Showing posts with label titans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label titans. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Sunday, July 31, 2011
CJ2K unhappy with Titans, will be a contract holdout
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee running back Chris Johnson will not be reporting for training camp with the Titans until he gets a new contract, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity Friday because the decision had not been publicly announced.
The NFL free agency cycle is in full effect, with teams and players agreeing to terms fast as training camps open. Get the latest on all the news right here.
Johnson, a Florida native, said in 2010 he wanted a new deal that included $30 million guaranteed. The Titans revised his contract last offseason by pushing some money from the final year into 2010 to convince the running back to report. He is scheduled to make $800,000 in salary this season. Johnson said on Twitter on Friday that "Imma just leave it in god hands."
The Titans are scheduled to report for camp Friday with the first practice Saturday.
Johnson can be fined $30,000 for each day of camp he misses, but the three-time Pro Bowl running back wants to be rewarded for his production. He became only the sixth player in NFL history to run for at least 2,000 yards when he ran for 2,006 yards in 2009 and set an NFL record for yards from scrimmage that season with 2,509.
He followed that up by running for 1,364 yards in 2010 despite finishing the season with a bruised thigh. Johnson has started 46 of the 47 games he has played in since being drafted 24th overall in 2008 out of East Carolina and has 4,598 rushing yards with an average of 5.0 yards per carry in his career.
By comparison, DeAngelo Williams got a new deal from Carolina earlier this week worth $21 million in guaranteed money. He played only six games in 2010 and ran for 361 yards while dealing with injuries.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
Friday, July 29, 2011
Hasselbeck agrees to reported three-year, $21M deal with Titans
Veteran free-agent quarterback Matt Hasselbeck agreed to terms Wednesday on a multiyear deal with the Tennessee Titans, sources confirmed to NFL Network's Albert Breer.
The Tennessean reported the contract is for three years and worth $21 million.
NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported Tuesday that the Seattle Seahawks were unlikely to re-sign Hasselbeck. Later Tuesday, the team agreed to terms with former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson.
Life after Hasselbeck in Seattle
The Seahawks heavily relied on QB Matt Hasselbeck for so long. Now, with his departure to the Titans, they must find a way to fill the void left by their longtime leader. More... Hasselbeck spent 10 seasons with the Seahawks, and the Titans hope he can bring stability to their quarterback position and work with rookie Jake Locker, the No. 8 overall draft pick.
Veteran Kerry Collins retired three weeks ago, and the Titans plan to trade or release Vince Young before training camp opens Friday.
"I think it's a good move," Titans wide receiver Damien Williams said Wednesday as news of the Hasselbeck deal leaked. "Obviously, we've got a bunch of young guys with Jake and Rusty (Smith, a second-year pro), and they're not quite acclimated. We've got a brand-new system, so to bring in a veteran that knows how to adapt quickly, I think that's a good move. Those guys can have someone to learn from."
Not every Titans player was enthused about the move. In a radio interview Wednesday, cornerback Cortland Finnegan praised Hasselbeck's accomplishments but questioned whether he's the right fit in Tennessee.
"He throws the ball with good checkdowns, good intermediate passing game. That's a West Coast offense they run, he throws the ball quick," Finnegan said on WGFX-FM, according to MusicCityMiracles.com. "I don't fear his deep ball. Don't get me wrong, he's great at what he's done. Pro Bowls, All-Pros, even playing in the Super Bowl, but for what we have going, what direction I want to go and the team wants to go, I don't know if he fits what we need, but I'm not the GM, I'm not the front office."
The NFL free agency cycle is in full effect, with teams and players agreeing to terms fast as training camps open. Get the latest on all the news right here.
Back in January, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll pronounced that re-signing Hasselbeck was his team's No. 1 priority, but the two sides couldn't reach an agreement before the 4½-month NFL lockout began.
The 35-year-old Hasselbeck played in 14 games last season, throwing for 3,001 yards and 12 touchdowns with 17 interceptions while completing 59.9 percent of his passes. Originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1998 draft, the three-time Pro Bowl selection has 29,579 passing yards, 176 touchdowns and 128 interceptions while completing 60.1 percent of his throws in 12 seasons.
