Back To Square One - CaziusCray's Tennessee Titans (Madden 16)

[CaziusCray]

BREAKING: Titans Trade Mettenberger To Bears For 1st Round Pick

Nashville, TN - Zach Mettenberger has finally gotten his wish.

In a shocking turn of events, the Tennessee Titans traded the embattled quarterback to the Chicago Bears along with a third-round draft pick in the 2015 NFL Draft in exchange for the Bears' first-round pick in 2015.

Mettenberger had been disgruntled after the Titans selected Marcus Mariota in the 2015 NFL Draft. He requested a trade after no-showing Titans' training camp, saying he wanted an opportunity to be a starter in the NFL, an opportunity he felt will not come in a Titans uniform.

Many people are shocked, perturbed, and even angry that the Bears would trade a first round pick for a generally unproven quarterback who has only played six games, not winning a single one of them. But Bears general manager Ryan Pace isn't worried too much about it.

"Zach showed flashes of being a franchise quarterback last season." He said in a press conference. "Jay [Cutler] is 32. I'm not sure how much longer has in this league, so it's time to start looking towards the future. My hope is that Zach will prove to be worth the investment."

He is now expected to battle Cutler for the starting quarterback position, almost two years after Cutler signed a huge seven-year extension.

Cutler could not immediately be reached for comment.

[CaziusCray]

Pre-Season Review

Titans Transactions

Titans release HB David Fluellen, TE Beau Brinkley, G Josue Matias, S Josh Aubrey, HB Antonio Andrews, CB B.W. Webb, MLB Steven Johnson, ROLB David Bass, WR Tre McBride, and RE Mike Martin

Titans trade TE Craig Stevens to the Oakland Raiders for a fourth-round pick in 2016.

Titans sign DE Zach Kerr to a one-year deal.

Titans sign HB/WR De'Anthony Thomas to a one-year deal.

Titans sign LB A.J. Hawk to a one-year deal.


Titans Notable Injuries

HB Bishop Sankey - Broken Ribs (3 Weeks)
T Taylor Lewan - Shoulder Tear (3 Weeks)


Other Notable Injuries

Bears QB Jay Cutler - Broken Ankle (Season)
Chiefs HB Jamaal Charles - Broken Wrist (5 Weeks)
Chiefs OLB Justin Houston - Forearm Fracture (2 Weeks)
Falcons WR Julio Jones - Pulled Groin (4 Weeks)
Lions WR Golden Tate - Quad Tear (3 Weeks)
Patriots HB LeGarrette Blount - Hamstring Tear (4 Weeks)
Patriots MLB Jerod Mayo - Partial MCL Tear (3 Weeks)
Redskins QB Kirk Cousins - Ruptured Disk (4 Weeks)
Redskins QB Robert Griffin III - Broken Toe (2 Weeks)
Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater - Broken Toe (3 Weeks)

[CaziusCray]

TENNESSEE TITANS 2015 SEASON PREVIEW

Projected Depth Chart

Offense

QB - Marcus Mariota (R), Charlie Whitehurst, Christian Ponder

Mariota is unchallenged starter for now. He has great accuracy, and is very mobile. We'll see if he can throw the deep ball any better than he did in college, as that was the main knock on him heading into the NFL.

The Titans better hope that he doesn't get injured or struggle horribly, because they're back-up options aren't very good. Whitehurst has always been a project, but never reached his potential. At very least he knows Whisenhunt's system, but he didn't preform well at all when given a chance. Ponder is a mistake waiting to happen most of the time, and was very underwhelming with the Vikings.



HB - Bishop Sankey, Terrence West, Dexter McCluster, David Cobb (R)

FB - Jalston Fowler (R)

Sankey will likely miss the first three games with a rib injury, but should be back after the bye week. He was a disappointment last year, but it didn't help matters that he had a porous offensive line.

Until Sankey heals, the running game falls in the hands of Terrence West and Dexter McCluster. West, a second-year back out of Towson, likely will be the lead man in Sankey's absense. He showed flashes of being a possible starter last season, but the Browns would end up trading him to the Titans this past off-season. He is a hard-nosed runner, something the Titans have lacked for a while.

McCluster is mainly a passing option, but is the most versatile back on the team. He also can play in the slot and is the teams kick returner. If the Titans can finally utilize him properly, he could be very helpful to Mariota's development.

Cobb, like West, is another hard-nosed runner. He may not get many carries in this crowded backfield, but he could prove one day to be the best out of the bunch.

