Music City Blues: A Tennessee Titans Madden 13 CCM

[Letalis]

Hi there, this is my first attempt at a dynasty and I thought I would give you some background information. I decided to take over the Tennessee Titans. However I decided to play as current coach Mike Munchak, using his playbooks and legacy.

I have simulated the whole of the 2012 season, and included summaries of that year as much as I can. Sorry if it's a little wordy but I love to give detail.

Hope you like it,

Rob.

[Letalis]

THE TENNESSEE STANDARD

The Season In Retrospect

By Daniel Smith

Here we stand, another Superbowl gone and another champion crowned, on the edge of the off-season and a time of rumor and falsehood. This past season had some truly incredible moments and gave us some real surprises. In this article we will look back over everything that has happened this year.

The Eagles, Bengals, Ravens and Texans all started the season with serious injury worries on their injured reserve list. The Eagles lost premier left tackle Jason Peters, Bengals lost starting linebacker Manny Lawson, Baltimore lost the juggernaut of Haloti Ngata and the Texans lost their star running back Arian Foster.

The Titans caused a bit of stir when they announced that second year quarterback Jake Locker would start over veteran Matt Hasselbeck. The Browns showed little faith in their first round draft pick as they brought in veteran Donovan McNabb to lead their offense. Miami and Seattle both similarly protective over their new quarterbacks as well as they have been given the chance to sit and learn behind veterans.

After 4 games the Browns had shocked the whole nation as they went unbeaten. On the other end of the scale the Colts and Dolphins were not able to pick up a win. After 8 games the Texans found themselves at the bottom of the pile with the Steelers and Saints riding high.

At the end of the regular season Peyton Manning's Broncos, Drew Brees' Saints and Ben Roethlisberger's Steelers finish with 12-4. The Houston Texans and Cinncinati Bengals both finished 3-13. The real playoff surprise was the Cleveland Browns getting into the playoffs for the first time since 2002. The other playoff teams were the 49ers, Packers, Eagles, Patriots, Seahawks, Giants, Ravens and Colts.

In the playoffs the Colts went to the Broncos and managed to beat Manning at home. Andrew Luck's status as 'the chosen one' rose higher and higher in Indianapolis. However Luck's Cinderella run to Superbowl came to a crashing halt against Brady and the Patriots in Foxborough. The Saints hammered their way through the playoffs to get to the Superbowl in New Orleans. The weeks beforehand were crazy, one of the greatest street parties you will ever see.

The NFL awards ceremony didn't bring up many surprises. Brady walked home with MVP, Adrian Peterson took the comeback player of the year award with an incredible 1,700 yard season after a crushing knee injury. Andrew Luck took the offensive rookie of the year award and Patriot linebacker Dont'a Hightower won the defensive rookie of the year award. The surprise of the night was Broncos coach John Fox getting the coach of the year award when many analysts had picked Mike Tomlin of the Steelers to pick up the award.

In New Orleans Tom Brady took his regular season MVP award and turned it into another Superbowl ring, his forth, and a Superbowl MVP award as well in a close game that the Patriots won 27-19. They have already commissioned his bust in Canton, trust me. Brees tried to lead a forth quarter comeback but a crushing sack on 4th and short ended the Saints hopes and the street parties. Bill Belichek announced his retirement after the Superbowl as well, Tom Brady will defend his championship with the first new coach in his career, Chicago's Lovie Smith is the favorite to take over in New England.

After the end of the season the Ravens lost two crucial players as Ed Reed and Ray Lewis both announced their retirement. The Chicago Bears lost their talismanic leader in Brian Urlacher as he announced his retirement a day after Lewis. Probable Hall of Famer Randy Moss also hung up his boots and free agent Terrell Owens released a press statement saying that he was no longer seeking work in the NFL and had retired. After all of these huge personalities have called it quits the NFL feels strangely empty.

[Letalis]

NFL Awards 2012
Award	Player	Pos	Team
Most Valuable Player	Tom Brady	QB	New England Patriots
Coach of the Year	John Fox	Coach	Denver Broncos
Offensive Player of the Year	Tom Brady	QB	New England Patriots
Defensive Player of the Year	Sean Weatherspoon	LB	Atlanta Falcons
Offensive Rookie of the Year	Andrew Luck	QB	Indianapolis Colts
Defensive Rookie of the Year	Dont'a Hightower	LB	New England Patriots

[Letalis]

THE TENNESSEE STANDARD

A Reflection On The Titans

By Daniel Smith

It's time to look back on a very up and down season from the Tennessee Titans with some real positives and some real worries. The Titans finished 6-10 and third in the AFC South division. Let's start with the surprise of the season for the Titans, the quarterback decision by coach Munchak.

The news that second year quarterback Jake Locker would start came as a surprise, especially considering how well Hasselbeck had been playing in the off-season workouts. Hasselbeck took the news with characteristic class and settled down to mentor the young prospect. Locker had a decent season finishing with a 93.9 QB rating throwing for 3,580 yards and 33 touchdowns to only 16 interceptions. He did have some problems with accuracy at times and his decision making wasn't the best in pressure situations but with another off-season to work he should be able to work on those problems. Locker scrambled well when he was pressured, running for 235 yards and 2 touchdowns on the year. Overall he finished the season as a consensus top 15 quarterback in the league and Titans fans have a lot to look forward to next year.