Hasselbeck comes to Tennessee already familiar with general manager Mike Reinfeldt, who worked in the Seahawks' front office before joining the Titans in 2007, and Locker, who played at the University of Washington, which is located in Seattle.
"From college to the NFL is a big adjustment," Titans tight end Jared Cook said. "To have somebody to learn under, especially somebody as experienced as Matt Hasselback, I think is going to benefit all our quarterbacks."
In the post-lockout rush to complete rosters, the Titans needed to sign nine draft picks, work to keep some of their own free agents and possibly add a veteran defensive tackle, linebacker and safety. They agreed to terms with 14 undrafted rookies Tuesday.
The challenges don't end with signing players, either. The start of training camp will mark the first time players get to work out with first-year coach Mike Munchak and a staff of new assistants.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Titans face QB quandary after Collins ends 16-year career
Quarterback Kerry Collins announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday, ending his 16-year career and possibly speeding up the Jake Locker era for the Tennessee Titans.
Collins, the Titans' off-and-on starter since 2006, released a statement in which he said after several months of "introspection," he decided that "my willingness to commit to the preparation necessary to play another season has waned to a level that I feel is no longer adequate to meet the demands of the position."
Kerry Collins' retirement will force the Titans to quickly explore their QB options, and Bucky Brooks believes the team's backup plans should begin and end with a prominent veteran. More ... That sounded much different than comments Collins made to The Tennessean in June, when he said: "I know I still have good football left in me, and I want to see where (the Titans are) at, too. If it makes sense on both sides to do it, I'd be good for coming back."
But Collins isn't coming back, so the Titans are left with first-round draft pick Locker and second-year pro Rusty Smith at quarterback. The team said earlier this year that it would trade or release Vince Young, its 2006 first-round pick, after a tumultuous time together.
"I want to wish Mike Munchak and the Tennessee Titans the best of luck in the future," Collins said Thursday in his statement. "I have had a fantastic five years here, and my family and I look forward to remaining part of the Middle Tennessee community that has been extremely gracious towards us and an honor to play for."
Collins, 38, enjoyed his best season with the Titans in 2008, when he took over for an injured Young and started 15 games, going 12-3 as the team won the AFC South. Collins then signed a two-year, $15 million contract that expired after the 2010 season.
Collins shared the stage with Young last season despite suffering injuries to his middle finger and thumb. Collins took over for good after Young suffered a season-ending injury to his right thumb Nov. 21, though the Titans only won one of their final six games in finishing 6-10.
"Kerry had a great NFL career, and we have been very fortunate to have had him with our organization for the last five years," Titans coach Mike Munchak said in a statement released by the team. "I really enjoyed working with him. He was a true pro who loved the game. His work ethic and commitment were a great example to his teammates of what it took to be successful in this league."
Said Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt in a statement: "Kerry accomplished a great deal in his career both personally and as the leader of some great teams. He was a talented passer and became a true professional. We were fortunate to have him as a member of our team over the last five years, and we wish him and his family the best."
Collins threw for 40,441 yards -- good for 11th on the NFL's all-time list -- with 206 touchdowns and 195 interceptions in 195 career games. He was the fifth overall pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 1995 NFL Draft and also played for the New Orleans Saints (1998), New York Giants (1999-2003) and Oakland Raiders (2004-05) before joining the Titans.
As a starter, Collins lead his teams to the playoffs four times, including an NFL Championship Game appearance during the 1996 season with the Panthers and a Super Bowl appearance with the Giants in the 2000 season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Titans WR Britt faces misdemeanor charges, out on $2K bond
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt was released on $2,000 bond after surrendering himself to Nashville police Wednesday on two outstanding warrants alleging that he provided inaccurate information on separate driver's license applications.
Britt officially was charged with two misdemeanors, fingerprinted and booked before posting bond. Police told The Tennessean and WKRN-TV that Britt wasn't home when officers attempted to serve him April 14 with the misdemeanor charges issued by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
"We are on track to get this thing resolved," Jonathan Farmer, Britt's attorney, told The Tennessean. "He is here in town to deal with this issue and is looking forward to putting it behind him."
Farmer declined to say if Britt would stay in Nashville until his court date or return to his native New Jersey.