Fowler can play almost any position the Titans need him to, but needs to prove himself this season.



WR - Kendall Wright, Dorial Green-Beckham (R), De'Anthony Thomas

WR - Harry Douglas, Justin Hunter

Wright's true potential may finally be unleashed with Mariota at quarterback. The most sure-handed receiver on the team, Wright makes up for his small stature with his speed. He'll look to prove to the the #1 option for the Titans passing game.

Signing Harry Douglas was a great move this off-season. His best years are probably behind him, but he should still be a solid #2 for the Titans. He's a solid route-runner, and while he lacks elite speed, also has solid hands.

Dorial Green-Beckham may be the man to watch in this offense. The rookie out of Oklahoma was considered a steal for the Titans. He has the build to be a #1 receiver in the league, but needs to develop his route-running skills.

This season may be the last chance for Justin Hunter to prove that he can live up to his hype. He is quick for his height, and can be a good passing option, but his leash is very short his season.

Signing De'Anthony Thomas might have been a good move for the team as well. He's small but very fast, and can double as a running back if need be.



TE - Delanie Walker, Anthony Fasano, Phillip Supernaw, Chase Coffman

Delanie Walker missed most of last season due to injury, but will look to return to form this year. Look for him to be Mariota's main target in the early stages of the season.

The Titans depth allowed them to trade Craig Stevens, so Anthony Fasano will likely be the #2. His best years are behind him, but he can still be a solid pass catcher.

Supernaw and Coffman will likely be special teamers, but proved in the pre-season that they can also be apart of the passing game. Supernaw is a decent run blocker as well, and probably will be used in the running game. Coffman is the tallest tight end on the roster, and is probably going to be a passing game fixture.



LT - Taylor Lewan, Jamon Meredith

LG - Byron Bell, Quinton Spain (R)

C - Brian de la Puente, Brian Schwenke, Andy Gallik (R)

RG - Chance Warmack

LT - Jeremiah Poutasi (R)

Taylor Lewan played well towards the end of last season, and looks to be a vocal leader on this offensive line.

Byron Bell is naturally a tackle, but will switch to guard with Andy Levitre gone. He's a solid run blocker, but a liability in pass protection.

Brian de la Puente is coming off a season-ending ankle injury. He is a great blocker in general, but his durability is in question. If Bell struggles, he could possibly move to guard.

Chance Warmack is a mauler on the offensive line. He struggle at some points last season with pass protection, but he definitely showed strides after an abysmal rookie season.

Rookie Jeremiah Poutasi is expected to take over the right tackle spot. He's a good run blocker, but must improve as a pass blocker if he expects to keep his job.

The main bench players are Brian Schwenke, who lost his job to de la Puente, and Jamon Meredith. Meredith will start in place of Lewan, who is nursing a shoulder injury.

A journeyman, Meredith has played for nine different teams in his six-year career in the NFL, including five different teams just last season.

Schwenke has been underwhelming the past two seasons, but he can still be a good back-up option if de la Puente ends up getting injured again.

Andy Gallik and Quinton Spain are the two other rookies in this group outside of Poutasi. Gallik is a decent pass blocker, and can play guard or center. Spain snuck on the team after a solid preseason, but most improve in pass blocking if he ever wants to start.



Defense

RE - Jurrell Casey, Karl Klug, Zach Kerr

DT - Al Woods, Sammie Hill

LE - Daquan Jones, Ropati Pitoitua, Angelo Blackson (R)

This group of defensive linemen are headlined by Jurrell Casey. Casey is considered one of the best defensive linemen in the league, and not only is a great run-stopper, but also can get after the quarterback.

His main back-up, Karl Klug, has been a fixture on the team for a while. He's a solid pass-rusher, and likely could see some time on passing downs.

Al Woods stole the starting job from Sammie Hill, and will play the nose. He's not very quick, but is strong enough to plug up the holes.

Hill is a solid nose, but can't seem to stay healthy.

Daquan Jones also stole a starting job, this one from Ropati Pitoitua, after the latter had a down year. Jones had a quiet rookie season, but has show flashes of being a solid starter. We'll see if he can live up to it.

Pitoitua will likely shift around on the line, and is capable of playing nose, as well as either end position. A solid pass-rusher, he'll likely be in on passing downs.

Angelo Blackson and Zach Kerr round out the group.

