Tale of the Tape: Texans, Titans fight for South

With the monotony of Indianapolis’ annual contention for the AFC South stifled by Peyton Manning’s injury, Houston and Tennessee will battle for the division lead Sunday as we approach the season’s midpoint. This is an intriguing matchup with many elements to define –  the teams are glaringly similar yet play different styles.  

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Statistically, these teams are very similar. The Titans have a slight edge defensively, ranking No. 9 in overall defense, one slot ahead of the Texans.  The Titans are No. 12 in pass defense, also edging Wade Phillips’ defensive unit by one spot.  The Titans rank No. 10 in run defense while the Texans are No. 13.

The scale balances a bit more on the offensive side of the ball.  The Texans holds the edge in two of the three main offensive categories, ranking No. 8 in total offense (the Titans are 19th) and No. 7 in rushing offense (Titans are No. 32). Interestingly enough, the Titans have the better passing offense, ranked No. 9, two spots ahead of the Texans.

Texans’ offense vs. Titans’ defense

Houston is a big-play offense on the ground and through the air. They design downfield throws off of their run game and are a rare offense that can pass efficiently with run personnel on the field. Tennessee’s defense is tough up front with sound linebackers that fill and spill adequately.  Their front seven is disciplined and plays well together. The edge players of the Titans will dictate the game against the Texans’ zone-stretch scheme.

Running game

Houston isn’t ranked in the top 10 in rushing for no reason. Titans LB Akeem Ayers (whooften walks down to the line of scrimmage) and the defensive ends must control their points.  Ayers seems to struggle more often off the line and in space, which could be costly against the Texans’ athletic linemen.  Houston’s front will be challenged during early downs by DTs Shaun Smith and Jurrell Casey. Smith does not allow much offensive push and is always conscious to grab releasing linemen to protecting the linebackers. Casey, a rookie third-round pick, has provided stout run defense at the 3-technique position.

The Texans have one of the best offensive line units that a running back could wish for.  They are athletic and they block well in space.  Having TEs James Casey, Owen Daniels and Joel Dressen — all great route runners and receivers who provide sufficient one-on-one blockers on the edge –  also helps. Arian Foster and Ben Tate are two big backs trained to come downhill and not waste steps through the line of scrimmage.  If the Titans can force Foster and Tate to stop and start in the backfield through penetration and the discipline they’ve shown on tape, it could force the Texans to abandon their greatest strength early.

Passing game

The Titans are a responsible defensive unit that works well together.  They know and trust that everyone is where they are supposed to be.  While Texans QB Matt Schaub is the most blitzed quarterback in the league, the Titans do not blitz much.  Look for CB Cortland Finnegan, who has been a force in the run defense and defending routes from the slot and tight end position, to play in the box.

The Titans face an obscure challenge against the Texans’ passing attack and will have to play the personnel battle correctly. Without WR Andre Johnson, the Texans will throw out of their two-back, two-tight end packages. This could leave the defense with slower personnel if the Texans decide to pass on earlier downs.  They are well aware defenses gear up to stop the run and use run action through personnel mismatches to take shots down the field.

Titans’ offense vs. Texans’ defense

Matt Hasselback is the best thing to happen to the Titans this season.  The Titans have not had a decisive quarterback who gets the ball out on time consistently and the aspect of game management has been upgraded astronomically. His ability to protect the football (4INTs and 7 sacks allowed) keeps the Titans in every game. Hasselbeck leads in the league in passer rating in the red zone with at an astounding 123.9 (7 TDs, 0 INTs).

Houston’s pass rush has taken a major hit without injured  LB Mario Williams and is now asking a collection of younger players to generate pressure.  Behind this pressure is a group of players with below average man to man coverage skills and a lot of soft zone concepts.  Hasselback‘s presnap intellect and ability to get the ball to the correct receiver should take advantage of this secondary.

