Tennessee Titans: Pro Bowl and QB Situation

Pro Bowl:
After a disappointing 2010-2011 season, a few Titan's players that had great seasons earned spots on the AFC roster for the 2011 NFL Pro Bowl. Defensive End Jason Babin (1st time Pro Bowler) and Kick/Punt Returner Marc Mariani (1st time Pro Bowler) both were selected, while Running Back Chris Johnson (3rd time Pro Bowler) and Safety Michael Griffin (2nd time Pro Bowler) were both selected as replacements due to injuries. Chris Johnson will replace Jaguar's Running Back Maurice Jones Drew and Michael Griffin will replace Raven's Safety Ed Reed.

Babin and Mariani were both excited about being selected to a Pro Bowl for the first time in their career's. Babin, a seven year NFL veteran, led the all AFC Defensive Ends in sacks with 12.5.

"I always said I wasn't going to go until I got invited," Babin said."It means a lot to me, like I kind of broke into the upper echelon of defensive ends."

Mariani, on the other hand, is one of 4 rookies on this year's Pro Bowl roster. He was selected in the 7th round of the draft out of Montana University, while the other 3 rookie Pro Bowl selections were selected in the 1st round. He won the heart of many Titan's fans this season as he set the franchise record for kickoff return yards in a season with 1,411 yards.

"Just dream big and don't let anybody tell you no." Mariani said. "I always just wanted to be the best that I could be. I'm so competitive I always wanted to do my best almost to the point of being perfect. I just wanted to be at the top. ... I definitely got a lot of work to do to have the success we've had this year. To be standing here is a crazy ride. ... But I would've never had it any other way."


The Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, January 30, 2011 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu Hawaii.


QB Situation:
The Titans are already looking forward to next season, and the quarterback situation is a big mystery at this point. Owner, Bud Adams, has already said that Vince Young will not return to the team next season. So the Titans now are searching for a starting quarterback, and have many options. The quarterbacks currently on the roster are long time NFL veteran, Kerry Collins and Rusty Smith, which is going into his second year in the league. They also have the 8th selection in the NFL Draft in April, which they could use on a quarterback if they choose. The other choice would be to trade for a quarterback or sign someone from the Free Agents.





There are several veteran quarterbacks that are either, A. unhappy with their current team, or B. good enough to be a starter, but are currently a back up. Carson Palmer has came out publicly and said that he wants to be traded from Cinncinatti or he will retire and then re-enter the league as a free agent. Kyle Orton is looking as if he has lost his starting job to Tim Tebow in Denver, and the same goes for Kevin Kolb in Philadelphia, as he has lost his starting job to Michael Vick.





My opinion on what the Titans will do:

I believe that the Titans will trade Vince Young to Minnesota for draft pick(s), due to the fact that the coach that helped develop Vince Young, Craig Johnson, is now the Quarterback back's coach for the Vikings. Then I see the Titans trading draft pick(s) for Kevin Kolb during the draft. The reason why I think that it will be Kevin Kolb is simple, Bud Adams is from Houston and has always favored guys from Texas. It doesn't hurt that Kevin Kolb is known as a country boy that loves to fish and hunt. The fans will love him and he will fit right in.

Good News:

There is good news for Titan's fans, ticket prices will not be raised next season according to Bud Adams. This is the second straight year that the Titans have not raised ticket prices.

"I realize things are still difficult out there for our season-ticket holders," Adams said. "There are a number pressures to increase our revenues, but this is not a time to raise prices for our fans."

In 2011-2012 the Titans will host the: Houston Texans. Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Cinncinatti Bengals, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

New Defensive Coaching Updates in Philly

This past week I've been covering the defensive shakeup in Philadelphia, and it's been a busy week for a team that's out of the playoffs. Defensive coordinators have been moving all around the league this week, but none have yet come to Philly. The Eagles have wasted little time hiring a replacement for their recently fired defensive line coach Rory Segrest. Jim Washburn, the defensive line coach for the Tennessee Titans, is the Birds' newest acquisition in this tumultuous offseason. The new coach promises to bring some much needed invigoration to the defensive line which may have been lacking in intensity this past season.

The Eagles were reported to have talked to Dean Pees, of the Baltimore Ravens, however Ravens head coach John Harbaugh stated that Pees has not been interviewing in Philadelphia.

