Titans season in review
By Jim Wyatt and Gary Estwick, www.tennessean.comJanaury 16, 2009
The Titans were criticized for selecting East Carolina running back Chris Johnson in the first round, but he showed he was well worth the pick. The Titans had become known for their plodding backs, from Eddie George to LenDale White, but Johnson picked up 4.89 yards per carry — the team's best average since it moved to Tennessee — and the little guy proved he could take a pounding. He should be a playmaker for years to come.
The Titans signed restricted free agent Chris Carr in hopes he would jumpstart one of the league's worst return games, and he did just that. He averaged 28.1 yards, jumping the Titans from 27th to first and consistently giving the offense good field position. The bad news is Carr's contract expires next month and the Titans will need to re-sign him.
After losing starting guards Benji Olson (retirement) and Jacob Bell (free agency) there were questions about replacements and chemistry. But the line surpassed expectations, giving up just 12 sacks and opening holes for a running game that finished ranked seventh. Guards Jake Scott and Eugene Amano played well, tackles Michael Roos and David Stewart proved they were worth their big contracts, and center Kevin Mawae turned in an All-Pro season. All five will be back in '09. — JW
After allowing just one receiving touchdown during the first six games of the season, the Titans defense showed some flaws down the stretch, allowing big passing days from Brett Favre (224 yards and a touchdown), Matt Schaub (284 yards, TD) and Peyton Manning (95 yards, TD on one series in the regular season finale). Then rookie Joe Flacco threw for 161 yards and a touchdown in the playoffs. The Titans lost all four games.
Despite one of the league's best rushing attacks and best offensive lines when it came to protecting the quarterback, the passing offense ranked near the bottom of the NFL because of inconsistency at wide receiver. Justin McCareins, who dealt with a number of injuries, made 30 catches — none for a touchdown. Justin Gage had more of an impact when he was healthy (six TDs) but it was not enough.
The Titans fumbled 18 times during the regular season (tied for 20th in the league) and lost only eight (tied for 23rd). Fumbles ultimately killed any dreams of a Super Bowl run, however. The Titans fumbled five times against the Ravens in the playoffs, with LenDale White and Alge Crumpler losing theirs at crucial moments in the game. Quarterback Kerry Collins also threw an interception against the Ravens. — GE
Some would say second-year safety Michael Griffin has already arrived, but the 2008 season simply set the stage for some really big things. He led the team in interceptions (seven), played well in run support and really turned up his game down the stretch, proving he's one of the best young safeties in the NFL. — JW
Coach Jeff Fisher would never admit it, but if he had to do it over again, I bet he'd have kicker Rob Bironas try that 50-yard field goal at Houston on Dec. 14. Instead the Titans went for it on fourth down and failed. Fisher blamed the decision on the wind, but Bironas was 2-of-4 from 50 yards in pregame warm-ups, going the same direction. The Titans lost 13-12. — JW
Fourth-year pro Dave Ball, who was out of football in 2007, was a long shot to make the team out of training camp. He not only made the team, but he earned a spot as a starter when injuries sidelined Kyle Vanden Bosch and Albert Haynesworth. Ball finished with 4.5 sacks and 51 tackles in 15 games. He also made the highlight reels, returning an interception 15 yards for a touchdown on Thanksgiving Day. — GE
Texans receiver Andre Johnson had a career day against the visiting Titans on Dec. 14, catching 11 passes for 207 yards and one score. The sixth-year pro burned the secondary everywhere on the field, including a 65-yard reception. The performance topped the seven-catch, 136-yard, one-touchdown day by Green Bay's Donald Driver for best by a receiver against the Titans. — GE
Even members of the Kansas City Chiefs pep band had to laugh when running back Chris Johnson celebrated a touchdown run by banging on some drums behind one of the end zones at Arrowhead Stadium. The Titans had a blast that October day, racking up 332 rushing yards. Johnson wasn't quite as amused a few days later when the NFL fined him $10,000 for the stunt. — JW
Tight end Alge Crumpler, whose fourth-quarter fumble killed a potential go-ahead drive in the playoff loss to Baltimore, stood at his locker with tears in his eyes and took questions from waves of reporters. He couldn't have been any more sincere when he said the loss would bother him for a long, long time. — JW
Fullback Ahmard Hall, known for delivering big hits of his own, was on the receiving end of one in the playoff loss to the Ravens. Hall caught a pass out of the backfield, ran near the sideline — and was blasted by linebacker Ray Lewis. Hall left his feet and saw his helmet go flying. — GE
With the Titans trailing 10-6 in the closing minutes at Baltimore in Week 5, quarterback Kerry Collins led an 11-play, 80-yard drive ending with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Alge Crumpler. It gave the Titans their toughest win of the season and showed that the offense, while not revered, had the ability to make enough plays late in games. — GE
Rookie receiver Lavelle Hawkins caught just seven passes for 68 yards. Needless to say, the Titans could've used a lot more production from the fourth-round pick. So what needs to change? Hawkins needs to get serious and focus a little more. He's a popular guy with teammates, but the Hawk isn't going to take flight if he keeps making mistakes in practice. — JW
