JasonHall

Just as the Tennessee Titans began to show promise, their season came into question when starting quarterback Jake Locker suffered a hip injury in the 38-13 win over the New York Jets in Week 4. After being carted off the field and undergoing multiple examinations, he is expected to miss four to six weeks, according to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean. The Titans, who finished last season with a disappointing 6-10 record, look to add to their impressive 3-1 start without the services of their franchise quarterback. Enter Ryan Fitzpatrick. The nine-year veteran will take the reins in Nashville and provides plenty of starting experience for multiple teams. Prior to signing a two-year deal with the Titans as a veteran option behind Locker, the former Harvard quarterback was a three-year starter with the Buffalo Bills, after spending time as a backup for the St. Louis Rams and Cincinnati Bengals. Fitzpatrick enters the Titans' upcoming matchup against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs with a 59.4 completion percentage, 14,444 yards, 93 touchdowns, 81 interceptions and a 77.0 passer rating for his career. Although his numbers aren't stellar, he should offer a serviceable replacement in the absence of Locker. I'm not saying that he's going to put up Peyton Manning-esque numbers or lead the league in passing, but Fitzpatrick will bring veteran experience to a young, improving team. With a top-10 defense, a strong running game and a talented group of youthful receivers, the Titans should be able to continue their success with a capable game manager like Fitzpatrick. The biggest obstacle facing Fitzpatrick and the Titans is a tough schedule. Tennessee is scheduled to face Kansas City (4-0), the Seattle Seahawks (4-0) and San Francisco 49ers (2-2) before its Week 8 bye in the guaranteed four-week span without Locker. However, the Titans also have several favorable matchups including Week 9 at the St. Louis Rams, Weeks 10 and 16 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Week 12 against the Oakland Raiders and Week 15 against the Arizona Cardinals. Outside of Jacksonville, Tennessee's remaining AFC South matchups will be the true test as to whether it is a serious playoff contender. Already holding a 3-1 record, the Titans are in excellent shape to make a serious postseason push with either quarterback if they can manage to survive their difficult schedule. Click here to view the article

Please explain to me exactly what I'm repeating

And an excuse for overweight Washington fans to wear women's dresses and pig snouts in public

Yeah. You're definitely missing the sarcasm...That was the only O-Line nickname I could think of that WAS already used

Thanks. Either misread it or the website I took the info from was wrong

For some reason, I like "The Hogs". I don't think anybody has ever used that for an OL...

The Tennessee Titans made rebuilding their offensive line a top priority this offseason. Were the moves enough to provide an immediate boost this season? The Tennessee Titans fielded one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL last season, ranking 31st in the league in both total sacks allowed and adjusted sack rate. With Jake Locker facing a make-or-break season, the franchise made the offensive line a top priority this offseason, drafting Alabama guard Chance Warmack in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft and signing former Bills guard Andy Levitre, widely regarded as the best available at the position. The team also picked up former St. Louis Ram Rob Turner and UCLA's Brian Schwenke, both of whom will compete for the starting center position. The Titans have the potential to be one of the most talented offensive lines in the NFL this season. Despite questions at the center position, Turner provides veteran experience while Schwenke, the reigning All-Pac-12 center, has the potential to develop into a special player. During his four seasons at Cal, Schwenke played in 48 of 50 games, while starting in 36 contests since his sophomore season. He also showed versatility playing three different positions, which included sixteen starts at left guard, twelve at center, and eight at right guard. Chance Warmack was the first player selected among one of the all-time great offensive lines in college football history, serving as a member of three BCS championship winning teams. The 6'2", 317-pound Warmack was regarded by ESPN's Todd McShay as "the best player in the entire [2013] draft." Warmack started the final 40 games of his college career at left guard, playing in each of the Crimson Tide’s 14 games during his senior season. He also blocked for three future NFL running backs, including 2009 Heisman Trophy winner, Mark Ingram. During his final season at Alabama, Warmack was a unanimous first team All-American and first team All-SEC selection. He recorded a team-best 37 pancake blocks and was only flagged for two penalties in 732 snaps. With the signing of Andy Levitre, Tennessee gets a proven veteran entering the prime of his career. The 27-year-old has started in all 64 regular season games since beginning his career in 2009. Last season, Levitre was part of a Buffalo offense that allowed just 30 sacks (fifth fewest in the AFC) and blocked for a rushing attack that averaged 138.6 yards per game, second amongst AFC teams. The new acquisitions join three-time Pro Bowler Michael Roos and veteran David Stewart, who returns to the starting lineup after facing a season-ending leg fracture in December 2012. During his eight-year career in Tennessee, Roos has started in all but one game. Over the span of his career, the Titans have allowed the fourth-fewest sacks in the NFL (207) trailing only the Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints and New York Giants. Since becoming a full-time starter seven years ago, David Stewart has blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher each season. He and Roos both served as key contributors to Chris Johnson’s 2000-yard season in 2009. The Titans' nucleus of proven veterans and young, potentially great prospects on their re-vamped line could prove to be the right mix to jump-start their offense. This line should provide Jake Locker the protection necessary to have a breakout season. Chris Johnson will run behind one of the most talented groups he's played with during his six-year career. This could propel his production back to that of the NFL elite rushers, allowing him to find holes for the home run plays fans used to be accustomed to early in his career. The offensive line rarely gets any glory during highlights but is just as important to the team's success as any other position. Tennessee has done a great job this offseason improving one of the poorest offensive units in the league and transforming them into a potential force. Click here to view the article

