NFL 2010 Season Preview: Tennessee Titans

After an 8-2 run to end the 2009 season 8-8 Tennessee Titans fans should be hopeful for the 2010 season.

With the addition of Damian Williams to help out an already talented receiving core of Nate Washington, Justin Gage, Kenny Britt, and Lavelle Hawkins, the receivers should be plenty good enough this year. These receivers will all help out quarterback Vince Young who was 8-2 as a starter last year. With all the threats in the air and the legs under Vinceanity, that alone will be great for the Titans' chances of making a run into the playoffs this year.

Along with the self proclaimed "V-nom" and the threats downfield, the Titans also have the 2,000 yard rusher Chris Johnson in the backfield. This season CJ2K is expected to run the game each and every week just as he did the last 10 games of last year. CJ is a good bet to have at least 1,500 yards this year, although any other 2,000 yard rusher in the past hasn't had an amazing season to follow it up with. CJ said he is going for 2,500 yards this season.

With all the threats downfield, and the addition of back LeGarrette Blount to take a spot behind CJ and Javon Ringer, the entire team will not have to sit on CJ's shoulders. Blount has some obvious issues, but it could be a good thing that he plays with so much heart, especially with the power he brings to the backfield.

That pretty much sums up the Titans' offense. The "skill position" players should be very impressive this year.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Titans lost Kyle Vanden Bosch and Keith Bulluck.

The defensive line was not exactly a strong point last year, but with three returning starters it should be a better year for the d-line. 

The linebackers are missing the Tennessee Ironman this year, and may not be as good as they have in years past, but with Stephen Tulloch, Gerald McRath, and veteran Jamie Winborn, it should be a sound year for the trio.

McRath will be starting his first full season this year with the absence of Bulluck and he has shown to be a solid tackler in the games he played last year. Stephen Tulloch had a full-time starting job last year for the first time and led the team in tackles, which is a great sign for the defense. Winborn is a sound veteran and has had quite a few highlights in his career including leading the Broncos in tackles in 2008.

So, the linebackers have two athletes who have led their team in tackles in the past, and a new guy ready to step up and make his name in the league.

The worst part of the defense last year fell on the shoulders of the injured secondary. With many injuries, no one really got to see all the starters show how great their presence can be in protecting against the deep ball.

This year's starters should be Jason McCourty, Cortland Finnegan, Michael Griffin, and Chris Hope. Cortland is a shut down corner who plays on the level of Revis, but he hasn't always been put against the number one receiver as he is stuck on one side of the field the whole game. This year he is going to be standing across from the number one receiver all the time. That will help the team take on teams like the Texans and Colts.

Michael Griffin and Chris Hope have both proven themselves to be great safeties in the past and this year should be no different. Jason McCourty had a pretty good rookie season last year and this year he could have a real breakout season in his first tour starting the whole season.

Overall, the Titans have made great improvements for this year by developing some of their younger players and having a few veterans leading the way.

With one of the toughest schedules in the league this year and playing against Peyton Manning twice, it may not be a perfect season, but the Titans should make the playoffs with a solid 10 win season. So Titans fans can rejoice as Vince Young runs out of the tunnel for 16 games this year ready to win.