The Titans Defense: Retooled and Reloaded

(Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images)

The 2008 Tennessee Titans' defense is seen as the reason behind their 13-3 AFC best record. However, departures of some key members and role players have left this unit in a movement of flux.

The 2009 edition wont have many new faces starting, but the essential backups will cause for a drastic change in the playbook for new defensive coordinator Chuck Cecil, the former defensive backs coach, who will look to replace one of the biggest names to leave in the off season, Albert Haynesworth.

Departures

The Titans were hit hard by free agency. Never have the Titans been one to garnish huge contracts to retain players, nor have they been ones to make huge splashes by signing the big name players. This is a historic trend, as they let big name players such as Javon Kearse (recently resigned), Samari Rolle, Derrick Mason, and even the immortal Steve McNair walk over contractual issues.

This trend continued this off season when they weren't even in the ballpark of Washington's offer for big name Albert Haynesworth who exploded onto the scene last year in his contract year. Having had character issues in the past, i believe the Titans were a little hesitant to reward Haynesworth with a huge deal.

His inconsistent play, and quite frankly an injury-plauged past (he hasn't started a full 16 game season yet in his career), lead to questions on if he is worth the 100 million dollar contract he signed with the Redskins.

Also leaving the team this offseason was the defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who looks to rebuild the Detroit Lions. With him he brought Eric King, who was a depth player at the cornerback position. Chris Carr, another cornerback will be suiting up for the Baltimore Ravens next season, leaving the Titans with a gaping lack of depth in the secondary.

The New Guys

Within the draft, the Titans were able to find some guys to fill the holes left by Carr, King and Haynesworth. In the second round they were able to grab Sen'Derrick Marks out of Auburn, a defensive tackle from Auburn. To bolster the secondary they were able to grab Ryan Mouton in the third round out of Hawaii, and Jason McCourty in the sixth round out of Rutgers.

Titans coaches have liked what they have seen out of McCourty thus far in the preseason camps. Chuck Cecil, who molded seventh round selection Courtland Finnegan into a pro bowl corner-back has a way of turning no-name players into gems, a system which is also shared by head coach Jeff Fisher.

In free agency, the Titans picked up Javon Haye out of Tampa Bay as well as Demarcus Faggins a corner-back out of Houston who will look to compete with Vincent Fuller for the Nickel-back spot.

A darkhorse in camp has been Mitch King, an undrafted free agent signed out of Iowa, who many projected to be a late first day or early second day draft pick.  He slipped due to injury, but if he is able to make the team and battle for playing time, he could be a welcome addition to the defensive line rotation.

What to Expect

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