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Running Back

Strength

They may no longer be referred to as “Smash and Dash,” however that is exactly what the Titans envision from Lendale White and Chris Johnson. Arguably one of the best running back duos in the NFL last season, it’s hard not to expect similar if not better results this coming season. With White dropping significant weight and playing for a new contract, expect him to run much better than last year. Johnson has set lofty goals for himself and if he finishes the year with better production than last season expect the Titans to lead the league in rushing.

Fullback: Ahmad Hall is probably one of the most underrated players on the Titans roster. Used mostly as a blocking back, Hall possesses a good set of hands and surprising quickness in the open field.

The Rest: Quinton Ganther showed signs last season when called upon that he is more than up to the task of serving as the Titans 3rd RB. Ganther will face stiff competition in training camp especially from 2009 Draft Pick Javon Ringer.

Javon Ringer had a terrific college career and now looks to translate that into success in the NFL. Ringer may find it difficult to see game action in the Titans crowded backfield however if he takes the year to develop and learn the system there will be a huge opportunity to climb up the depth charts with the expected departure of Lendale White next season.

This is a make it or break it season for former 2nd Round Pick Chris Henry. For some reason Henry has failed to develop into the player the Titans thought they were getting. My prediction, Henry is cut during camp to try to find work elsewhere.

Rafael Little has battled injuries that have kept him off the field. I personally am cheering for this guy as anyone who has battled as hard as Little to get back onto the field deserves a shot at cracking the roster. My prediction, Little shows flashes that he can contribute in the NFL, however finds himself on the practice roster due to the crowded backfield. If I am correct, I believe next year will be a big year for Little along with Ringer to try to establish themselves as the number two back behind Johnson.

Next up: Wide Receivers
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Only 3 Months Titans Fans

June 19th 2009 14:59
A little over 3 months away until the opening kickoff to the 2009-2010 NFL season.

This year is a little more satisfying for us Titan fans. The reason? The Titans will be in the spotlight along with the defending Super Bowls Champion Pittsburgh Steelers opening the NFL season Thursday September 10th.

It was an interesting offseason for the Titans. The loss of Albert Haynesworth to the Redskins via free agency is sure to analyzed throughout the season. Although the Titans lost “Fat Albert,” you have to wonder how seriously the team pursued the larger than life defensive tackle. With rumors flying all off season that the team had given a “take it or leave it” offer of 4 years and $32 million, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that those kind of figures probably wouldn’t get the job done.

Although the Titans lost arguably the best Defensive Tackle in the NFL, I believe they improved the team in other areas. It was no secret that Wide Receiver was the team’s biggest need heading into this past off season. I believe they did a nice job addressing this with the free agent acquisition of the speedy Nate Washington to help stretch the field. As well, by drafting Kenny Britt with their first round pick 30th overall, (making Kenny the first receiver drafted by the Titans in the first round since Kevin Dyson in 1998, 16th overall) the Titans now have someone to mould into a consistent player at the receiver position, something the team has missed since the departure of Derrick Mason.

Over the next couple of weeks I will dedicate time to go through each position on the Titans roster to give an inside look at whether it is a position of strength or weakness.

This week: Quarterback

Strength
I know some may disagree with me when I say this is a strength for the organization however I am going to explain my rationale.

With the depth chart as follows for the coming season:
1- Kerry Collins
2- Vince Young
3- Patrick Ramsay
The Titans for the first time in a long time (maybe ever) have three quarterbacks on their roster who have been starters during their career. Kerry came on last season to lead the Titans to their best record in franchise history. Until Kerry proves otherwise there is no reason to doubt that he cannot continue his terrific play.