Britt's court date on these charges is scheduled for July 18, six days after he has another in Hoboken, N.J., where he faces disorderly persons offenses after a county prosecutor downgraded charges earlier this month. Britt initially was charged with tampering with evidence, obstructing of government function and resisting arrest after detectives suspected he was carrying a marijuana cigar at a carwash.
Britt also recently pleaded guilty to motor vehicle violations related to a speeding arrest in Bayonne, N.J., his hometown.
Britt, who led the Titans with 775 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches last season, has been involved in at least seven incidents with police since he was selected in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft, according to The Tennessean.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Woman arrested after allegedly asking Titans' Williams for bribe
Titans wide receiver Damian Williams was the target of an extortion attempt, according to police who arrested and charged an Antioch, Tenn., woman Monday, The Tennessean reported.
Shelley Anne David, who filed a domestic assault complaint against Williams earlier this month, was charged with one count of extortion and held on bond. Police say David, 22, tried to take $5,000 from Williams, the Titans' second-round pick in last year's draft.
Lockout leaves Locker on sidelineThe arrest came when Williams met David in an area parking lot, where she was to receive a $5,000 cashier's check from the receiver. After the handoff was made, David was taken into custody by undercover officers. She's currently being held on bond.
"Damian Williams, in the presence of detectives, placed a phone call to Shelley David this morning and arranged for a meeting," Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron told The Tennessean. "David received a $5,000 cashier's check from Williams and gave him a signed note saying she would not appear in any court proceedings against him. At that point, she was taken into custody."
David had called police to her Antioch apartment June 4, claiming Williams had grabbed her by the arms and bruised her during an argument following an evening out. Police responded and took David to the department's domestic violence division. David initially was unsure about pressing charges, but per department policy, a misdemeanor assault warrant was issued on her behalf.
Williams denied the allegations, and police later found out about text messages David had sent the receiver asking for money that would make any charges stemming from the domestic incident disappear. That set in motion the police operation that led to the woman's arrest, according to the report.
The assault warrant against Williams was dropped Monday, "given the totality of the circumstances and taking into account Ms. David credibility issues," Aaron said.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Titans' Johnson has big money in mind, prepared to hold out
The Tennessee Titans were able to effectively placate star running back Chris Johnson last year and entice him to report for the 2010 season by adding an additional $1.5 million to his $500,000 base salary.
The situation will come to a head again this summer whenever the NFL lockout ends, and the solution is bound to be more complex.
Johnson, set to receive just $800,000 in 2011, is preparing for a much more prolonged holdout if need be and remains committed to joining the game's highest-paid running backs, according to those who have been in contact with him.
Our experts debate whatthe Titans should do at QB: go with a veteran passer or stick first-round draft pick Jake Locker into the starting lineup right away. More ...
The idea of another "band-aid" deal, after three highly productive seasons, isn't appealing to Johnson, and a contract in the range of the $5 million per season extension that Jamaal Charles signed with the Kansas City Chiefs last season isn't what he's thinking, either.
Johnson has talked in the past about wanting to join the ranks of those garnering $30 million in guaranteed money, and if the free-agent cash begins flying around in a furious manner post-lockout, don't expect his desire to wane.
Johnson is signed through 2012 on his rookie contract, and although that deal doesn't provide fiscal leverage, his presence is imperative to the Titans' offense. Tennessee is in a tricky spot, with quarterback Vince Young departing and rookie Jake Locker perhaps in line to start right away despite losing all offseason to the lockout. And top wide receiver Kenny Britt has had off-the-field trouble throughout the offseason, making Mike Munchak's first year as coach already more unusual than anyone would expect as he steps in for the departed Jeff Fisher.
All those subplots could hang over the Titans entering training camp, but Johnson's situation would be paramount among them. This impasse has the potential to rival cornerback Darrelle Revis' protracted standoff with the New York Jets last summer unless the sides can agree to a compromise soon after the lockout. It's difficult to envision a running back of Johnson's stature playing for less than $1 million per season.
Eventually, the sides will have to find common ground on more than a year-by-year basis. Perhaps they can find a two- or three-year solution, with guaranteed money on the front end, to bridge the gap. Regardless, whenever the lockout ends, expect this dance between Johnson and his employers to be renewed.
