Titans Fantasy Preview

[The Lung]

From: http://fantasy.sportingnews.com/nfl/experts/matthew-lutovsky/20080806.html

Titans: Young and (getting) restless
Aug. 6, 2008


WHAT'S NEW

The biggest change for Tennessee since the end of last year is the hiring of offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger. Before being replaced by Norm Chow in 2005, Heimerdinger spent four years as the Titans' offensive coordinator. Now that he's back, he will try to coax out of Vince Young what he was able to get from Steve McNair.

But how much better is Young going to get? We know he can run, but we also know that he lacks accuracy in the passing game. Considering that Tennessee didn't upgrade their wide receivers (sorry, Justin McCareins doesn't count), Young will once again have to rely on his improvisational skills and strong arm to move the ball vertically -- not an easy task. Newcomers Alge Crumpler and rookie RB Chris Johnson will likely be featured heavily in the short-passing game and will give Young two sorely needed playmakers.

But this offense will once again be a run-first unit. LenDale White and Johnson will form a potent "power-and-lightning" duo that defenses will have a tough time keeping under wraps. Throw in Young's running ability and last year's "rookie sleeper," Chris Henry, and it wouldn't be a shock to see Tennessee pile up enough rushing yards to top the NFL.

And despite losing DEs Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy, it wouldn't be a shock to see Tennessee's defense allow the fewest rushing yards in the NFL this year. The Titans return most of the core defenders (most notably Albert Haynesworth, Keith Bulluck and Chris Hope) from a unit that finished in the top 10 of several important defensive categories.

Yes, Tennessee has a lot of potential, but until it can develop a consistent passing game to keep defenses honest, most of the skill position players will be resigned to fantasy backup duty.

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