One of the biggest disappointments of the year was supposed star receiver Kenny Britt who had a terrible season, despite staying healthy. Britt finished up the season as the 4th leading receiver with only 49 catches for 624 yards and 4 touchdowns despite being a starter all season. After two injury-plagued seasons this production was not enough for coach Munchak, who has openly said that maybe a change of scenery would be best for Britt. Nate Washington and rookie Kendall Wright both had solid seasons with Wright almost breaking the 1,000 yard mark from the slot and the Titans will be looking towards both of them to shoulder more of the work-load next season I imagine.

Chris Johnson didn't have a particularly great season either, he struggled to break off the long runs to the outside. He did finish the season with 1,263 yards but at 4.0 yards a carry he was below the league average. The most disappointing stat for Johnson though was his touchdowns, he only managed to find the endzone 5 times rushing, 1 more than last year. Munchak has confirmed that Johnson will still be the main back last season, but if he continues to stumble and produce low figures then it seems like his time could be up in Tennessee. The offensive line were a problem at times as Michael Roos found it difficult to stay healthy and Fernando Velasco is better suited to a back-up spot then a starting spot, do not be surprised if there are wholesale changes to the line in free agency and the draft.

The defense was a tale of two halves. The pass defense was decent, finishing 16th in the league. The secondary was able to capitalize on turnovers, finishing 6th in the league for interceptions, and safety Michael Griffin in particular had a good season with only 17 catches allowed. However the run defense was appalling and ended up as 28th in the league with over 2200 yards against. The defensive line found it hard to generate consistent pressure, with no double digit sack players on the year, and they were frequently outclassed in the second level. Starting middle linebacker Colin McCarthy was the one bright spot in the linebacking corps and veteran Will Witherspoon will probably be released due to his inability to chase down oppose running backs. Jurrell Casey was the best of the defensive line, but do not be surprised if there are changes in free agency to the line.

The special teams play was adequate although kicker Rob Bironas is apparently demanding over $4.0m a year despite only kicking at an 83% accuracy rate and so the long time Titan might find himself a free agent this spring. Marc Mariani made consistent yards on kick and punt returns although he did fail to find the endzone. Munchak has stated that he wants to improve the special teams play and plans to bring in another dedicated special teams player to play next to Mariani and help their chances of scoring on special teams. Punter Brett Kern kicked season highs of yards, net yards and average net yards, and established himself as one of the more reliable punters in the league.

Next up for the Titans it's free agency and the draft, there are a lot of holes that need to be plugged in this team and Munchak might use this time to shed some players that he feels the team doesn't need. Don't be surprised to see Hasselbeck or Britt traded and some veterans released.

[Letalis]

THE TENNESSEE STANDARD

Titans Prep For Free Agency

By Daniel Smith

The Titans have prepared for free agency by signing a number of their own free agents but also by releasing a few veterans who had disappointing seasons. The headline signing by Tennessee is free safety Michael Griffin who signed a 5 year deal worth a reported $40 million.

The Titans also signed starting cornerback Jason McCourty to a 4 year, $4 million a year day. McCourty had a decent season and still figures to be a starting cornerback for the Titans for next season.

The Titans addressed some depth by re-signing a number of their second and third string players including tackle Troy Kropog, linebacker Zac Diles and running back Javon Ringer. On the offensive line the Titans brought back center Fernado Velasco and right guard Leroy Harris although it is expected that the Titans will address these positions in free agency as well, dropping both players to the bench.

The Titans released veteran kicker Rob Bironas as part of their spring cleaning project. The kicker had been with the Titans since 2005 but coach Munchak said that Bironas was asking just too high a price after a lackluster season. The Titans also released linebacker Will Witherspoon in an expected move after the veteran struggled against the run last season. Defensive end Dave Ball was released as well although coach Munchak didn't rule out bringing the lineman back at a cheaper price later on. Tight end Jared Cook Jr was not offered a contract in a move that Munchak said was focusing on making the Titans a more mature, responsible team.

The Titans are expected to address the offensive line, defensive tackle, cornerback and tight end positions in free agency this year, although this looks like a reasonably deep draft at a few of those positions as well. We'll keep you posted about what happens next.

[Letalis]

THE TENNESSEE STANDARD

Warner On A Comeback

By Daniel Smith

The ultimate NFL comeback story is at it again. After retiring in 2009 the ex-Ram and Cardinal has announced that he wants one more shot at taking a team to the promised land. The Browns, Chiefs and Cardinals are all reported to be interested, with the Jets and Jaguars as outsiders to land the future Hall of Famer.

Warner said in a press conference that he was tired of analyzing the games on television when he still felt like his body could withstand another season. The undrafted quarterback became famous when he took the Rams to the Superbowl after previously bagging groceries for a living.

He managed a second comeback when he took the unlikely Arizona Cardinals to a Superbowl and narrowly lost the game to an incredible Santonio Holmes catch in the dying seconds. The Cardinals still haven't found a quarterback able to play at the level that Warner brought to the desert since he retired so it's no wonder that they want him back. We will keep you updated as to where he lands.