Follow Jason La Canfora on Twitter @JasonLaCanfora
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Titans' Britt announces 'retirement' online, then retracts post
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt, who has been arrested twice recently in New Jersey, added a string of bizarre Facebook messages, including an announcement he was retiring from the NFL and cursing Commissioner Roger Goodell, to his odd offseason, The Star-Ledger of Newark, N.J., reported.
The uproar started when a post appeared on Britt's social media account reading, "Retiring From the NFL. (Expletive) You Goddell".
About 25 minutes later, that post was retracted, "Change of HEart.. My family is always here for me. I made mistakes and i am sorry i am going to change and become a better person and mentor for all my young fans.. I will accept any penalty like a man.. The road beings Sept 11 in Jacksonville.. ill be ready!!!"
Britt later denied making the statements, saying his account was hacked into, "my facebook was hacked with those past 2 status's.. i am not retiring and do not have any hate toward the commissioner."
Britt later provided a statement to The Tennessean: "I have the utmost respect for Commissioner Goodell, the NFL and the TN Titans. The Facebook posting as reported was not made by myself nor have I given any statements to anyone regarding this matter. It is not a defense but a fact that this Facebook page and associated email account were hacked and reported more than 120 days ago.”
A New Jersey judge last Thursday downgraded three charges against Britt for offenses stemming from his second recent arrest in the state.
Britt was charged June 8 with resisting arrest and related offenses after being confronted by Hoboken detectives who suspected he was carrying a marijuana cigar. But the charges were downgraded to disorderly-persons offenses and remanded back to Hoboken Municipal Court. A hearing has been scheduled for this coming Thursday.
That made five arrests since October.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Titans plan to discipline -- but not cut -- troubled WR Britt
Kenny Britt's bound to be called a lot of things in Tennessee in the wake of his second arrest in two months.
An ex-Titan won't be one of them.
Barring further problems, Tennessee plans to hold on to its troubled and talented third-year receiver, according to a team source.
Britt must get act together fastBritt, who doesn't turn 23 until September, was apprehended on Wednesday by narcotics officers in his native New Jersey after the police saw what they believed to be marijuana in the receiver's hand. Britt crushed the marijuana, rolled up in a cigar casing, before the officers could get to it, and a struggle followed, according to the police report.
The Rutgers product was charged with fourth-degree obstruction, fourth-degree tampering or fabricating evidence and third-degree resisting arrest with force. Britt was also involved in a police chase in April that led to felony charges, which were later reduced to misdemeanor careless driving charges, which he plead guilty to this week.
Britt's other previous brushes with the law include a bar fight in October that led to former Titans coach Jeff Fisher benching him for the first quarter of a game against the Eagles. Perhaps that situation best illustrates the Titans' dilemma -- Britt exploded for seven catches, 225 yards and three touchdowns in the final three quarters of that game, a Tennessee win.
Under Fisher, the Titans had a reputation for bending to help players with baggage -- Adam "Pacman" Jones, Albert Haynesworth and Randy Moss being recent examples. New coach Mike Munchak wants a more structured environment, and those in the organization expect him to come down hard on Britt whenever the three-month-old lockout ends.
That said, the Titans view Britt as the second best player, behind Chris Johnson, on their entire roster, and aren't ready to give up on him yet. The club considers him a potential top-five type of receiver, but also recognizes the obvious -- that Britt simply hasn't grown up and out of the reputation he had as an immature kid coming out of Rutgers.
Britt had 42 catches for 775 yards and nine touchdowns in just 12 games last year, and the Titans valued him enough that it was his injury and subsequent four-game absence that prompted the team to claim Moss off of waivers.
The league has said that players like Britt, who have incidents during the lockout, will be subjected to the personal conduct policy whenever the 2011 league year begins.
Follow Albert Breer on Twitter @albertbreer.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Collins open to return with Titans, mentoring rookie Locker
After 16 NFL campaigns, veteran signal-caller Kerry Collins isn't planning to walk away just yet and would love to return to the Titans -- if the situation is right.
