Preview: Titans’ offense facing transition period in ‘06

By Connor Byrne  |   Sunday, August 27, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Tennessee Titans
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For the first time since 1996, the Tennessee Titans will enter an NFL season without Steve McNair as their starting quarterback. The team traded the veteran to the Baltimore Ravens in the offseason, paving the way for his backup, Billy Volek, to be No. 1 under center, with third overall pick Vince Young apprenticing behind him. With that change in mind, it's clear the Titans are ready to move on with a brand new era of football.

Volek is the starter entering the season, but look for head coach Jeff Fisher and offensive coordinator Norm Chow to move Young along as quickly as possible. The 30-year-old Volek was always a steady No. 2 QB for Tennessee, but there are questions as to whether he'll get it done as the main guy. Young, a Heisman runner-up from the University of Texas, has struggled with poor play and injuries this preseason. Still, expect him in the team's regular lineup by, at the latest, November.

The running back position remained steadfast in the offseason, with one exception. With the 45th selection in April's draft, the Titans chose former USC star tailback LenDale White, a 237-pound bruiser with character issues. He'll split carries with veterans Chris Brown and Travis Henry. Like Young, though, look for White to usurp the No. 1 role sooner than later.

Tennessee's receiver position improved with the addition of former Patriot David Givens, but he hasn't even participated in a preseason game yet. The 26-year-old has battled hamstring issues, which has stopped him from completing a nice one-two punch with Drew Bennett (138 catches, 1,985 yards, 15 touchdowns the last two years). Thus, guys like Bobby Wade, Roydell Williams and Courtney Roby have been asked to step up, and must perform during the season as slot/fourth and fifth wideout options, assuming Givens returns by the Sept. 10 opener.

In 2005, the Titans' stable of tight ends led the league in total receptions, with 149. The franchise returns its top three tight ends again this year - Erron Kinney, Ben Troupe and Bo Scaife. That trio should continue filling out a three-way safety blanket for Volek and, especially, Young. The 23-year-old QB will need those tight ends when he's under the gun in the pocket and no receivers are open.

Filling out the starting positions in Tennessee is the offensive line, which made lateral movements in the offseason. The group waved goodbye to former starting center Justin Hartwig, and welcomed in six-time Pro Bowler Kevin Mawae. However, the league's ex-premier center is aging (35) and battled injuries all last season. It's a wonder how much the former Jet has left. He will, however, be an excellent teacher to the remainder of the team's o-line.

Teaming up with Mawae inside are two more veterans, left guard Zach Piller and right guard Benji Olson. Piller, a seven-year veteran, struggled somewhat last season, taking six penalties and allowing four sacks. Olsen faced hard times as well, with five penalties and 5 ½ sacks given up.

The outsiders on the line are a pair of youngsters, which could spell major trouble. Left tackle Michael Roos acquired valuable experience last year, starting in 16 games. However, he took far too many penalties (10) and was charged with 6 ½ sacks allowed. Opposite Roos is current RT Jacob Bell, a third-year man who has played various positions on the line. In 24 career games (playing sparingly), Bell has taken four penalties and surrendered 7.75 sacks.

As far as depth goes, the Titans aren't exactly playing with a full deck. While there's plenty at the RB and TE positions, almost none exists on the line or the receiver spots.

Final Prediction: It will be a rebuilding year for the Tennessee Titans' offense in 2006. The unit's trying to move on without former warrior Steve McNair, so don't expect great things. Most importantly, Young and White need to show positive signs for the future. The "O" will end up in the league's lower echelon, thanks to youth and what should be a flimsy starting five up front. Run for your lives, Billy and Vince. Sacks will be aplenty in Nashville.

--Got feedback? Send it to the author, Connor J. Byrne: cbyrne@realfootball365.com.

Get more on the Tennessee Titans at Realfootball365.com.
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