[Letalis]

THE TENNESSEE STANDARD

Trade Winds Blowing In Tennessee

By Daniel Smith

The Tennessee Titans have announced two trades today, neither of them particularly surprising. Kenny Britt has been sent to the Detroit Lions and veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has been traded to the Cleveland Browns. Both trades were made with the idea of stock-piling draft picks to help plug the many holes on the Titans roster.

It was expected that Tennessee would move on from Matt Hasselbeck since he was replaced as the starter by Jake Locker. Hasselbeck has spent the last two years mentoring the young quarterback however it is now time for Locker to strike out on his own. Hasselbeck has responded with his usual dignity saying that he is happy to join the Browns and to be able to compete for the starting job. He also tweeted his thanks to the Titans organization and wished Locker the best for next season. Hasselbeck was traded for the Browns sixth round pick, filling a gap as the Titans had traded away their sixth round pick in the 2012 draft to the Vikings.

Britt was traded away as part of coach Munchak's drive to become more responsible and mature and to remove any off the field issues. Although Munchak has praised Britt's talent level and says that he has the potential to be one of the most explosive wide receivers in the game, he has consistently criticized his work ethic and his personal affairs. It all came to a head at the end of the season when right tackle David Stewart claimed that Britt was a locker-room cancer. A disappointing season more than sealed Britt's walking papers from the Titans this offseason. He was traded to the Lions for a high third round pick, Jim Schwartz obviously believes that he can whip Britt into shape. Maybe learning under a dominant force like Calvin Johnson Jr will do him some good.

The trades have opened up another $7-8 million in cap space and this should allow the Titans to target the players that they want in free agency, without having to worry about cap restrictions. Stay tuned for more free agency news.

[Letalis]

THE TENNESSEE STANDARD

Meet The New Titans

By Daniel Smith

Now that the free agency furor has died down we have a chance to introduce you to the latest additions to the Tennessee Titans roster. The Titans have made seven signings so far, most of them at positions of need. Here are your new Titans.

Fullback – Mike Cox
The Titans signed Cox to be a lead blocker for CJ, something he was lacking last year. Cox played for the Bears last year and helped Matt Forte to pick up over 1,500 yards. He has softer hands than people think and caught 12 balls out of the backfield last year, including one for a touchdown. Cox signed a 3 year deal for an approximate $3.8 million.

Tight End – Dennis Pitta
Pitta has been a member of the Baltimore Ravens for the last three years however he found himself with a reduced role last year due to the struggles of Joe Flacco. Pitta has soft hands and good athleticism, he is a good mismatch target over the middle. He has had trouble with his blocking in the past but we are sure that Mike Munchak can help him to polish that up. Pitta signed a 3 year deal for $11.25 million.

Guard – Karl Urbik
Urbik was a back-up with the Buffalo Bills but he had a chance to shine last year when injury meant that he started the last 12 games of the season. Urbik didn't allow a sack during those 12 games and really caught the eye of a couple of teams in the offseason. Urbik stated that he really wanted to play for Munchak because he that's who he modeled his game on. Urbik signed for 4 years and an undisclosed amount, estimated to be around $15 million.

Defensive Tackle – Sedrick Ellis
Ellis has started at defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints since 2009, where he helped them win the Superbowl. Last season he was firm against the run and recorded 57 tackles and three sacks, whilst also blocking five passes. With the Titans struggles against the run he will be expected to be a wall across the middle. Ellis is set to start alongside Jurrell Casey, the player who actually took over from Ellis at USC when Ellis was drafted. Ellis signed a deal for 5 years and $30 million.

Linebacker – Keith Rivers
The former Bengal signed with the Titans today after negotiations between Rivers and the Giants went south. Rivers was part of a strong defense at Cinncinati but he missed a season in 2011 due to surgery on his wrist. He was picked up by the Giants and used mostly on special teams however Munchak has praised the linebacker and said that he will be competing with Akeem Ayers for the starting job. Rivers has said that his former USC teammate Sedrick Ellis was responsible for recommending the Titans to the linebacker. Rivers signed a 4 year deal worth a reported $10 million.

Cornerback – Mike Jenkins
Jenkins has played for the Cowboys for five years but lost his starting spot last year to Morris Claiborne, the rookie from LSU. Jenkins was played as a nickel corner and did well, recording 43 tackles and an interception however it wasn't a natural fit and Jenkins was not offered a new contract. However the Titans saw a lot of potential in Jenkins and signed him to be an outside corner alongside Jason McCourty. Jenkins signed a $24 million contract lasting 4 years.

Kicker – Blair Walsh
Walsh was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2012 but he wasn't able to beat out Ryan Longwell for the starting position. However the Titans worked him out after moving on from longtime kicker Rob Bironas and fell in love with his booming leg. At Georgia he was nicknamed the Athens Assassin for his long range field goal accuracy. Let's hope that carries over to his time in Tennessee because he has very big boots to fill. Walsh signed a 5 year deal worth $3.75 million.