"I know I still have good football left in me, and I want to see where (the Titans are) at, too," Collins told the Tennessean in a story for Saturday's editions. "If it makes sense on both sides to do it, I’d be good for coming back."
The 38-year-old Collins told the newspaper that he's been working out and feels healthy and ready to return if the Titans choose to sign him. He was fit enough to throw 14 touchdowns and more than 1,800 yards in 10 appearances for the Titans last season, but another run in Tennessee likely hinges on Collins' willingness to mentor rookie passer Jake Locker, selected No. 8 by the Titans in April's draft.
Locker -- not Collins -- is viewed as the future hope for a position that's seen its share of chaos during the Vince Young era.
"I went through it with Vince (Young)," Collins said. "I would be open to it, but it would have to be the right thing. I would like to get to know Jake a little bit to make sure he’d be the type guy I’d want to help out. That won’t be the sole issue either. It is not about what kind of guy Jake is. I just have to weigh a lot of things."
Titans players told NFL.com's Steve Wyche that Locker has shown some command of the attack in offseason player-only workouts. He's set players in the correct spots at the line of scrimmage and expressed a command of the huddle that caught teammates' attention. Cornerback Cortland Finnegan already coined him the "Face of The Franchise."
The Tennessean speculates that if the lockout drags on, it could help Collins' chances of being retained by the Titans, which makes sense to the veteran.
"I think it is legitimate speculation to think the longer this thing goes, the more attractive I would be to them because of my familiarity with everything," Collins said. "I know we have new coordinator (Chris Palmer), but I am sure a lot of terminology is going to be the same. On paper it makes sense to at least talk to me about coming back. The longer this thing goes, the better it could work out for me."
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Babin concerned about Titans' changes, his contract status
Jason Babin will be an unrestricted free agent once the NFL lockout ends. And, from the sound of it, he might not return to the Tennessee Titans after his breakout 2010 season.
"There's so much uncertainty with Tennessee, what their culture's going to be, who their quarterback's going to be, what kind of atmosphere is going to evolve out of a whole new coaching staff," the defensive end recently told MLive.com.
"When you put that many new people together -- new offense, defense, new guy at the helm, at quarterback -- it's kind of hard to predict what the culture's going to be, what the atmosphere's going to be," he added. "And even more so, the hierarchy of how things are going to rank importance-wise. So it's kind of hard for me to say yes or no until, (No.) 1, they talk to me and express interest. And No. 2, I can see how things unfold as far as the team as a whole goes."
The Titans have gone through a tumultuous offseason. First, they announced that quarterback Vince Young would be traded or released after his relationship with the team turned rocky. Then they parted with coach Jeff Fisher and promoted offensive line coach Mike Munchak to run the team.
Munchak built his own staff, and defensive line coach Jim Washburn, whom Babin called "the greatest position coach I've ever had," departed for the Philadelphia Eagles. That led to speculation that Babin could rejoin the Eagles, who didn't match the Titans' offer sheet to the lineman last year, and he didn't exactly shoot down the possibility when asked about it in January.
"There's been no 'Hey Jason, we want you in Philly' discussions, but it would be hard for me not to contemplate it if he said, 'Jason, I want you in Philly,' " Babin said. "He resurrected me. I'd have to at least give that serious consideration. But Tennessee is where I made a home, my kids go to school there, we live there. So I feel like I'm in a tough position."
Before Babin joined the Titans, he was considered a journeyman, spending time with the Eagles, Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs after being a first-round draft pick by the Houston Texans in 2004. But Babin blossomed under Washburn's tutelage, recording 12.5 sacks -- 7.5 more than his previous career high -- and receiving his first Pro Bowl berth.
That kind of performance usually produces a big payday, but the lockout has prevented Babin from negotiating with teams or signing a contract. The Titans decided in February to put contract talks with Babin on hold, and his agent, Rich Rosa, said then that the team hadn't "closed the door" on bringing back the defensive end.
"I've been a little anxious," Babin told MLive.com. "I would have liked to have had my contract situation squared away March 3. But there's a picture that involves the NFL as a whole, so I really can't be selfish when it comes to that. We've got to get some things squared away when it comes to the (collective bargaining agreement).