After allowing more points on defense than anyone else in the NFL last year, the Titans will need their core group to mature drastically this season. The Tennessee Titans ranked 27th in total defense amongst NFL teams last season. During the offseason, they acquired safety Bernard Pollard, defensive tackle Sammie Hill and several backups to shore up the defensive line's depth. Tennessee also named former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams the team's senior assistant defensive coach in hopes of having a more aggressive unit this season. However, the biggest factor in the Titans' defensive production will be the maturation of young players. Excluding defensive end Kamerion Wimbley, free safety Michael Griffin and Pollard, none of the Titans' projected defensive starters have over five years of NFL experience. Many of the Titans' defensive starters were acquired during the early rounds of the NFL draft. Assuming they reach their full potential, the Titans defense could see a major improvement in production this season. However, to do so, the core group of young players must mature into true NFL standouts. Derrick Morgan must continue his development into an elite NFL pass-rusher. Morgan has seen an increase in productivity since being selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. In 2012, he recorded a career-best 6.5 sacks and 59 total tackles. The Titans will also need to see production from their young linebacking corps. However, they have struggled to find a healthy answer at linebacker during the preseason. Akeem Ayers is coming off a 102-tackle season and will likely produce, if healthy, this season. Colin McCarthy and Zach Brown are also facing injuries, but should be major factors in the team's defensive scheme. The cornerback position also has major questions entering the regular season. Alterraun Verner and Tommie Campbell have competed for the No.2 starting position opposite Jason McCourty throughout the preseason. After being pressured by Campbell, the team officially decided to name Verner the starter for Week 1. Neither player has more than four years of NFL experience and could be entering the prime of their career this season. The Titans defense could see a major improvement in its development this season. Many of its core players are entering the prime years of their NFL careers and have the potential to become a surprising group this season. Click here to view the article

Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker enters his third NFL season with high expectations. Can the former University of Washington standout prove he is a true franchise quarterback in a make-or-break season? Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker embarks on the most important season of his career in 2013. The former University of Washington standout enters his third season since being selected eighth overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. While Locker has yet to serve as the Titans' starting quarterback for a full season, Tennessee will carefully monitor whether to move forward with him as the franchise signal caller based on his play this season. Thus far, Locker has recorded career totals of 2,718 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 78.4 passer rating. The pressure is now on Locker to succeed with an improved supporting cast. This will be a make-or-break season for the player the Titans selected to be their franchise quarterback. However, based on the team's busy offseason, it is clear that they are invested in the quarterback—at least for the time being. The struggling Titans offensive line added free agent Andy Levitre and selected Alabama guard Chance Warmack with the 10th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Tennessee also invested their second round draft pick on Justin Hunter, an explosive wide receiver from the University of Tennessee. Hunter joins an ailing, but young, wide receiving corps that is in need of a deep-threat option. The Titans also signed Delanie Walker to serve as their new starting tight end and acquired Shonn Greene to complement franchise running back Chris Johnson. However, the Titans' biggest fault may be their defense. Tennessee ranked 31st in yards allowed last season. With the exception of signing former Ravens safety Bernard Pollard, the team made little effort to fix its struggling defense via free agency or early round draft picks. Hypothetically, if the team struggles to win games while Locker continues to improve, will the Titans have the patience to further invest in their young quarterback? Is Locker truly the answer to lead the Titans franchise? These are the questions that must be answered this season before the team makes a final judgement on Locker's future. Tennessee has invested heavily in Locker and should see signs of improvement this season. Every single pass or scramble will be heavily analyzed by the Titans' front office, their fans and the local Nashville media. Locker will have the weight of the struggling franchise on his shoulders this season and must quickly silence the doubt. In 2009, Locker was projected to be a No. 1 overall draft pick before opting to return to Washington for his senior season. After a disappointing ending to his collegiate career, Locker was unexpectedly chosen early in the first round. If he can produce similar to his junior season at Washington, Titans fans will be fortunate to have a dual-threat quarterback capably manning the helm in Nashville. However, if he continues to struggle in his development, the team will likely move on without him. Photo courtesy Brian Hill Photography. Photo can be seen in original form on his website. Click here to view the article