Blackson, a rookie out of Auburn, can play either end or nose. He may struggle with getting playing time in this crowded group, but his versatility will help.

Kerr is more of a nose, but can play end as well. He's quick for somebody his size, and is solid at getting by defenders. He's a solid run stopper as well.



ROLB - Brian Orakpo, Jason Ankrah

RILB - Avery Williamson, Wesley Woodyard

LILB - Zach Brown, AJ Hawk

LOLB - Derrick Morgan, Deiontrez Mount (R)

Considered by some to be the Titans' strongest group, this linebacker corps is lead by Brian Orakpo.

After missing most of last season due to a re-aggravated pectoral injury, Orakpo comes into this season fully healthy. When healthy, he's one of the best pass-rushers in the game, and should take a lot of pressure off of Casey and Derrick Morgan.

After a quiet first couple of seasons, Morgan seems to have turned the corner, especially in this 3-4 scheme. He's a solid pass rusher that will only get better with the addition of Orakpo.

Their backups are Deiontrez Mount and Jason Ankrah.

Mount, a rookie from Louisville, has solid speed, and shouldn't have much of a problem getting to the quarterback. Their are questions about what he can do in the run game, however.

Ankrah was only active for two games last season with the Texans. He's expected to mainly be a special teams player.

Avery Williamson was one of the few bright spots on this football team last season. He showed a lot of leadership, and was one of the few playmakers on this team as a rookie. With Zach Brown back, look for him to excel.

Brown missed all of last season after being injured on the first drive of the season. He's better at pass coverage than Williamson, but time will tell if he can truly recover.

Wesley Woodyard and A.J. Hawk are the backups in the middle. Woodyard, a starter last year, is a solid cover linebacker. He may be brought in to cover big name tight ends on passing downs.

Hawk only missed two games total in nine seasons with the Green Bay Packers. His production has dropped over the years, but his durability and versatility, along with his leadership, will get him on the field at some point this year.



CB1 - Jason McCourty, Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Cody Riggs (R)

CB2 - Perrish Cox, Coty Sensabaugh

Jason McCourty had somewhat of a down season last year, but still is the #1 corner on the team. He looks to bounce back now with Perrish Cox across from him.

Cox had a great year last season, and many were shocked that the 49ers didn't bring him back. He finally gives the Titans a solid #2 across from McCourty

Blidi Wreh-Wilson has been a bit of a disappointment in the past two seasons. He gave up a lot of big plays last season, and might not even be the nickel this season if it continues.

Coty Sensabaugh has potential to play well, but has never really shown much in his limited opportunities.

Cody Riggs, the son of former Falcons running back Gerald Riggs, is the dark horse in the battle for the nickel spot. He's got good speed, but must improve in tackling and in coverage.



FS - Marqueston Huff, Michael Griffin

SS - Da'Norris Searcy, Daimion Stafford

In another case of a 2014 starter losing his job, Quest Huff is now the starter at free safety over longtime fixture Michael Griffin. Huff didn't play much last year, but did record a pick six against the Giants. He looks to be the man at safety this year next to newly acquired strong safety Da'Norris Searcy.

Griffin is extremely mistake prone. He often takes poor pursuit angles, and misses tackles that a starting safety must make. Griffin once was thought to be a premier safety in the league, but now likely sees himself as a dime package linebacker, at best.

Searcy is very underrated. He's solid in pass coverage, and is a sure tackler.

Daimion Stafford is the backup to Searcy. While he is a heavy hitter who doesn't miss tackles often, he's suspect in coverage. He may be better suited as a linebacker, but for now, he remains the backup at strong safety.



Special Teams

K - Ryan Succop

P - Brett Kern

KR - Dexter McCluster, De'Anthony Thomas

PR - Dexter McCluster, De'Anthony Thomas

Possibly the only area the Titans were actually solid at was special teams. Then again, they got plenty of practice.

Succop only missed three field goals last year, and is a very dependable kicker.

Kern has been one of the best punters in the league the past few seasons.

McCluster was quiet as a return man last season after taking two returns back for TDs in 2013. Now tasked with kickoffs, as well as punts, the Titans hope that he will turn it around.

2015 Regular Season Schedule

[CaziusCray]

WEEK 1: TITANS @ BUCCANEERS PREVIEW



The Skinny

For the first time in NFL History, quarterbacks selected #1 and #2 respectively in the same NFL Draft will face off against each other in Week 1. In what many see as a Rose Bowl rematch between Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston and Titans QB Marcus Mariota, the two worst teams from a season ago face off in this heavily anticipated match-up of bottom-dwellers.