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Running game

This is an intriguing battle, as both teams’ biggest weaknesses are in this department.  Though the Titans rank last in the NFL with 66 yards rushing per game, this is the week to prove that ranking wrong. The Texans are active and physical up front but they do not tip the scale.  They are built to rush the passer. Their linebackers take on blocks but stay latched, and the secondary doesn’t tackle well given their deep pre-snap alignments. Titans RB Chris Johnsonwill have chances to get to the second level this week.

Passing game

The Texans blitz more than all but one other team, but Hasselbeck is often successful because of his ability to recognize defensive alignments before the snap. He is oblivious to pressure and beats it often by getting the ball out quickly and taking smart shots down the field. He beats defenses mentally by correctly identifying their calls and being ready to throw at the top of his drop. He takes what the defense gives him.

The Titans have completed eight passing plays of 25 or more yards on first down, four of which were 50-plus yard gains.  It is safe to say they will take a few designed shots on early downs.

Something that we noticed on film this season is how the Texans like to play Cover-3 against closed formations, where the widest eligible receiver is on the line of scrimmage next to the tackle.  The Titans will design downfield throws off of this set, knowing they will get this look.

Outlook

This matchup will also give a clear picture on what to expect out of the rematch in Week 17, when the AFC South could be riding on the outcome.  Let it be known, the Titans’ defense has not given up a rushing touchdown since the opening drive of the season.  The Texans have only three rushing touchdowns. The Texans will have to lean on their ground attack to set the tone for the offense.  This matchup looks like a case where an unstoppable force meets an immoveable object.  Something is going to have to give.

We believe the Titans have enough defense to keep their offense out of bad situations.  History has proven that Hasselback’s teams always has a chance as long as his defense gives him one.  Tennessee wins a close game on paper, but we’ll see how it plays out.

“Playbook” — the ultimate football Xs and Os show — airs Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network. Check the NFL Network broadcast schedule for further details. Follow “Playbook” on Twitter @NFLN_Playbook.

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Video – CBS Titans vs. Browns Week Four Preview

Matt Hasselbeck and the Tennessee Titans will face off against Colt McCoy and the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon. Who has the advantage? Jason Horowitz and NFL.com’s Pat Kirwan break down this upcoming game. Watch the game on CBS at 1 PM ET

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Titans made decision easy for Hasselbeck

Published: September 21st, 2011 | Tags: Matt Hasselbeck, Around the League, Fran Charles, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans

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Sometimes it’s nice just to be wanted. Just ask Matt Hasselbeck.

After 10 seasons as the starter in Seattle, Hasselbeck joined the Titans as a free agent during the offseason to serve as the bridge at quarterback to first-round pick Jake Locker. Hasselbeck says his logic was pretty simple.

“People ask, ‘Why Tennessee?’ Well, I didn’t have a ton of options,” Hasselbeck  This is really the team that came after me, the team that wanted me. If felt good to be wanted. It’s a good fit. What I feel like I can bring to a team is what I feel like they’re looking for here. … I think it’s a great opportunity in this division to do something special.”

In hindsight, it might be the best decision Hasselbeck didn’t have to make. With Peyton Manning currently out of the picture in Indianapolis and rookie Blaine Gabbert getting the call in Jacksonville, the Titans could be in the mix in the AFC South when all is said and done.

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Broncos at Titans NFL Capsule Week 3

DENVER BRONCOS (1-1) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (1-1)

SERIES

10/3/10: Broncos 26 at Titans 20. Denver QB Kyle Orton completes 35 of 50 passes (70 pct.) for 341 yards & 2 TDs, including 6-yard TD pass to RB Correll Buckhalter in 4th quarter.CBS (12:00 PM CT): Bill Macatee, Steve Tasker. SIRIUS: 92 (Den.), 104 (Ten.). XM: 229 (Ten.).

