurt knee rumor when Selvin Young took over) says that CJ is the best draft pick the Titans have ever made. He cuts like Barry Sanders and has the speed of Bob Hayes... Says he is everything Reggie Bush was hoped to be...

We will see - but it is very exciting.

I think this Bongo guy is connected to the Titans somehow, but I havent figured out how yet. lol

 

[Brewzers]

1. Roydell will be PUP first 8 weeks.2. Michael Griffin and Cortland Finnegan are absolutely future pro-bowlers. Coaches and media are going gaga over their continued improvement.3. DLine Coach Jim Washburn, a noted hard###, can't contain himself over the 2 draftees Jason Jones and William Hayes.4. Haynesworth? Super attitude and the dude is in great shape.5. I'd say Gage, Crumpler...and then a surprise will emerge. McCareins? Ealy? 6. Many are saying that Hawkins has a lot of Derrick Mason in him.

McCariens has been far and away the best WR in camp so far, and is way more locked into a starting spot than Gage is (though there really isnt anyone to displace Gage with Roydell continuing to hobble.)

Are you watching practices? How do you know this? More please.

 

[Bri]

McCariens has been far and away the best WR in camp so far, and is way more locked into a starting spot than Gage is (though there really isnt anyone to displace Gage with Roydell continuing to hobble.)

Both Justin's have done well so far. McCareins dropped a TD and caught a TD the other day. IMO McCareins won't look as special when the others know the O much better and when they get used to Vince airing it out more. McCareins could always go deep and fans want some good long plays not just the dink N dunk then heave it type O of last year. Heimerdinger's O has those nice longer plays(one could say any NFL O does) and every single time Vince hits someone deeper than 15 yards, it seems to get into a blog or blurb on the web. Heimerdinger's presence seems to have been huge thus far.

 

[Bri]

A noted Titans Central poster named Bongo (many of you will fondly remember him from last yrs Travis Henry hurt knee rumor when Selvin Young took over) says that CJ is the best draft pick the Titans have ever made. He cuts like Barry Sanders and has the speed of Bob Hayes... Says he is everything Reggie Bush was hoped to be...We will see - but it is very exciting.

I have never seen a guy get this much praise and then sit. Everyone said let's see him do it with the pads on after he looked so good in the spring, well now what?(As was brought up here) The defenders are reacting as if they're out of position almost, playing him a step or two deeper than Lendale just to be sure he won't burn them with his speed.Since Heimerdinger doesn't normally use FBs many wonderred what would become of Hall who is a good FB. Well apparently he's the only one (of FBs and Hbacks)that can get out there quick enough to block for Johnson. As many thought, Heimerdinger seems to be learning to appreciate Hall.BTW in season, I just can't imagine Fisher continuing with this bouncing up the LOS stuff from Chris. Sure he will see a play here and there at WR. IMO Fisher winds up thinking it's being too cute and puts him in the backfield for 15 carries a game. Just a hunch prediction

 

[Banger]

any news on how Crumpler is looking? He was a top TE just a year ago and now he's going to an offense and QB that likes to use the TE. I think as long as his knee's are good he has a chance to get a bunch of targets and be a consistent TE for a late draft pick.

 

[benm3218]

any news on how Crumpler is looking? He was a top TE just a year ago and now he's going to an offense and QB that likes to use the TE. I think as long as his knee's are good he has a chance to get a bunch of targets and be a consistent TE for a late draft pick.

More from a training camp/Bongo report - On O Crumpler is killing the seam routes...........its driving the MLB and OLB nuts...........and VY is hitting that route with ease now........for those with small experience watching football that route is the key to killing a zone........and that is what has hurt VY last yr...........if that route is there...........wow. Crumpler also looked great in the jumbo packages blocking. With LW back there I think he will easily get ten TD's this yr. Crumpler can block alot better than I thought. He blew up the rook DT on one play.Bongo gets very excited about the Titans so take it with a grain of salt, but Crumpler can still play football he just hasnt been used well for a while.

 

[benbadman]

any news on how Crumpler is looking? He was a top TE just a year ago and now he's going to an offense and QB that likes to use the TE. I think as long as his knee's are good he has a chance to get a bunch of targets and be a consistent TE for a late draft pick.

Some things I've noticed on Crumpler:On Saturday, Crumpler caught a nice TD pass on a fake field goal.He's not a very fast guy (but what TE's are right?) but he still seems to get good separation from defenders with his body & route running.So far he is catching everything Vince is throwing his away, I think VY underthrew him on maybe 1 pass at his feet during drills over the weekend.

 

[Banger]

any news on how Crumpler is looking? He was a top TE just a year ago and now he's going to an offense and QB that likes to use the TE. I think as long as his knee's are good he has a chance to get a bunch of targets and be a consistent TE for a late draft pick.