When The Titans Have The Ball

Tampa Bay will have to find a way to get pressure on Mariota. The Titans offensive line isn't exactly elite, so it shouldn't be too big of a problem. Still, Mariota is known for his accuracy and quick release, so, as long as the Titans receivers can get open quickly, Mariota will be able to avoid hits for the most part. Against the likes of former Titan Alterraun Verner, as well as Tim Jennings, it will be no easy task, especially for a rookie quarterback.

Bishop Sankey won't be playing, so the Titans must rely on Dexter McCluster, Terrence West, and David Cobb. Gerald McCoy anchors this Bucs defensive line, and is a great run-stopper. Running up the middle isn't ideal against Tampa Bay. Look for Lavonte David and Bruce Carter to protect the outside.

When The Buccaneers Have The Ball

Winston has a group of receivers that are very good. Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans are considered one of the best tandems in the league, and Austin Seferian-Jenkins is a solid pass catching tight end as well. The Titans may struggle to contain this passing attack.

However, Winston is very mistake prone, as he proved time and time again in his two seasons with Florida State. If Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan can get in his face often, it will fluster him.

Doug Martin has been quiet the past two seasons. If the Buccaneers can get the run game established between him and Bobby Rainey, it will take a lot of pressure off of Winston.

Final Score Prediction: Titans 28, Buccaneers 17

Winston making mistakes will come back to haunt the Buccaneers in the end. Look for the Titans to ease Mariota into the offensive flow in this game, and the Titans should walk out of Raymond James Stadium with a W.

Injury Report

Titans
HB Bishop Sankey (Ribs)
T Taylor Lewan (Shoulder)

Buccaneers
DT Henry Melton (Wrist)

[CaziusCray]

WINSTON GETS ROSE BOWL REVENGE AS BUCS OUTLAST TITANS

Buccaneers 24, Titans 15

It Was Over When: Dexter dropped a fourth down pass from Marcus Mariota with 2:01 left in the game. Two plays later, Bobby Rainey would run for a game-clinching 42-yard touchdown.

Player Of The Game: Jameis Winston (15/33, 274 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT)

Tennessee Titans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sep 13, 2015	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Tennessee Titans (0-1)	3	10	2	0	15
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0)	0	14	0	10	24

Team Stats Comparison
	TEN	TAM
Total Offense	407	335
Rushing Yards	142	110
Passing Yards	265	225
First Downs	19	14
Punt Return Yards	45	43
Kick Return Yards	69	76
Total Yards	521	454
Turnovers	0	1
3rd Down Converstion	6/18	5/15
4th Down Conversion	0/3	0/0
2-Point Conversion	0/0	0/0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	0/1	1/1
Penalties	8/52	3/25
Posession Time	34:01	25:59

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		TEN	TAM
3:12	(TEN) Succop 30 FG	3	0
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		TEN	TAM
14:10	(TEN) Green-Beckham 58 Pass From Mariota (Succop Kick)	10	0
6:07	(TAM) Seferian-Jenkins 7 Pass From Winston (Schmidt Kick)	10	7
1:04	(TEN) Succop 37 FG	13	7
:29	(TAM) Seferian-Jenkins 36 Pass From Winston (Schmidt Kick)	13	14
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		TEN	TAM
10:50	(TEN) Safety, Searcy Sacked Winston In End-Zone	15	14
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		TEN	TAM
9:17	(TAM) Schmidt 28 FG	15	17
1:41	(TAM) Rainey 42 Run (Schmidt Kick)	15	24

Tennessee Titans PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Marcus Mariota 21/51 257 1 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Terrance West 18 72 4.0 0 Marcus Mariota 4 40 10.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Dorial Green-Beckham 5 76 15.2 1 Harry Douglas 5 51 10.2 0 Kendall Wright 4 23 5.7 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Zach Brown 10 3 0 0 Avery Williamson 8 0 0 0 Da'Norris Searcy 6 1 0 0 Brian Orakpo 4 1 0 0 Jason McCoury 4 0 1 0 Al Woods 2 1 0 0

