Titus Young and NFL Players on a Short Leash Heading into 2012

Whether it's because of lack of production, character concerns or inconsistency, numerous players enter each season on a short leash. Titus Young is arguably the best example right now, as he has been barred from team activities after getting into a fight.

According to Anwar Richardson of MLive.com, the fight occurred last week. Now, Young isn't the only player that heads into 2012 with even less room for errors, so let's see who else will be closely watched as the offseason progresses. 

Mark Sanchez: QB, Jets

The man has Tim Tebow breathing down his neck, so Mark Sanchez will be feeling the pressure, and it will increase throughout the preseason.

What's interesting here is the pressure Sanchez has already felt without Tebow as part of the equation. With minimal improvement throughout each regular season, Sanchez still needs to prove he can really lead the Jets into the postseason. Because once in the playoffs, the man has played rather well.

Now include Tebow into the equation and the Sanchez's leash gets even shorter. The NFL world saw what Tebow accomplished after filling in for Kyle Orton, and the Jets have a solid defense to fall back on.

Tebow's exciting play and emphatic passion for the game helped kick-start the Broncos magical run in 2011 and a postseason win over Pittsburgh. Sanchez may have gone to two consecutive AFC title games, but there's no denying which player is more exciting to watch.

Saints Defenders

This can also go for virtually every defensive player in the NFL, but the New Orleans Saints will be on the shortest of leashes in 2012. Courtesy of the bounty scandal, the Saints enter 2012 with new coaches and need some inexperienced players to step up in a big way.

And although it is wrong for New Orleans to get singled out in this manner because happen of Bountygate, it's reasonable to suspect, unfortunately.  There is no room for error on part of the referees or players and this will spread throughout the league.

If you're a fan of defensive football, don't be surprised if the 2012 season turns out to be the highest-scoring year. And from the Saints' perspective, opponents will try to be more high-powered against them to take advantage of that vulnerability.

Not to mention the NFC South is an offensive-oriented division, so New Orleans already has its hands full in terms of shutting down opposing offenses.

Matt Moore: QB, Dolphins

Matt Moore has a lot to play for in 2012 because despite coming off a strong season in 2011, there's virtually no room for error on his part.

Miami selected Ryan Tannehill at No. 8 overall in the draft to compete for the spot. However, Tannehill had just one-and-a-half years at quarterback in college and rarely set up shop from under center. This is quite an unfortunate position for Moore, but he proved his value to the team after throwing 16 touchdowns to just nine picks last year.

Yes, Tannehill brings more size, mobility and arm strength to the Dolphins and being a top-10 pick gives him an edge over Moore in the competition. Lest we forget about Mike Sherman as Miami's offensive coordinator who coached Tannehill in college, and Moore is now at a steeper disadvantage.

The Dolphins lack any standout No. 1 receivers and they allowed 52 sacks in 2011 as well, but you don't draft a guy at No. 8 without wanting to see him against the best of competition. The bright side of the situation though, is Moore's NFL experience.

He'll make the targets better and feel the rush in the pocket. So, if there's one quarterback that fends off a rookie to start in 2012, it's going to be Matt Moore.

Titus Young: WR, Lions

For starters, Titus Young had position competition heading into 2012 with rookie Ryan Broyles, so he already had less room for error than 2011.

And Young did enjoy a decent rookie season with over 600 yards on 48 receptions and seven touchdowns, but that was only enough to bring another opportunity this year. After this fight, however, Young has to work even harder and perform flawlessly during training camp to see another chance.

The Lions can't afford to get depleted at receiver because Nate Burleson will be 31 before the season kicks off, and Broyles does have durability concerns. So, Young has a lot to play for because the No. 2 receiver position is a realistic opportunity for him this season.

At this point though, that position to contribute will be tougher to reach with his character flags. He'll be criticized more for dropped passes, not running smooth routes and missing blocks downfield. As the offseason continues, Young has even more to do to prove that he's Detroit's future No. 2 receiver.

John Rozum on Twitter.