With many defensive coordinator-candidates quickly being spoken for, and Jim Mora taking the year off from coaching, it seems to be coming down to candidates Bill Davis and Dick Jauron, though last night respected Eagles writer Les Bowen issued this cryptic tweet:




This has helped keep up the talk of a possible interview with the Jets' current defensive coordinator (and Philly native), Mike Pettine. While Pettine has denied the rumors of an interview when the Jets end their postseason, he has made some interesting remarks about wanting the head coaching job for his hometown team. With Andy Reid's contract up in 2013, you can bet these statements will be examined and dissected for a possible regime change.


If both the rumor and Pettine's denial are true, there is still a plethora of talent in the postseason coaching staffs. Hall of Famer Dick LeBeau would be an incredible addition to the coaching staff, despite rumors of his possible retirement. Bringing LeBeau in would also cement the rumor of the Eagles moving to a 3-4 defense. John Mitchell, the Steelers' defensive line coach would also be an ideal, but extremely unlikely candidate. A more likely name coming from the postseason is Packers defensive line coach Mike Trgovac. His name has been brought up as a good possibility to replace the ousted Sean McDermott, and it would not be his first go-around in Philly. Trgovac was Ray Rhodes' defensive line coach during Rhodes' entire tenure during the '90s. The other big names in the postseason are the Bears' Rod Marinelli, of the 2008 Detroit Lions head coaching fame (they went 0-16 that year), and the Packers' Dom Capers, though reports say he's staying put.

Although the Eagles still don't have a defensive coordinator, the fact that they were able to snatch up Washburn and the idea of courting a postseason defensive coach leaves many fans feeling hopeful, if not wary. We'll be following the developments and hope to bring you an updated situation Saturday night.

Update: Another unofficial name to toss into the hat would be the recently fired Chuck Cecil, former Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator. And you thought it couldn't get any crazier.

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2011 NFL Mock Draft

1. Panthers

AJ Green (WR) - Georgia

This might not seem like the popular choice that most people would take.  But, if you think about it who did Jimmy Clausen, or any other Carolina QB, have to throw to?  Don't say Steve Smith, because he was doubled teamed the whole year.  Carolina does not have a big physical WR and AJ Green is the best one in this draft and would compliment Steve Smith nicely.  He would also Give Clausen a sure target, and/or free up Steve Smith.  

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 2. Broncos

Marcell Dareus (DT) - Alabama                                                          Broncos lack a big DT that can get to the QB.  Dareus provides the Broncos with that option.

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3. Bills

Nick Fairley (DT) - Auburn                                                                      This would make the second DT taken in the first 3 picks, and he is a good one.  If there is anything the Bills need it is great devensive player.  The Bills defense was among the worst in the NFL.  Fairley provides the Bills with a great defensive prospect that the can build around.

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4. Bengals

Akeem Ayers (OLB) - UCLA                                                         The Bengals do not need to draft an offensive player, because they have plenty of talent with Ochocinco, Simpson, Caldwell and Gresham.  What Ayers brings to the table is a fast physical linebacker, which will be needed during AFC North games.

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5. Cardinals

Blaine Gabbert (QB) - Mizzou                                                      Blaine Gabbert is the best Quarterback in this years draft thanks to Andrew Luck.  Cardinals need a franchise QB, and Gabbert give them the best chance to do just that.

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6. Browns

Da'Quan Bowers (DE) - Clemson                                                     As the Browns offense seems to be shaping up to quite a force to be reckoned with, the defense is what will need to be the focus in this years draft.  Although, do not be surprised if the Browns take Julio Jones from Alabama. Da'Quan has that big body and the knack to get to the QB.

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7. Eagles

Eagles get San Fransisco's 7th pick and San Fransisco gets Kevin Kolb and 2nd RD pick.                                                              Patrick Peterson (CB) - LSU                                                The Eagles secondary, besides Samuel, was probably the worst in all of the NFL.  They, Demitri Paterson, got burned over and over again.  It is time for the Eagles to finally fix this problem first this year. 

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8. Titans 

Ryan Mallet (QB) - Arkansas Who knows what is going to happen to Vince Young.  The Titans cannot rely on Kerry Collins to be the future QB.  Mallet is the best available franchise QB left at this point.

