2008 Tennessee Titans NFL Predictions & Picks
August 5, 2008
By surprising the NFL last season with a 10-6 season in 2007 despite mediocre stats, the 2008 Tennessee Titans will look to prove that they are a legit playoff team. Vince Young was hobbled by an injury for much of the season, and his performance suffered after a rookie of the year campaign in 2006. New offensive coordinator Mike Hermerdinger will try to add some new wrinkles on an offense that’s relies on Young and a power running game. In an off-season full of additions, Hermerdinger’s impact could be a key factor in how far the Titans will go this year. The 2008 Tennesse Titans NFL betting odds to win the 2009 Superbowl are at 30-1 odds.
Running back LenDale White is the bulldozer that gets the Tennessee Titans offense going. At 6’1” 240 Lbs. White wears down defenses with his north-south running, but he lacks speed running a 4.80 40-time. Adding speed this season to White’s power will be 1st round draft pick Chris Johnson. Johnson is a modestly built burner (4.24 speed) that will contribute immediately.
Vince Young doesn’t put up big numbers, but he is a winner and a threat to score with the ball in his hands. While Young is more of a pocket passer than runner his legs are still his greatest asset. Healthy again Young should once again break some long gains on scrambles. As a passer, Vince Young has below average accuracy and field vision. Young can be forced into mistakes and he lacks touch on his throws. Hermerdinger has spent much time in the off-season improving Young’s mechanics.
The biggest weakness on Tennessee’s team last year was the lack of a playmaker at wideout. The starters at WR will remain the same with Roydell Williams and 6’4” Justin Gage. Both players have upside with Gage being a strong and rangy player while Williams has good 4.45 speed but lacks awareness. Former All-Pro TE Algae Crumpler was added from Atlanta providing Vince Young with a big target over the middle. Also added to the mix is physical WR Justin McCareins who was a solid player under coordinator Mike Hermerdinger when he played for the Jets.
Some big changes took place on the Titans offensive, line but it should be a fine crew once again. Left tackle Michael Roos is a bull and right tackle David Stewart is a nasty run blocker. Center Kevin Mawae is a 14-year veteran that makes all the right calls while being a leader on the line. Added in the off-season was big and strong former Colt RG Jake Scott.
The Titans 4-3 defense will once again be a physical crew that swarms knows how to rush the passer and also stuff the run. Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and DT Albert Hayensworth emerged as one of the best defensive players in the NFL with their relentless pursuit of opposing quarterbacks. Added this season to the line is former Titans DE Jevon Kearse who has been brought back to reclaim some of his old glory. Departed is for DE’s Travis LaBoy and Lamar Odom who’s solid production from last season must be replaced by Kearse.
Albert Haynesworth was the defensive monster that was unblockable for much of 2007. Added to Haynesworth and Vanden Bosch is 2nd round pick Jason Jones and 4th round pick William Hayes were added for depth.
The Titans defensive line is one of the best in the NFL and the speedy linebackers behind them stop the run excellent. SLB Keith Bullock is the best of a good group with his excellent play in pass coverage. WLB David Thorton has 4.60 speed and solid tackler with 140 tackles a year ago. MLB Ryan Fowler is a powerful hitter that had shoulder surgery to end is 07” season. If Fowler isn’t 100%, Stephen Tulloch is an undersized but capable replacement.
The Titans secondary is a physical bunch with a rising star in FS Michael Griffin. In his second year Griffin should be able to use his tremendous tools with a year under his belt. SS Chris Hope is a smart and passionate leader that will be trying to come back from a neck injury. The cornerbacks fit the mold with Cortland Finnegan and Nick Harper both strong in run support. 5’9” cornerback Harper is in his mid 30’s however and he is average at best in man coverage and he will be pressed in camp for his job.
Pro Bowl kicker Rob Bironas is on of the best in the biz on special teams by providing the Titans with a weapon from anywhere under 60 yards. Punter Craig Hentrich is a masterful directional punter that gives the Titans one of the best kicking tandems in the NFL. Rookie Chris Johnson has star potential as a returner.
The Titans are a high character team that will need Vince Young to deliver with more consistent football. Tennessee is well-coached, and they are built to stop the run on defense. Expect the Titans to go anywhere from 7-9 to 10-6 depending on Young’s development in his 3rd season.
2007 Tennessee Titans NFL Betting Record: 8-8 ATS
2008 Tennessee Titans NFL Predictions Power Ratings
Coaching: 8
Quarterback: 7
Running Backs: 6
Offensive Line: 6
Wideouts: 4
Defensive Line: 9
Linebackers: 7
Secondary: 7
Special Teams: 6
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