Chris Johnson was initially vocal against the Titans' acquisition of Shonn Greene. He would later retract his statements, saying he was fine with the move as long as Greene doesn't "take away carries." Should Chris Johnson actually be worried about the transaction or should he be optimistic?Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson's NFL career has been somewhat of an enigma. Johnson followed up an impressive rookie season with a career-best 2,006-yard performance in 2009. After two offseason holdouts, the former All-Pro was rewarded with a four-year extension, worth an average of $13.4 million, in 2011. However, the player known as "CJ2K" hasn't to live up to his paycheck, failing to rush for over 1,500 yards in each season since 2009. Johnson has also done little to help the Titans' misfortune in the AFC South standings. Tennessee has finished under .500 in two of the past three seasons, while falling short of the postseason each year since 2008. Uncharacteristically, the team's front office went on a shopping spree this offseason, signing multiple veterans in free agency. To the dismay of its franchise running back, Tennessee reached an agreement with former New York Jets starter Shonn Greene. Johnson was vocal about his displeasure of the transaction, telling Robert Klemko and Jim Wyatt of USA Today that he was puzzled by the move: "I have never been a big fan of the two-back system, so I don't know how we plan on using him. I'm not afraid of competition, but I was thinking we'd maybe get a draft pick for the other back. And you don't give a guy that kind of money to be just a goal-line guy and in tough-yardage situations. So we'll see what happens." Johnson would later retract his statements, telling Jim Rome on The Jim Rome Show that he was in favor of the move as long as Greene didn't "take away any carries": "I didn't like the move. I didn't think it was a smart move. [but] that's because of being too quick to say things and not really knowing the whole objectives of things. Once the offseason started, being here, being in the playbook and seeing the type of things they're trying to do, I don't think it was really a bad choice." The Titans star has been vocal this offseason about his personal goals for 2013. Following Adrian Peterson's historic 2,097 season, Johnson looks to reclaim his place amongst the NFL's elite rushers and recapture the rushing title. The addition of Greene will improve his chances. He is a capable back who will bring a new dimension to the Titans offense. Rather than the speedy Johnson becoming fatigued by carrying a heavy load, the dual-threat of both rushers will create a change of pace and counter defensive schemes. Johnson will have fresher legs and could become the home run threat Titans fans saw in 2009. Johnson will also be fortunate to run behind an improved offensive line. Tennessee invested $46.8 million on former Buffalo Bills guard Andy Levitre, while drafting Alabama standout guard Chance Warmack with the No. 10 pick in April. There are little excuses left for the Titans' franchise player. Johnson will need to live up to the expectations of a pricey contract and is now in the best position to do so. The addition of Greene, as well as a revamped offensive line, will benefit the former All-Pro greatly. Photo courtesy Brian Hill Photography. Photo can be seen in original form on his website. Click here to view the article

You, my friend, are not one of the examples I gave in that sentence. Plenty of non-Titans fans in this state, however, apply

Wyatt also tweeted that Hunter has impressed the coaches the past two days. So, there's hope for improvement...Also, thanks all for the welcoming. Much appreciated

The Tennessee Titans selected wide receiver Justin Hunter with the No. 34 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. The former University of Tennessee standout finished a decorated collegiate career with 106 receptions, 1,812 yards and 18 touchdowns, before choosing to forego his senior season.The Tennessee Titans selected wide receiver Justin Hunter with the No. 34 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. The former University of Tennessee standout finished a decorated collegiate career with 106 receptions, 1,812 yards and 18 touchdowns, before choosing to forego his senior season. Hunter enters a Titans receiving corps that failed to produce a 1,000+ yard wideout last season. Nate Washington led the team with just 746 yards, while rookie Kendall Wright finished second with 626 yards and a team-best 64 receptions. Both players, as well as Kenny Britt and Jared Cook, recorded four receiving touchdowns, finishing in a four-way tie for the team lead. As quarterback Jake Locker enters a make-or-break season, the addition of Hunter couldn't come at a better time. Hunter possesses both size and speed to become a major deep-threat option for the third-year quarterback. Hunter has all the makings to be the next great Titans superstar should he reach his full potential. The team has struggled to find a consistently dominant wide receiver for several years. Since Derrick Mason's departure, Tennessee has made numerous changes to its roster and has seen little success from its pass catchers. Britt has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has also struggled through injuries and personal issues. Wright played well during his first NFL season and will likely further develop playing opposite a downfield threat the likes of Hunter. Hunter's collegiate ties also give him an early advantage in winning over the Titans fanbase. Despite the popularity of the Titans within the state, Tennesseans are usually more passionate about college football. In fact, many Vols fans chose to support the rival Indianapolis Colts over the Nashville-based Titans, mainly because UT great Peyton Manning was the face of Indy. The Titans have a great opportunity should Hunter reach his full potential. They now have a player who is already extremely popular amongst their fanbase and possesses the intangibles to become an elite wide receiver. Photo courtesy Brian Hill Photography. Photo can be seen in original form on his website. Click here to view the article