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9. Cowboys

Robert Quinn (DE) - UNC                                                                         The Cowboys will need some that can keep up with Mike Vick in the NFC East.  Quinn will also help out DeMarcus Ware on the other side.

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10. Redskins 

Cam Newton (QB) - Auburn                                                    Donavon McNabb most likely will not be in a Redskins uniform.  Cam Newton, despite the controversy in college, will be the answer to the future under center for the Washington Redskins.

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11. Texans

Prince Amukamara (CB) - Nebraska                                                         Along with the Eagles, the Texans were one the worst secondaries that teams scorched this year.  Prince Amukamara will be a big upgrade to the Texans secondary.

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12. Vikings

Von Miller (OLB) - Texas A&M                                                The Vikings do not have any big named linebackers and Von Miller will give them just that.

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13. Lions

Brandon Harris (CB) - Miami(FL)                                                   The Lions are one good corner back from having one of the best defenses in the league next year and taking Harris here would be a good start.

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14. Rams

Julio Jones (WR) - Alabama                                                                               The Rams have good looking future quarterback in Bradford, so they take Julio Jones here to give Bradford a shiney new toy. He is big and physical and will punish opposing corner backs.

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15. Dolphins

Aldon Smith (DE) - Mizzou Smith would be a great compliment to Cameron Wake on the other side of the D-line.

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16. Jaguars

Rahim Moore (FS) - UCLA Who played free safety for the Jaguars last year? Don't know huh? Moore will hopefully give the Jaguars a household name at free safety

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17. Patriots  

Justin Blackman (WR) - Oklahoma St. With the departure of Randy Moss early in the season, it left the Patriots with a true deep threat.  Blackman gives the Patriots just that.

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18. Chargers

Anthony Castonzo (OT) - Colorado If you give the best quarterback in the NFL time to pick apart your secondary, you will not have much of a chance to win. That's what the Chargers hopes happens when they take Costanzo here.

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19. Giants

Nate Solder (OT) -  Boston College                              David Diehl just isn't going to get it done and the Giants will look at Solder as a possible option moving forward.

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20. Buccs

Cameron Heyward (DE) - Ohio State                                                     Heyward provides the Buccs with a great pass rusher and will only improve their D-line.

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21. Chiefs

Cameron Jordan (DE) - Cal                                                                          Jordan is a good looking Defensive End prospect and that is why the Chiefs take him here with this pick.

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22. Colts

Muhammad Wilkerson (DT) - Temple                                    Wanna improve the Colts running defense? You do that with taking Wilkerson here.

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23. Eagles

Gabe Carimi (OT) - Wisconsin                                                       Michael Vick gets sacked 40+ times in a season you know your offensive line is really bad.  The Eagles need to take action here, and they do that with this guy.  Not to mention Carimi is one of the main reasons why Wisconsin's running game was so good this year.

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24. Saints

Corey Liuget (DT) - Illinois                                                                     The Saints could use a future DT and they will fill that need here with Liuget.

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25. Seahawks

Jake Locker (QB) - Washington                                                                    Matt Hasselbeck is old, Jake Locker is not.  Locker will have a grand ole time in the sate he played college ball, and who better to play for than Pete Carrol.

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26. Packers

Mark Ingram (RB) - Alabama                                                        Ryan Grant is not the answer in Green Bay.  The Heisman trophy award winner will be however, and will give the Pack a running game to be reckoned with.

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27. Bears

Phil Taylor (DT) - Baylor                                                               Taylor will give Peppers help rushing the QB. making the Bears defense even better

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28. Jets

JJ Watt (DE) - Wisconsin                                                              Jason Taylor is old and will not be a Jet for much longer.  Watt will rejuvenate the Jets d-line 

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29. Ravens

Derek Sherrod (OT) - Mississippi St. Rivals will now be teammates.  Oher and Sherrod will play along side each other now.

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30. Steelers

Mike Pouncy (OG) - Florida                                                If they can win championships in Florida, why can't they win championships in Pitsburgh? The Steelers make a good choice here.  

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31. Patriots

Tyrone Smith (OT) - USC                                                                           The Patriots o-line is old and Smith will fix that problem, quickly.

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32. Falcons

Randall Cobb (Utility) - Kentucky                                                                 Cobb mostly played WR at Kentucky, but he a better QB and RB than people think.  But the Falcon need neither a QB or a RB, so Cobb will likely play WR for the Falcons.