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Tennessee Titans 2007 Preview

Background: This franchise that had a cloud over its head in Houston as the Oilers moved on to greener pastures in Nashville. In the process, the team changed its name to the Titans and found its way to a Super Bowl berth that had eluded Bud Adams during his time in Houston.

The Titans enjoy a large fan base spread out over Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Arkansas. Their resurgence from the lowly Oilers to their early vagabond years in Tennessee isn’t quite to the Bucs level, but it is pretty spectacular nonetheless.

Team Identity: Although Bud Adams is a fanciful owner who can frustrate the fans with his mercurial decision making, he has wisely made the face of his team coach Jeff Fisher. Fisher is a no-nonsense guy who deserves and earns respect. Much like John Fox in Carolina, Fisher’s teams are built the way Southern football fans like it – good in the trenches with speedy playmakers that bring excitement. 

Even with Pacman Jones and his antics, the Titans never seem as out of control as the Bengals do.  Vince Young brings hope. Fisher brings stability. Bud Adams does best when he keeps a low profile.

There is little doubt that last season was a turning point.  Even when they lost Steve McNair to the Ravens and waived their expected starting QB (Billy Volek) right before the season, the team deftly handed the keys to Vince Young who helped guide his team to an unexpected 8-8 record as a rookie.  (Are you paying attention Bobby Petrino?  This could be you in Atlanta if you let it all hang out.)

The Titans aren't Bud Adams.  They aren't Floyd Reese.  They aren't Steve McNair or Eddie George.  They are Jeff Fisher (and that's not such a bad thing!)

2007 Storyline: How real was last year’s run? Vince Young was a polarizing pick amongst NFL experts. Clearly the best college player by a mile, many NFL experts questioned his abilities to succeed as an NFL QB. Ultimately, his rookie campaign proved both his supporters and detractors correct.

To Young’s credit, he won games. He ran when he needed to, and he made throws when he needed to. On the other hand, defenses chose to let Young beat them taking their chances against a rookie.  Although his poise helps him overcome the jitters that haunt most rookie QBs,  his success last year wil come with increased respect so Vince should face significantly more pressure from opposing defenses. 

Pacman Jones is an embarrassment, but he finally started to make plays last year. Losing him might help the Titans’ PR department, but it might cost them a few wins on the field if Fisher can’t find a way to replace his speed and playmaking ability.

Was last year a fluke? That is the question that won’t be answered until the final weeks of the season.

Expectation Meter: Fisher is probably about as safe as he can be. Last year was his hot seat year, and he came through with flying colors. The team spent cap room on defensive veterans while drafting a young, raw QB. No one saw this puzzle translating to 8-8 and a late season playoff push. Additionally, last season's success helped Fisher win the power struggle with GM Floyd Reese, now quietly working for ESPN. With the dominant Colts still in front of them and Vince Young still a relative NFL baby, Titans fans will be happy as long as they keep seeing the team and its exciting QB improve week to week.

Nonetheless, this could all change if the Titans fall into last place. The AFC South is already about second place with the Colts still firmly atop the division. Titans’ fans might excuse Jacksonville finishing above them, but if Houston leapfrogs them, and Vince Young imitates Rick Mirer's sophomore NFL year, things could get dicey again for Fisher.  Remember, Bud Adams is known for the unpredictable.

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