STATS

Hasselbeck: 51-76-621 (3C)-3-2-94.2

NOTES

BRONCOS: Club aims for 4th straight win against Titans…In only meeting vs. Ten. (10/3/10), QB KYLE ORTON completed 35 of 50 passes (70 pct.) for 341 yards with 2 TDs vs. 1 INT & 93.8 passer rating. Orton has 20 TDs vs. 0 INT when he has 100+ passer rating in game with Broncos (9 games). RB WILLIS MC GAHEE posted 24th 100-yard rush game of career last week…WR BRANDON LLOYD had 11 catches for 115 yards (10.5 avg.) in last game at Ten. Lloyd (3,907) needs 93 receiving yards to reach 4,000 career. WR ERIC DECKER had career-highs in catches (5), rec. yards (113) & TDs (2) last week. Decker has 3 TDs in past 2 games (2 rec., 1 PR-TD)…Rookie LB VON MILLER (No. 2 overall) posted 1st career sack last game…CB CHAMP BAILEY (48) needs 2 INTs to reach 50 career…LB ROBERT AYERS attended Univ. of Tennessee…DT KEVIN VICKERSON spent 3 seasons with Titans (2007-09)…LB WESLEY WOODYARD leads team with 19 tackles this season…TITANS: MIKE MUNCHAK earned 1st win as NFL head coach last week…QB MATT HASSELBECK has passed for 621 yards in 2011, 3rd-most in AFC (TOM BRADY, 940; PHILIP RIVERS, 713). Has 90+ passer rating in past 2 games…RB CHRIS JOHNSON (24) needs 100 rush yards to record 25th career game with 100+ rush yards. RB JAVON RINGER posted 1st rush TD of season last week with 10-yard TD run. Ringer had career-long 54-yard run in last game vs. Den…WR KENNY BRITT posted 6th 100-yard receiving game last week (135) & aims for 3rd straight game with 100+ receiving yards (136, 135). Had career-best 9 rec. last week. Had TD rec. in last game vs. Den. WR NATE WASHINGTON is averaging 83 receiving yards per game in past 2 (166 total)…Defense allows 276 yards per game in ’11, 3rd-lowest in NFL…LB BARRETT RUUD leads team with 16 tackles…DE DAVE BALL had career-best 2.5 sacks in last game vs. Den. DE DERRICK MORGAN had sack in season debut last week. Rookie DE KARL KLUG had 1st career sack & 2 FFs last game…S MICHAEL GRIFFIN had INT in last meeting vs. Den…CBs JASON MC COURTY & ALTERRAUN VERNER recorded 1st INTs of season last week.

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Titans to Work Out RB Clinton Portis On Tuesday

While Chris Johnson is hearing boos, the Titans are going to work out a former Pro Bowl running back Tuesday according to Jason La Canfora of NFL Network.

Former Broncos and Redskins RB Clinton Portis is among the players working out for the Titans Tuesday, coming to town looking for a job to backup Johnson. The Titans could use a backup, as Johnson hasn’t been up to 100 percent yet after a long holdout, and Javon Ringer is playing well, but the team could use another set of legs.

Of course if Portis is worth the time – why isn’t he on an NFL roster somewhere around the league? Last check had Portis working out with Miami, but he didn’t sign there, so one has to wonder if time has simply passed him by.

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Kampman inactive for Jags; Ringer out for Titans

Published: September 11th, 2011 | Tags: Aaron Kampman, Jacksonville Jaguars, Javon Ringer, Tennessee Titans, Zach Miller

Veteran DE Aaron Kampman won’t be on the field Sunday when the Jaguars open their season against the Titans.

Kampman, who had been listed as questionable, is still recovering from knee surgery he had in November. The team was cautious with his playing time during the preseason. He played about 10 snaps in last week’s finale.

Kampman was one of seven inactive players announced by the Jaguars. Also out: TE Zach Miller, who has been dealing with a knee injury.

The Titans will be without RB Javon Ringer, who had been listed as questionable with a back injury. Ringer was in line to receive carries if Tennessee takes a cautious approach with Chris Johnson, who missed much of the preseason because of a contract holdout. Rookie RB Jamie Harper could see touches in Ringer’s absence.

