Tennessee Titans Defense: Return of the Chain Gang?

Albert Haynesworth.

Kyle Vanden Bosch.

Jevon Kearse.

Tony Brown.

Those four defensive linemen made up the Tennessee Titans “Chain Gang” in 2008.  As the heart and soul of that 13-3 squad, there was truly no weak link.

A devastating 13-10 home playoff loss to the hated Baltimore Ravens unofficially put an end to the Chain Gang.

Minutes into free agency, Albert Haynesworth bolted to Washington, signing a seven-year, $100 million deal.

Countless injuries caught up with Jevon Kearse, who was benched after four ineffective games.

Kyle Vanden Bosch recorded his worst statistical season as a Titan, unsuccessfully rushing the passer against the double teams Haynesworth used to manhandle.

A solid season for Tony Brown wasn’t enough to keep the line from taking 17 steps back, turning an aggressive, dominant defense into an uninspired squad playing on its heels.

This offseason, defensive end was unmistakably the team’s most pressing need.  The coaching staff hit the jackpot when Derrick Morgan, the unanimous No. 1 end in the draft, fell to 16th overall.

The last time the Titans drafted a defensive end, “The Freak” Jevon Kearse tore up the league.  With all-world defensive line coach Jim Washburn molding his game, the three months till September are the only thing holding Morgan back.

William Hayes, who dethroned Jevon Kearse for the starting left end after Week Four, will start opposite Morgan in 2010.  Hayes, one of the hardest workers on the team, will without a doubt be one of the most improved players on the defense this upcoming season.

Speaking of hard workers, Jovan Haye is almost guaranteed a more productive season.  Haye lost 25 pounds this offseason, returning to his old 275-pound playing weight. 

“No one will out work Haye.  He’s as hard a working defensive tackle as we’ve ever had…” said coach Washburn.

It is vital that Tony Brown and Jacob Ford continue to produce as the team’s two most effective pass-rushers.

Brown is the leader of the defensive line and the Titans best interior pass-rusher.  Ford is the Titans best third-down rush defensive end.  Quality seasons from each of them could draw attention, allowing younger lineman to produce.

Jason Jones and Sen’Derrick Marks are huge X-factors for the line and entire defense.

Jones has shown flashes of greatness as he recorded 3.5 sacks and forced three fumbles in a single game his rookie year.  He was able to manage four sacks last season, while only playing in seven games as a situational pass-rusher.

Coming out of college, it was known that Sen’Derrick Marks would take a year or two to develop, so an uneventful rookie year wasn’t too shocking.  After spending a full offseason with the team, Marks should be able to handle much more playing time.

The Titans line may not look as good on paper as it once did, but the depth has never been better, and the potential is as high as ever.

Projected 2010 Defensive Line Depth Chart

RE: Derrick Morgan / Jacob Ford

DT: Tony Brown / Jason Jones

DT: Jovan Haye / Sen’Derrick Marks

LE: William Hayes / Jason Babin / Dave Ball