Titans’ Smith to Washington likely

By Marc Hudgens  |   Wednesday, February 13, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Tennessee Titans
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"It is what we're leaving, not so much of what we're going to is what we're thinking about," Tennessee Titans assistant head coach/running backs Sherman Smith stated recently.

Smith, who's been with head coach Jeff Fisher and Tennessee for 13 years, was referring to an interview Tuesday with former Seattle Seahawks teammate and new Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn for an undetermined position.

"I think it is mine to turn down, that is my belief," the 53-year-old continued.

If that's the case, don't be shocked if Smith takes the job if an offer is made.

The catalyst in all this is the hiring of offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger last month, replacing Norm Chow. Heimerdinger was brought on board to open up one of the worst offenses in the NFL, one in which highly touted quarterback Vince Young threw almost twice as many picks as touchdowns last season..

"[Heimerdinger] was very good at exploiting things in the secondary and opening up the passing game," guard Benji Olson said last month.

Opening up the passing game is code for taking away some of the running game, which Smith coaches.

However, the failure of the running game can't be laid at Smith's feet. Regardless of LenDale White's "success," the Titans' running game was less than explosive last year, to put it nicely. Smith simply doesn't have the talent to work with. He will, however, have slightly better rushing talent at Washington with Clinton Portis, who gets almost 10 yards more a game than White. He will also have a much better passing game to work with.

Given the lack of high-caliber talent coupled with sharing time with the passing game at Tennessee, it stands to reason Smith may want to explore a new frontier inside the Beltway, even if it means he won't be calling plays if hired as offensive coordinator.

Sure, he would be leaving a club that's been good to him. Thirteen years with the same team is rather unheard of in most cases, so it'll be a difficult decision to pack up and leave what he's known for so long. But Smith would also be leaving a situation where his position will be diluted in lieu of a more pass-oriented offense, something the Titans need direly.
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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He ...
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