If for some reason Kerry takes a step back this season look for the former savior of the franchise Vince Young to come in and perform. There aren’t many teams in the league that wouldn’t love to have this guy on their roster as the number two guy. What people tend to forget in light of Vince’s off field incidents lately is the fact that he was the NFL Rookie of the Year, played in the Pro Bowl, and lead his team to the playoffs in each year as a starter.
Ok, so I admit if I was starting a franchise today I wouldn’t have Patrick Ramsay as my number one guy behind center. However, the reason I believe the Titans brought in Ramsay was to push Vince Young to be better. I believe he will do just that and should Collins go down with an injury I believe Vince will perform. Should Ramsay have to enter a game I must say that I am more comfortable with him leading the offense than any other number three in the league.

Next up: Running Back/Fullback
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When reading the Toronto Star’s sport section this morning I came across an interesting article from someone who attended a game last week noticed all the empty corporate boxes. They had suggested these large corporations who purchase the boxes for the 81 home games offer them to nurses, firefighters, soldier’s and their families when they return from home, even the homeless.

For those who are unaware of the attendance situation in Toronto at the Rogers Centre for Blue Jays home games I will give a little background information:
- Rogers Centre seats 53,000
- Avg attendance in 2008 was 29,626
- With the Red Sox or Yankees in town it will jump to 35,000 – 40,000

After reading the article I really liked the principle of the idea (not too sure about giving away to the homeless) however realize the logistics of it really make it almost impossible to do during the economic downturn. You see, the major corporations who rent a box at Rogers Centre for the baseball season pay $90,000, which is a tax write-off for them. On top of the $90,000 each corporation has to pay for staffing the box with Rogers Centre employees as well as the food and beverages served, which includes steak and lobster. If you think the $8 beer and $4.50 pizza slice prices are inflated just imagine the price of a steak or lobster dinner.

After reading this article I decided to read the comments posted. They were smorgasbord of completely disagreeing with the writer due to reasons mentioned above and completely agreeing. Then, I came across the following that just set me off.

“AS IF that will ever happen.!! I am not too sure people would like to sit next to a homeless person who hasnt bathed in weeks. The corporations often give these tickets away as incentives to employees..who sometimes could care less about attending games for a losing Team. Jays haven’t been fun since 92-93 an oh.. a few weeks at the start of the season which turned out to just be a "teaser". Better things to do than watch long boring games won by visitors.”

The part of this comment that really irks me the most is... “Jays haven’t been fun since 92-93 an oh.. a few weeks at the start of the season which turned out to just be a "teaser". Better things to do than watch long boring games won by visitors.”

You see this is exactly what is wrong with the Toronto sports scene. Toronto is full of bandwagon fans that will only jump on the team during good times. People, this is not a fantasy land, money doesn’t grow on trees, the economy is not booming, and your local sports teams cannot win every single game every single year.

I say to this commenter just stay the hell away then. When this team is competitive again, and believe me they are closer than many believe, don’t come back. We do not need “fans” like you that are in it for the good times but won’t support the team through the bad. I’m sorry your time is so precious that you only find a game exciting when the home team wins. Can I offer you a refund for your ticket??

You were so quick to give the writer of this article a reality check with a big AS IF, when really fans like this are the ones who need to give their heads a shake.

Since your time is so precious I have one suggestion to fans like this... Move to New York and adopt the Yankees!

I guess I won’t see you at any Leafs games this winter, or do you not mind spending 5 times the money on a worse team? Maybe hockey games won by the visitors aren’t considered boring?


If you wish to read the article mentioned in this blog please click the following link Really Long Link



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Roy Halladay vs. LA Angels

June 3rd 2009 01:34
If you ask any hitter in the American League and more specifically the American League East who they dread facing (if they will even admit it) the answer is going to be more often than not Roy Halladay.

As I sit here watching "The Doctor" mow through Angel’s hitters with relative ease, you really do get an appreciation of how good this guy is


[ Click here to read more ]
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Welcome

June 3rd 2009 00:40
Welcome to this blog!

As a Canadian who has a real passion for professional sports, I will be writing frequently on many of the hot button issues in pro sports today


[ Click here to read more ]
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