One thing is certain: The Titans' defense is as strong, maybe even be stronger, than last season. But to be a champion in the NFL, you usually have to be balanced on both sides of the ball (unless you are the 2000 Baltimore Ravens).
The shaky offense has raised even more question marks after two preseason games.
To start with the defense, they have looked solid in the first two preseason outings. However, they have been against the Rams and the Raiders. Even with mediocre opponents, you still can't discount this defense.
The first-team defense has only given up one touchdown so far. Safety Vincent Fuller has looked the most impressive, putting up 12 tackles and a sack. Fuller is a likely starter this season.
Another big standout has been rookie defensive tackle Jason Jones out of Eastern Washington. Many scouts were skeptical of Jones when he was drafted. However, Jones is creating a lot of buzz around the locker room for his level of ability. Jones got the starting job in the preseason opener against the Rams and put up four tackles, including one for a three-yard loss.
The Titans' first-team defense has also notched a defensive touchdown on a Keith Bulluck interception return for a touchdown against the Rams.
As impressive as the Titans' defense has looked, it's the complete opposite for the first-team offense. Although it's only the preseason, Vince Young has looked very mediocre in limited playing time. Young has only completed seven of 19 passes and no touchdown passes. Many of the passes Young has completed have been for modest gains.
The receiving corps is also worrying fans in Tennessee. The dropped passes have piled up for the first-team offense. The only receiving touchdown has come from rookie wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins, which was a 51-yard reception from second-string quarterback Kerry Collins.
The passing game has to improve before the regular season opens against Jacksonville, or the Titans are going to face the same problems they did last year. They will be very predictable on offense.
The rushing attack has been solid at times, but some improvements still linger. Rookie running back Chris Johnson has displayed his playmaking ability, which will spark the offense up a bit this season. Johnson had a 66-yard touchdown run up the gut in the preseason opener against the Rams.
It's just the preseason, but the Titans still have a lot of work to do, despite being 2-0. There is still promise behind this young team. If the offense, particularly the passing game, drastically improves, then the Titans could be your sleeper of '08-'09.
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