what are we doing with the Titans TE's? (1 Viewer)

[On The Rocks]

I just keep hereing that the Titans are planning to go back to a power running game. (i suppose some people hear different things, but that is what i am hearing).

I don't know that one will out play the other. I think Troupe has more upside but it is hard to not consider the numbers Kinney has put up. Will they split opportunities, or will they make Kinney the blocking TE?

 

[T Man]

I really do not see scrapping the entire Norm Chow offense after just one year. The WRs are still weak and inexperienced.

My thought is that if they go to a two TE set, Troupe will be the main pass catcher. And, he will be the main release target of the QB.

Troupe should be in the top 12 of TEs this year.

 

[imeimex]

I think that the loss of McNair might hurt the Titans Tight Ends. Although I have not looked at the numbers, McNair has always seemed to look to his tight ends while Volek has put up good numbers with Bennett. Troupe was putting up some sick numbers at the end of last year. There were several games where he got double digit targets. He could be a huge sleeper, with potential of top 3 numbers. I'm just not sure if the loss of McNair will hurt.

 

[imeimex]

Volek started the last game a year ago when Troupe went for 9 catches, 89 yards, and a touchdown. So maybe the loss of McNair will not hurt them.

 

[msommer]

Particularly with the uncetainty at WR3 I believe 2 TE sets will be the norm - and if that Troupe will be the recipient of most longer TE receptions. Kinney will get some but more of the 5-10 yard curl stuff over the middle. Honestly I think neither TE will match last years' numbers, but Troupe will be closest.

imeimex - who was the WR2 in that game? one of the rookies, right?

This year Givens has arrived.

 

[Mark Wimer]

Something to consider about last year, though, was that the Titans WR corps was awful. Kinney had 72 targets for 55/543/2 and Troupe saw 80 targets for 55/530/4. Considering the entire team (McNair + Volek and a few trick plays) threw for 296/470 for 3216 yards, 33 TDs and 9 ints, that means these 2 TE's had 32.3% of the passes last year thrown their way (and 41.6% of the receptions went to the Titan's TEs as a group).

I don't think either guy will see that many balls this year. Consider this story:

TE's to block more, catch less

The Titans will still look to Kinney, Ben Troupe and Bo Scaife in the passing game.

The hope, however, is that a higher percentage of balls go to the wide receivers, a group headlined by David Givens and Drew Bennett.

"We were very productive last year as far as receptions, but I think the key to any football team is how well you run the football," Zernhelt said. "So if there is any evolution, with us this year it's just going to be a more conscious effort in running the ball, so that's the area we're focusing on now. …"

"It's a multiple position. A tight end is a receiver, he's a motion guy, he's a fullback, he's an off-the-line move guy for us, and in addition to that he's got to be a blocker. There is a lot that goes into this position. Consequently, it's a hard position to find, so we're fortunate that we have guys with the ability to do all that."

There are also numerous stories from Tennessee listed on the Tennessee team page on our news blogger about how well Givens is working in his new role with Tenn. and how Bennett/Givens figure to be a big part of the passing game, and about how the team will run the ball a lot more this year. Titans News Page Consolidated

In my opinion, with more balls going to WRs in Ten. and a split workload between Kinney, Troupe (and some balls going to Scaife, as well), and less passes/more running in general, neither of these guys is going to be a fantasy gem at their position.

My .02.