More from a training camp/Bongo report - On O Crumpler is killing the seam routes...........its driving the MLB and OLB nuts...........and VY is hitting that route with ease now........for those with small experience watching football that route is the key to killing a zone........and that is what has hurt VY last yr...........if that route is there...........wow. Crumpler also looked great in the jumbo packages blocking. With LW back there I think he will easily get ten TD's this yr. Crumpler can block alot better than I thought. He blew up the rook DT on one play.Bongo gets very excited about the Titans so take it with a grain of salt, but Crumpler can still play football he just hasnt been used well for a while.

Thanks for the update. I think Crumpler is being overlooked big time and my biggest question is how quickly he can adapt to the new system/qb and his health. He's one year removed from finishes of 5th, 4th, 5th and 2nd. He had a knee injury last year and lost his QB that relied on him heavily. He's in a great position to succeed.

 

[MAC_32]

Any news on Lavelle Hawkins?

comments like "nifty moves' and "shifty moves".Makes hard catches but dropped a couple gimmes

Sounds a lot like the college version of Hawkins, guy has a lot of potential but he can't drop the easy ones. Always has...

 

[tribecalledjeff]

Any news on Lavelle Hawkins?

comments like "nifty moves' and "shifty moves".Makes hard catches but dropped a couple gimmes

Sounds a lot like the college version of Hawkins, guy has a lot of potential but he can't drop the easy ones. Always has...

 

[MAC_32]

McCariens has been far and away the best WR in camp so far.

That would have me very concerned if I were a Titans fan.

 

[MAC_32]

Any news on Lavelle Hawkins?

comments like "nifty moves' and "shifty moves".Makes hard catches but dropped a couple gimmes

Sounds a lot like the college version of Hawkins, guy has a lot of potential but he can't drop the easy ones. Always has...

What's to be confused about? He drops a lot of easy passes. Starting WR's don't drop the easy ones.

 

[Colin Dowling]

WRs - I tend to agree with some prior posters on the WRs. I may have stated it earlier, but can't recall:

Starters: Gage, McCariens

Backups: Ealy, Hawkins, Jones, P. Williams

PUP: R. Williams.

Cut: Davis, BMW.

RB: I also agree that Fisher won't do all kinds of cute things with Johnson. I suspect, in time, he'll be getting 10-12 carries out of the backfield, lining up in the slot 4 or 5 times a game, with Lendale getting 15-17 carries. But Fisher and Dinger aren't going to be cute with multi-back sets and such for long.

TE: Anyone who knows Heimerdinger's offense knows that value of the TE between the hashes. You could say that's the most important thing in the whole system. It's good to hear that Crumpler/YOung are working well together on those routes. "Wycheck 8 yards down the middle" was about as common as "George off-tackle for 4 yards" back in the day.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Any news on Lavelle Hawkins?

comments like "nifty moves' and "shifty moves".Makes hard catches but dropped a couple gimmes

Sounds a lot like the college version of Hawkins, guy has a lot of potential but he can't drop the easy ones. Always has...

What's to be confused about? He drops a lot of easy passes. Starting WR's don't drop the easy ones.

Sure they do. Lots of "starting" WRs drop easy ones. In fact, the Titans starting WRs at the beginning of last season dropped LOTS of easy ones, including a certain 4th-quarter touchdown against the Colts in week 2.

 

[MAC_32]

Any news on Lavelle Hawkins?

comments like "nifty moves' and "shifty moves".Makes hard catches but dropped a couple gimmes

Sounds a lot like the college version of Hawkins, guy has a lot of potential but he can't drop the easy ones. Always has...

What's to be confused about? He drops a lot of easy passes. Starting WR's don't drop the easy ones.

Sure they do. Lots of "starting" WRs drop easy ones. In fact, the Titans starting WRs at the beginning of last season dropped LOTS of easy ones, including a certain 4th-quarter touchdown against the Colts in week 2.

I'll edit my previous comment.4th round rookies who drop easy passes will find becoming a starter a lot harder than those that don't.

 

[Bri]

Thanks for the update. I think Crumpler is being overlooked big time and my biggest question is how quickly he can adapt to the new system/qb and his health. He's one year removed from finishes of 5th, 4th, 5th and 2nd. He had a knee injury last year and lost his QB that relied on him heavily. He's in a great position to succeed.

the good thing for him is not many know this offense so they're learning it new togetherThere's alot of depth at TE but hopefully Alge gets the lion's share of work.I think it was Gage the other day that said something along the lines of -they don't have any TOs or Moss-es but they have lots of good players who can catch. I completely agree. Heimerdinger can do any offensive package or set with this roster without skipping a beat. He and Fisher have hinted at that, and I think that will be noticeable in the roster cuts. They want a D to have to prepare for the usual and also the 2 TE and 4 WR sets. 3 TEs on the GL, no problem here. Use a FB, use an HBack instead no prob either. Lacking a star has it's drawbacks but I think this O will be far better than expected in 2008.