For inactives for every Sunday game, visit www.nfl.com/inactives.

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Scaife: Titans ‘might be divided up’ over VY

There’s just no way I can get through our next blog topic without using it … schism.

There, now that it’s out of the way …

Bo Scaife said what a lot of us had already been thinking when he told Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean this week that the Titans locker room just might be divided over Vince Young.

“I know his teammates definitely want him here,” Scaife said Wednesday. “The more I think about that, I guess the locker room might be divided up. But I know all the guys on my side (offense), we all love VY.”

In other news, Jeff Fisher just had a few more hairs turn gray.

While Fisher recently told NFL Network that most of the Titans locker room disagreed with Young’s actions during the Week 11 postgame confrontation, there are also vocal supporters. Kenny Britt took a $5,000 fine for wearing a towel with “#10 VY” written on it during last week’s game, dedicating his season to Young.

Scaife added Young doesn’t feel welcome after being asked to leave the team’s facility the day after the incident, and suggested both coach and quarterback both know why Young hasn’t been back.

“I think Jeff has probably given that impression to him,” Scaife said. “That is between him and Coach Fish, and no one knows what is going on between them two. But if people knew the real story they might understand the situation a little better.

“… He is supposed to be the franchise quarterback, and he already feels like he didn’t have the support of the staff. So I am sure his feelings might have been hurt a little bit (about being asked to leave). But I am sure he knows why he hasn’t been here and Coach does, too.”

Unless your name is Bud Adams, many don’t believe Fisher and Young can’t co-exist in Tennessee. Among them is former Titans center Kevin Mawae, who also suggested to The Shutdown Corner Young lacks maturity and professionalism, two common criticisms of the fifth-year quarterback.

Scaife does admit some players have hard feelings about Young’s walkout. But it’s clear others don’t.

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Titans RB Johnson wants more carries

Published: December 8th, 2010 | Tags: Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans

It was just a year ago we referred to Chris Johnson as “CJ2K.” But Johnson has just 58 yards rushing the last two games. He told NFL Network the problem hasn’t been opposing defenses but rather that the Titans have lacked execution, and openly lobbied for more carries as part of the solution.

“I won’t put it on those defenses and say that they really stopped me,” Johnson said. “It was just a thing where we were one-dimensional and I didn’t really have the opportunity to run the ball. It all goes back to, as an offense, we have to stay on the field and complete third downs and get drives going.

“If the ball is being handed off to me, and I’m given more carries than I’ve been given, then we should have a successful game and we should be putting up points. The whole thing is that I’m not pointing out one person or one group on the offense. I’m pointing out the offense as a whole. We just have to stay on the field and execute the plays.”

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Colts will have WR Wayne, TE Tamme vs. Titans

Published: December 9th, 2010 | Tags: Gary Brackett, Indianapolis Colts, Jacob Tamme, Kenny Britt, Randy Moss, Reggie Wayne, Tennessee Titans, Week 14 inactives

Colts WR Reggie Wayne and TE Jacob Tamme — both listed as questionable this week — are active for Thursday night’s matchup with the Titans.

Both players have been dealing with knee injuries.

Colts LB Gary Brackett, also questionable this week, is active, too.

With no changes to the Titans’ starting lineup, WR Randy Moss will start. Returning wideout Kenny Britt is listed as the No. 2 behind Nate Washington. However, it isn’t known what personnel groupings with which the Titans’ offense could open.

Britt has missed the Titans’ last four games with a hamstring injury. He had 23 receptions for 434 yards and seven touchdowns in Tennessee’s first seven games of the season.

