2008 Tennessee Titans NFL Predictions

The Titans overacheived in 2007, winning 10 games and advancing to the playoffs, despite a grand total of nine touchdown passes. Tennessee believes it has upgraded its weapons and is now ready to challenge for the division. Find out if Jimmy Boyd believes the Titans have done enough in his 2008 Tennessee Titans predictions and season preview.

 

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Offense

If you go by the numbers, Vince Young took a step back in 2007 after earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2006. It is true that he only threw nine touchdown passes and ran less effectively than he did in his rookie campaign, but there are some positives. Young's passing accuracy improved by nearly 11 percent and in taking the Titans to the playoffs, he became the youngest QB in franchise history to start a postseason game. Young is talented, and his numbers will support that in 2008.

LenDale White was the player that the Titans had hoped he would be, rushing for 1,110 yards. The Titans drafted Chris Johnson to give them a valuable third down speed threat. The two should compliment each other well.

The Titans knew they had no playmakers at receiver heading into last season and I hope they know that they still don't heading into this season. They did add tight end Alge Crumpler, who should hopefully end Tennessee's red zone struggles, but they failed to land a deep threat to stretch the defense.

The Titans should be able to float free agency and retirement hits to the line and maybe even come out smelling like roses. Jacob Bell jetted for St. Louis and Benji Olson retired after nine great seasons. Jake Scott comes over from Indy to take Olson's spot. Three youngsters will vie to replace Bell, but they are all talented. Eugene Amano is the early favorite. Tackles Michael Roos and David Stewart will continue to anchor this unit.

Defense

Tennessee's defense was the only reason the team had double digit wins in 2007 as it drastically improved from 32nd in the NFL in 2006 to fifth last season. Pro Bowl right end Kyle Vanden Bosch was a terror. He relentlessly rushed the passer and ended up with 12 sacks. Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy combined for 14 on the other side.

At left side linebacker, David Thornton was a monster, leading the Titans with 140 tackles. His presence helped out Keith Bullock a great deal as the veteran didn't have to press to make plays the way he did in '06 when the Titans had the worst defense in football. Ryan Fowler will play the middle.

Without Pacman Jones causing hanging around and causing problems, the Titans received very solid play from corners Nick Harper and Cortland Finnegan. Chris Hope will be back at strong safety and Michael Griffin will play strong safety.

Special Teams

Kicker Rob Bironas was Tennessee's scoring option last season, making good on 35 of 39 field goal attempts. They need to find ways to keep his field goal numbers down and his PAT numbers up. With the loss of Pacman Jones, the Titans did lose an explosive return man. The search will continue to fill this void.

Prediction – 3rd AFC South

The Titans overachieved in 2006 behind the playmaking ability of Vince Young to win eight games despite having the worst defense in the league. Last season, they did it with defense. Unfortunately, I don't believe the Titans are ready to solid offensive and defensive units on the field yet. Still, the offense should be somewhat improved this season and the defense should remain solid. The Jags and the Colts are still more complete sides to keep the Titans in third.

Do all of your pro football betting with Jimmy Boyd in 2008. His NFL picks have been beating the odds for over a decade and he's ready to deliver you the best season of your NFL betting career.

Check out the official site of the Tennessee Titans and for more information.

July 1st, 2008