 

[Bri]

Byron Leftwich is going to tryout for the Titans along with some Wide Receivers. The names of the Wide Receivers haven't been mentioned. Leftwich will throw to them and the Titans will decide if they're worth keeping their numbers in the rolodex or not. None of them are expected to be signed(ETA) at this moment in time.

 

[benm3218]

i found myself wondering if they were just looking for info on thier first game of the year...

 

[Cookiemonster]

A noted Titans Central poster named Bongo (many of you will fondly remember him from last yrs Travis Henry hurt knee rumor when Selvin Young took over) says that CJ is the best draft pick the Titans have ever made. He cuts like Barry Sanders and has the speed of Bob Hayes... Says he is everything Reggie Bush was hoped to be...We will see - but it is very exciting.I think this Bongo guy is connected to the Titans somehow, but I havent figured out how yet. lol

Isn't he the one that also slipped us the inside info about the Titans being higher than most would think on CJIII pre-draft, and that some would be surprised about his draft slot 'till they got to see him play?

 

[jeter23]

Titans released BMW today.

http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articl...1/80731069/1002

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Titans released BMW today.

http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articl...1/80731069/1002

wow, i really thought he had figured things out this time.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

1. Roydell will be PUP first 8 weeks.

where'd ya hear that?I think PUP is 6 weeks

It is reasonably assumed around here. He isn't ready. Plus, it gives the 6 or 8 weeks to decide the last WR to cut.

fisher said today he is keeping 6 or 7(he is entitled and maybe even likely to change his mind but...)ETA wait I think it was yesterday he said it

Gage, McCairens, Brandon Jones, Hawkins, Roydell, Paul Williams, Mike Williams, Chris Davis, Byron Ealy.That is 9. At least 1 gets cut, more likely it is 2, and the other (Roydell) goes on PUP.

I'm saying that both Chris Davis gets cut and Roydell starts season on PUP.

BMW out of the picture now. Davis #2 I don't see making the team.The player rocketing up the charts with a bullet is Lavelle Hawkins.

 

[Bri]

1. Roydell will be PUP first 8 weeks.

where'd ya hear that?I think PUP is 6 weeks

It is reasonably assumed around here. He isn't ready. Plus, it gives the 6 or 8 weeks to decide the last WR to cut.

fisher said today he is keeping 6 or 7(he is entitled and maybe even likely to change his mind but...)ETA wait I think it was yesterday he said it

Gage, McCairens, Brandon Jones, Hawkins, Roydell, Paul Williams, Mike Williams, Chris Davis, Byron Ealy.That is 9. At least 1 gets cut, more likely it is 2, and the other (Roydell) goes on PUP.

I'm saying that both Chris Davis gets cut and Roydell starts season on PUP.

BMW out of the picture now. Davis #2 I don't see making the team.The player rocketing up the charts with a bullet is Lavelle Hawkins.

I think you're confusing the very common name of Chris Davis or maybe I am.The day they cut Mike, they signed Chris Davis former Jet from Wake Forest.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

1. Roydell will be PUP first 8 weeks.

where'd ya hear that?I think PUP is 6 weeks

It is reasonably assumed around here. He isn't ready. Plus, it gives the 6 or 8 weeks to decide the last WR to cut.

fisher said today he is keeping 6 or 7(he is entitled and maybe even likely to change his mind but...)ETA wait I think it was yesterday he said it

Gage, McCairens, Brandon Jones, Hawkins, Roydell, Paul Williams, Mike Williams, Chris Davis, Byron Ealy.That is 9. At least 1 gets cut, more likely it is 2, and the other (Roydell) goes on PUP.

I'm saying that both Chris Davis gets cut and Roydell starts season on PUP.

BMW out of the picture now. Davis #2 I don't see making the team.The player rocketing up the charts with a bullet is Lavelle Hawkins.

I think you're confusing the very common name of Chris Davis or maybe I am.The day they cut Mike, they signed Chris Davis former Jet from Wake Forest.

Not sure what I'm confusing. We already had one Chris Davis and then signed another one. We have 2 WR named Chris Davis.

 

[Bri]

I think you're confusing the very common name of Chris Davis or maybe I am.

The day they cut Mike, they signed Chris Davis former Jet from Wake Forest.

Not sure what I'm confusing. We already had one Chris Davis and then signed another one. We have 2 WR named Chris Davis.

OK it's me then

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

As I posted in the WR thread -- Roydell was activated from the PUP today. So, at least two of the following get cut:

Paul Williams

Chris Davis 1

Chris Davis 2