Full inactives list:

Colts
WR Austin Collie
RB Joseph Addai
CB Kelvin Hayden
RB Mike Hart
LB Clint Session
G Jacques McClendon
G Jamie Thomas
DE Ricardo Mathews

Titans
Rusty Smith (No. 3 QB)
CB Ryan Mouton
DB Robert Johnson
LB David Thornton
OT Troy Kropog
DT Sen’Derrick Marks
WR Lavelle Hawkins
DT Dave Ball

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Fisher: Moss has been positive influence on Titans

I was able to get a sneak preview of the sitdown between Titans coach Jeff Fisher and NFL Network’s Steve Mariucci that will air tonight during Thursday Night Kickoff (that’s 6 p.m. ET on NFL Network, folks).

The conversation is telling on a number of fronts, and there’s no shortage of storylines involving the Titans this season, from the Vince Young saga, to the addition of Randy Moss ,to the health of Mike Heimerdinger ,to the fight involving Cortland Finnegan ,to Fisher’s future in Tennessee.

All on the table.

We’ll have a story up on NFL.com later today highlighting some key comments Fisher has on Young’s commitment to playing in the NFL.

As for Moss, he described his brief tenure in Tennessee by saying “nothing has happened.” Even so, Fisher paints a pretty clear picture of how Moss has had an impact on the Titans.

Here’s a glimpse:

Mariucci: You were the only team that claimed Randy Moss off waivers.  When he arrived, when you had a discussion with him, did you tell him what you expected, and also maybe discussed what he could expect from you?

Fisher: Yeah, we had a good lengthy conversation when we got here at the facility in the morning.  And, you know, oftentimes what happens is the perception of what takes place elsewhere isn’t necessarily reality.  So, he cleared the air there, and I was just excited to have him in the building, and it was really fun to see his enthusiasm about wanting to be here, and just wanting to help us win, and — and willing to do whatever it takes.

And, you know, just meeting the guys, he’s been great.  He really has been (a) positive influence on this football team. Now, we haven’t won a game since he got here, but he’s been a positive influence.  I mean, you take a veteran receiver like that, who takes the young receivers in the weight room and takes ‘em through his workout routine three days a week, and stays after practice, extra, with the young receivers, too.  And so, that’s what he’s done for this football team. It’s been really good to have him around.

Mariucci: And with just five catches in four games, he’s still okay, he’s still upbeat?

Fisher: Oh yeah.

Mariucci: Leader in this locker room?

Fisher: He has been really good, yeah.                                     

Mariucci: Do you expect him (to start)?

Fisher: He understands, and he knew when he came in here that Kenny Britt is a pretty good player, and Kenny was gonna be down for five, six weeks. And when Kenny comes back, then Kenny’s gonna play also.  So, we have them play the same position you’re playing, so, you’re both gonna play.  And his response was, “Coach, I just am here to help you win.  I just want to win some games.”

We’re a few hours away from kickoff, so make sure to check out Thursday Night Kickoff for the full Fisher/Mariucci interview, as well as NFL.com for more on Fisher’s drama-filled season.

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Injury roundup: Titans’ V.Y. hurts thumb, loses job

Published: November 21st, 2010 | | Tags: Anderson Russell, Anthony Herrera, Anthony Smith, Atari Bigby, Austin Collie, Brandon Albert, Casey Rabach, Chad Simpson, Chan Gailey, Chris Crocker, Chris Kemoeatu, Clinton Portis, Colt McCoy, Damien Woody, Derrick Dockery, Early Doucet, Eric Wood, Eric Wright, Jason Jones, Jeff Fisher, Lorenzo Alexander, Marcus Trufant, Maurkice Pouncey, Mike Williams, Pete Carroll, Rocky McIntosh, Rodger Saffold, Roy Williams, Todd Haley, Tony Scheffler, Trevor Scott, Vance Walker, Vernon Davis, Vince Young, Week 11 injuries 2010

A bullet-look at the most notable injuries from around the league in Week 11:

Titans coach Jeff Fisher said the injured tendon on the right (throwing) thumb of QB Vince Young could require surgery, which would end his season.Bengals starting safeties Roy Williams (concussion) and Chris Crocker (right knee) didn’t return against the Bills.Titans DT Jason Jones didn’t return after injuring his right knee on the opening series against the Redskins.Browns QB Colt McCoy, who was sacked six times and played the second half against the Jaguars with a sprained left ankle, was wearing a walking boot following Sunday’s game. According to multiple reports, X-rays on the injury were negative. Coach Eric Mangini said CB Eric Wright, who didn’t return following a left knee injury during the first quarter, could have returned in an emergency.The Jets lost RT Damien Woody to a right knee injury. Rex Ryan had no update on his status, but Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News reports Woody suffered an MCL injury and will be examined further Monday.The Redskins lost a slew of players to injuries during the first half against the Titans: RB Clinton Portis (groin), C Casey Rabach (knee), OG Derrick Dockery (left knee), SS Anderson Russell (knee), OLB Lorenzo Alexander (hamstring) and ILB Rocky McIntosh (groin). Before the game even started, RB Chad Simpson suffered a foot injury during warm-ups and didn’t play.Lions TE Tony Scheffler suffered a rib injury against the Cowboys.Cardinals WR Early Doucet suffered a concussion on a hit during the second quarter against the Chiefs, according to coach Todd Haley.Raiders DE Trevor Scott suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, according to The Associated Press.The Packers lost backup safeties Anthony Smith (ankle) and Atargi Bigby (hamstring) to injuries.Bills RG Eric Wood didn’t return after suffering a knee injury against the Bengals, but it’s not considered serious, according to coach Chan Gailey.The Vikings lost starting RG Anthony Herrera injured his left knee and could be done for the season, according to coach Brad Childress.49ers TE Vernon Davis didn’t return against the Bucs after suffering an ankle injury.The Colts held out WR Austin Collie after he took several hard hits against the Patriots.Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said the team’s only injury concern is RT Rodger Saffold, who “dinged” his shoulder and will undergo an MRI exam on Sunday night.Falcons backup DT Vance Walker suffered a right knee injury during the third quarter against the Rams.Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said WR Mike Williams suffered a sprained foot, while CB Marcus Trufant sustained a concussion against the Saints. Neither player returned.Posted in: News  

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Fisher will move Titans ahead, with or without V.Y.

Jeff Fisher is a coach who has always had his finger on the pulse of his team. It’s why he’s been with the same organization for 16 years.

Fisher is never going to let one player hold his team hostage. It’s why he wasn’t afraid to bring in Randy Moss, and it’s why he now isn’t afraid to take on Vince Young.

We’ve heard about the postgame fallout in the Titans’ locker room, and Fisher was never going to sit in front of his team and let a player undermine him. He wasn’t going to let Young put the focus on himself. The focus is and always should be on the team, and never about anyone else but the team.

For Young to walk out after Fisher tried to calm him down, it was clear — in front of the whole team — that he was walking out on them.

Fisher is a coach who commands respect, and I think he does it the right way. He doesn’t belittle people, he’s not a bully and he treats men the way men want to be treated. I always believed that most head coaches understand that respect is reciprocal. You have to give respect in order to get it back. While many coaches make you earn it, Fisher is so confident in himself that he’s willing to give all players respect when they walk in the door until they prove they don’t deserve it. It’s up to the player if they want to burn up that equity.

Well, Young is burning the remaining equity he has with Fisher, who on several occasions has allowed the quarterback to work his way back and rebuild the respect of the coaching staff and his teammates. Fisher provides Young with a roadmap to earn it back, but he just torches the bridge. He napalms it. It’s gone in an instant.

The latest incident involving Young happened in front of the entire team, and not behind closed doors. The team saw it for themselves, and there’s no way that can sit well with anyone who is trying to win football games. You can’t follow someone who is supposed to be a leader and creates this drama.

Knowing Fisher the way that I do, there’s always a chance the damage is irreversible. But with Fisher, there’s also almost always a second chance. Young has already had second and third chances, and if he gets another to earn back Fisher’s respect, it will be more difficult this time around than it ever has been in the past.