"I'm not overly concerned about having a job. I more so concerned about having my family there with me and the situation I'm going to be in -- meaning find the right schools, the right neighborhoods, find a house to live in, for a four- or five-year contract. So those are the kind of things that peeve me that they're probably not going to happen."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Facility can't accommodate open Titans workout, Finnegan says
Tennessee cornerback Cortland Finnegan's plan to welcome the public to the Titans' player-organized workout Wednesday at Father Ryan High School in Nashville won't happen as planned, he said Tuesday via his official Twitter account.
"If you planned to come tomorrow be mad at me but I didn't get it approved I was excited about seeing fans and didn't go through proper chane", Finnegan wrote, adding, "Be made at me not at father Ryan."
Finnegan instead encouraged fans to attend former coach Jeff Fisher's charity softball game on June 18 at Greer Stadium.
Finnegan had invited Titans fans to show up Monday night.
"It's official we are gonna open up Wednesdays practice to the public everyone tell everyone come out at 10:30 and bring the whole family” Finnegan tweeted.
Titans linebacker Gerald McRath told The Tennessean that the organizers are hoping at least 40 players, including rookies, show up for the workouts.
Two rookies -- linebacker Akeem Ayers and defensive tackle Zach Clayton -- said via Twitter they are planning to be present.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Titans' Finnegan calls NFL's crackdown on flagrant hits 'crazy'
Count Cortland Finnegan among the NFL players who dislike the league's toughened stance against flagrant hits.
The Tennessee Titans cornerback, who has been fined numerous times by the league for infractions, recently sounded off to The Tennessean, saying "a guy who has never played the game" -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell -- is putting defensive players at a disadvantage.
"You have milliseconds -- not even seconds -- and it's not like you try to do it," said Finnegan, a five-year veteran who made the Pro Bowl in 2008. "It just so happens in that split-second you have a chance to tackle a guy, and sometimes it happens to be that way. Last year, having to dive at guys' knees because you're not sure. ... If they duck, and you're still helmet-to-helmet with them, then it is your fine, it is a penalty on you.
"It has sort of taken the edge of the players who really like the physical play. But I'm not surprised. It's crazy."
Finnegan's Titans teammates agreed but said so in less-biting terms.
"It is one of those things where we're going to complain and moan when the ref throws a flag, but at the same time, we know the league is trying to protect its players," linebacker Gerald McRath said. "We have no choice (but) to respect it because at the end of the day, no player wants to see another player injured. But that still doesn't make it any easier for us."
Added cornerback Jason McCourty: "We have been playing football our entire lives, and at the highest level, the highest speed, to try and change the way you play, it is really tough. You want to try and avoid some of those penalties because they hurt your team so much, but it is tough. People pay the money to come to the games to see the offense, so you figure that's the way it's going to go."
The NFL said at its spring meeting that it planned to fine teams whose players have made multiple flagrant hits. It has become known as the "Steelers rule" after Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison's tackles drew the league's ire -- and four fines for a total of $100,000 last season. Steelers owner Dan Rooney recently expressed his displeasure with the moniker.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Rookie Locker joins future Titans teammates for workout
Rookie quarterback Jake Locker was among 15 Tennessee Titans who gathered to work out together Tuesday morning, The Tennessean reported via Twitter.
Locker, whom the Titans selected eighth overall in April's draft, did not throw during the workout because only two receivers showed up at Father Ryan High School in Nashville, according to The Tennessean.
Locker said he planned to spend two weeks in the Nashville area, and that he is staying with second-year receiver Damian Williams.
The group at Father Ryan has been working out together for several weeks, according to The Tennessean. Cornerback Cortland Finnegan said last week that plans are in the works for as much of the team as possible to meet for a minicamp on June 8-9 at the high school.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Lions hire son of former Titans coach Fisher to assist defense
ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions have hired Jeff Fisher's son to assist their defensive coaching staff.
The move to add Brandon Fisher was announced Thursday.
His father coached the Tennessee Titans from 1994 to 2010. Lions coach Jim Schwartz worked for Fisher as Tennessee's defensive coordinator before getting his first shot to lead a team in 2009.
