Titans Radio Insiders
Mike Keith: Young Difference-Makers
October 24, 2009
In looking back over the Titans performances over the season's first six weeks, the numbers are evident. The turnover ratio, the big passing plays allowed, the time of possession discrepancy, etc. --- we get the problems. But how do they get fixed?
Right now, it's about individual players stepping forward.
But who are those guys?
The Chris Hopes, Keith Bullucks, Kyle Vanden Bosches --- those are obvious. You naturally look for older guys to take leadership roles in hard times. But with the Titans at 0-6, it's about more than leadership. Energy, passion and attitude are part of the equation, as is the ability to make big plays.
If these six young players shine in the coming weeks, they could spark the rest of the Titans back to their winning ways. And while it's mostly about blocking, tackling and catching, that's not all of it.
Kenny Britt has had some fine moments in his first six pro games. His physical talents are obvious and he has shown more diligence in his preparation. Britt has the makings of an elite receiver. But rookie year is over. He's been catching passes from Kerry Collins since June. He's gotten a great amount of playing time and should feel comfortable. So now, it's time. Time to catch the third-down slants. Time to be in the right place. Time to win a jump ball for a big play. Time for Kenny Britt to break out. Time to make a move.
Jared Cook has battled a high ankle sprain since the last preseason game. Cook says that he is 100% now, knows what the coaches want him to do and is ready to do his part. Tennessee needs him on third-downs or for big plays when he has matchup advantages. Cook is big and fast enough that he can "win" in important situations for the Titans offense. He must "win" over the last ten weeks. Jared Cook is a weapon that Tennessee needs to be able to take advantage of---starting on Sunday.
Cortland Finnegan hasn't played since September and should not hurry his hamstring injury. But Tennessee needs him back desperately --- and not just because they are playing rookie cornerbacks. Remember when Finnegan got in the pushing match with Keith Bulluck in Baltimore in 2008? Remember how some said, "Dissention on Titans defense!"? Of course, they were dead wrong. Finnegan takes junk off of no one, including a teammate. That's Cortland Finnegan --- fearless, fierce and playing with the ultimate chip on his shoulder. The Titans defense needs a BIG dose of Finnegan's attitude right now.
Michael Griffin got off to a rough start to the season with a shaky September, but playing with rookies at cornerback and nickelback in October, he's been cleaning up messes. In other words, it's been hard to judge him in the last three games. Here's what we know, however: he needs to regain his Pro Bowl form in the last ten games. Griffin showed in late 2007 and all of last season that he is a difference-maker. The Titans need that Michael Griffin to re-emerge in November and December.
Jason Jones was the only defensive standout at New England, as he recorded two sacks. For all of the commotion about blitzing, if Tennessee can't generate pressure from a four-man rush, the defense isn't going to be that much more productive. Jones is the key to this. He is a natural pass rusher, with a great burst, long arms and the ability to finish a sack. If Jones becomes a force inside, then William Hayes, Jacob Ford and the rest of the defensive linemen become considerably more effective. Jones must stay healthy and step forward to take his place as the Titans d'lineman that other teams MUST account for. He can be that good. For the Titans defense's sake, Jones needs to be that good.
Stephen Tulloch has certainly made some mistakes in the Titans' first six games; every Tennessee defender has. But if you watch the tape of the New England game, no Titans defender was giving more effort than Tulloch, regardless of the score. At moments like that, you learn about football players, you learn what they are all about. Tulloch needs to keep improving, yes, but if he continues to play with that kind of heart, he can become the heart and soul of the Tennessee defense.