In the time I’ve spent with Young, I witnessed his growth in maturity and heard him say the right things, which I hadn’t heard before. But I’ve always maintained the moments the “new” Young would be tested would be moments of adversity that were still to come. When people turn over a new leaf, only time can really tell. As optimistic as we may be, and as much as I believed in him, I still told myself that.

I think yesterday was a time that told us a lot about Young.

Far be it for me to judge what Fisher does, but I do know he’s going to take the team and move on. If the Titans ever call on Young again, we’ll see if he’s prepared for that moment. If not, Fisher and the Titans will roll without him.

One player doesn’t hold the Titans back.

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Vince Young or Jeff Fisher – do both come back to the Titans in 2011?

What does the future of Vince Young look like for the Titans? There’s been plenty of speculation about it either being Young or Jeff Fisher, but not both, being back in Tennessee in 2011.

Young was placed on on injured reserve with a torn tendon in his right (throwing) thumb, ending his season Monday, and his biggest fan, Bud Adams already seems to be saying that the QB will be back in 2011.

Adams told reporters Monday that Fisher and Vince Young would have to “learn to get along.” While Fisher was noncommittal, Adams also said that Young would definitely be a Titan in 2011.

The QB is due a $4.25 million roster bonus in the offseason, and we shall see if Adams’ mood changes when he has to write that check come March.

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Sanders: Titans could cut Vince Young

Published: November 22nd, 2010 | | Tags: Bud Adams, Bump -n- Run, Deion Sanders, Jeff Fisher, Michael Irvin, Tennessee Titans, Vince Young

Vince Young is out as the starting quarterback for the Titans, and his long-term future in Tennessee appears to be in jeopardy as well.

The details of the fallout between Young and Titans Jeff Fisher reached the surface soon after Sunday’s loss to the Redskins, and NFL Network’s Deion Sanders believes that the two can’t coexist in Tennessee. And the coach will likely win this battle of wills.

“(My sources) told me that Vince is really upset because every time he messes up, they place Kerry Collins in the game,” Sanders said. “But when Collins messes up or someone else, nothing happens, and (Young) has just gotten fed up with it. He wanted to go back into the game. He and Fisher got into a shouting match where a policeman had to break them up. This all took place in front of the GM.

“This is what the Titans plan on doing with him: putting him on injured reserve or cutting him, as soon as [Monday].”

Fellow analyst Michael Irvin agrees that Young should be the Titans’ starter, but his actions didn’t reflect the true leadership required by an NFL quarterback.

“Young deserves to be the starting quarterback for that team, make no mistake about it,” Irvin said. “The way he’s played and his win-loss record says that. But there are some things Young is doing that can not happen from the quarterback position.”

Could the Titans cut ties completely with Young, who has one year left on his contract?

There’s a lot of spin in this story, and it has a complex history. It leaves one to wonder if the reported damaged relationship between Young and Fisher — and the locker room — is irreversible. It seems this will come down to the stance Titans owner Bud Adams decides to take, either backing Fisher or continuing his unwavering support of Young.

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Titans coach Jeff Fisher wishes the team had been able to keep RB LeGarrette Blount

Remember that the Titans were the team that first drafted troubled college running back LeGarrette Blount?

Well, now that the Titans are working out running backs, including former first-round pick Larry Johnson, one has to wonder if Jeff Fisher regrets getting rid of Blount.

If your wondering the same thing – Fisher does say he wishes Blount was still a Titan. “I thought we could get him to the practice squad, get him on practice squad, knowing that when and if there was any kind of interest, we could bring him back to the active roster. That didn’t happen, but I’m very, very happy for him.”

Blount was claimed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and now has 359 yards rushing with four touchdowns on 75 carries this year.

As far as Johnson goes, Fisher says that he’s ready if the Titans do decide to sign him, but as of now no decision has been made.

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