Tampa Bay Buccaneers PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Jameis Winston 15/33 274 2 1 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Doug Martin 14 48 3.4 0 Bobby Rainey 1 42 42.0 1 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Mike Evans 5 86 17.2 0 Austin Seferian-Jenkins 4 66 16.5 2 Vincent Jackson 3 84 28.0 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Bruce Carter 14 0 0 0 Matt Daniels 9 0 0 0 Lavonte David 8 0 0 0 Jacquies Smith 3 1 0 0 Clinton McDonald 1 1 0 0

[CaziusCray]

WEEK ONE REVIEW

Scores

Thursday
Steelers 41, Patriots 40

Sunday
Packers 31, Bears 16
Chiefs 27, Texans 24
Browns 27, Jets 24
Bills 42, Colts 23
Dolphins 31, Redskins 24
Panthers 26, Jaguars 7
Seahawks 40, Rams 15
Saints 38, Cardinals 10
Chargers 38, Lions 21
Buccaneers 24, Titans 15
Bengals 27, Raiders 6
Ravens 31, Broncos 30
Cowboys 33, Giants 24
Falcons 42, Eagles 35

Monday
Vikings 21, 49ers 14

Players Of The Week

NFC

Drew Brees, NO - 24/28, 329 Yards, 5 TDs

Navorro Bowman, SF - 20 Tackles, 1 Sack

AFC

Tom Brady, NE - 37/48, 488 Yards, 3 TD

Cameron Wake, MIA - 9 Tackles, 4 Sacks

Notable Injuries

Bears QB Zach Mettenberger - Pulled Groin (2 Weeks)
Bills QB Tyrod Taylor - Broken Femur (Season)
Raiders QB Derek Carr - Pulled Groin (4 Weeks)
Rams QB Nick Foles - Foot Fracture (7 Weeks)
Ravens MLB C.J. Mosley - Pulled Groin (4 Weeks)

Transactions

TRADES

Saints Receive: DT Jesse Williams
Seahawks Receive: 2016 5th Round Pick

Williams has had his fair share of health issues, and with the Seahawks crowded on the defensive line, they felt that they should give Williams a chance to play elsewhere. His strength and size should give the Saints added power to their struggling defensive line.

[CaziusCray]

Titans Release Hunter, Sign Mathis

Nashville, TN - For a while, the writing has been on the walls. Justin Hunter's time in Tennessee had been in grave danger for quite some time now.

His time finally ran out.

The Titans announced the termination of Hunter's contract after three seasons.

Hunter had been demoted to being the #4 wide receiver with the Titans drafting Dorial Green-Beckham in May's draft. Hunter was arrested in July for an alleged assault, and the team had him on a short-leash during training camp.

His poor preseason performance nearly got him cut, but after an abysmal game on Sunday, the team felt that it was time to go their separate ways.

After a failed attempt to trade for him, the Titans finally parted ways with the troubled wide receiver. Hunter was not immediately available for comment.

The Titans have since gone onto sign former Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis to a one-year deal, worth $3M.

The Titans felt that the position could use an upgrade, and decided to bring in Mathis, who had most recently played for the Detroit Lions.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt said Mathis will play on Sunday. Whether or not he'll be starting is unknown at this moment.

[CaziusCray]

WEEK 2: TITANS @ BROWNS PREVIEW

The Skinny

Marcus Mariota and the Titans look to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Buccaneers, while Austin Davis and the Browns look to lead the Browns to their first 2-0 start since 1993. Titans running back Terrance West makes his return to Cleveland in this match-up.

When The Titans Have The Ball

Mariota had a very tough time throwing against a Buccaneers secondary that isn't exactly elite. He didn't have much help from receivers either. Against a Browns secondary that boasts the likes of Joe Haden and Tashaun Gipson, they will need to establish the passing game early if they want a chance.

Cleveland wasn't able to stop the Jets rushing attack last week. The Titans could use West to establish the run, which will likely open up the passing game for Mariota.

When The Browns Have The Ball

Davis wasn't perfect, but he held his own against a solid Jets secondary. He was able to find Dwayne Bowe early and often, and they should be able to connect against this porous Titans secondary.

Rushing the ball will probably be an issue since, outside of Bobby Rainey's game-clinching touchdown run, the Titans were able to bottle up the Buccaneers rushing attack.

Final Score Prediction: Browns 24, Titans 14

The Titans looked very unimproved last week, and if Mariota continues to struggle throwing the ball, the Browns will make him pay for it. Davis should be able to do enough to lead the Browns past the Titans.

Injury Report

Titans
HB Bishop Sankey (Ribs)
T Taylor Lewan (Shoulder)