Brandon Fisher assisted the Titans' offensive coaching staff for part of last season.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Unhappy Titans fans pepper Goodell on lockout, other issues
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the lockout to some unhappy Tennessee Titans fans and said the league doesn't have a "drop-dead date" to end the impasse with the players and play the 2011 season.
"We're going to work to try to get this done and try to avoid having lost anything more of the NFL than we've already lost," Goodell said.
Debate: When will NFL's lockout end?
Soon? Sometime in July? Will the 2011 season even start on time? Our experts try to provide the answer that fans -- and Commissioner Roger Goodell -- want to know. More ... Goodell held his latest conference call with season ticket-holders Thursday, spending about 36 minutes on the telephone with Titans fans. They asked Goodell if the 2011 season will be wiped out and about an 18-game schedule, having a team in Los Angeles and how ticket prices are set.
Most of the fans the commissioner heard from weren't happy about the situation.
Lee from Joelton wanted to know why NFL owners won't open their books to the players. John from Lafayette asked how far apart owners and players really are on a collective bargaining agreement. Phillip from Nashville didn't have a question but warned the commissioner that upset fans will take out their anger on the NFL.
"Get everybody to sit down and stay until they work out some agreement and get this thing behind them before the NFL loses all credibility," said Phillip, who shares eight season tickets with his son.
William from San Ramon, Calif., flies to Nashville for three games per season, and he reminded Goodell of Major League Baseball's struggles to regain fans after a strike wiped out the 1994 World Series.
"It's like Rome's a great empire, so's the NFL," William said. "But if it's not supported by the fans, it won't be a great empire."
Goodell calmly answered each question, defending the lockout as a tool to force negotiations. He said he understands fans' frustration and anger directed at the NFL.
"I think all of us will bear the responsibility for it if we're not able to come up with solutions," Goodell said.
The commissioner also defended owners not opening the books, saying that won't solve the issue. Goodell said players have the league's revenue "down to a penny" and know costs are rising faster than revenues. He said NFL economics have dramatically changed over the last 10 to 15 years.
"These are serious issues that need to be addressed, and this is the time to do it and not kick the can down the street here," Goodell said. "The owners have been responsive to putting a fair proposal on the table. We now need the players to engage rather than litigate and to get back to trying to solve the problems, which as you point out are at the core economic issues."
Goodell also said the NFL intends to play the full season. But he noted the league had to cancel its annual rookie symposium in June, with the start of training camps dangerously close.
"We don't have a drop-dead date," Goodell said.
The commissioner said negotiations, not lawsuits, will settle this labor dispute.
"There are obviously issues that we disagree on, but there are certainly solutions to those disagreements," Goodell said. "I think it's going to come down to everyone realizing we're better off working together to find solutions than fighting. That's in the best interest of growing the game and will be in the best interest of all parties going forward."
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Lockout affects new Titans coaches' preparation for season
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The NFL lockout makes it even more difficult for new coaches. They can't work with the players they have on their roster, and there's no wooing of free agents who could fill gaping holes.
So the Tennessee Titans, who went through the latest coaching change, are doing all they can -- watching film and preparing for the April 28-30 NFL draft.
Coach Mike Munchak said it's strange not being around the players as part of an offseason program. But he does know the players well from his 14 seasons with the franchise, even if he can't talk to them now.
"At least I don't have that learning curve," said Munchak, who was promoted from offensive line coach. "I've watched a lot more defensive tape than I've ever watched."
But both of his coordinators are new to Tennessee, with Chris Palmer busy learning the offense and Jerry Gray studying up on his defenders for a team that's trying to bounce back from a 6-10 season.
Gray believes the coaches understand the process they're going through with the lockout.
"So we're getting everything from film because we can't talk to them (the players)," Gray said. "The film is kind of getting us the direction of what we think we have to draft. I think that's really the good thing."
The Titans are deep into their pre-draft visits with players who could fill big needs at either quarterback or on defense. They pick No. 8 overall and must replace Vince Young, whom they plan release or trade once a labor deal is reached. Rusty Smith, a rookie in 2010, is the only quarterback currently on the roster.
A defensive tackle also could be attractive to the Titans, who want to improve their run defense.
Over the past week, quarterbacks such as Auburn's Cam Newton, Nevada's Colin Kaepernick and Florida State's Christian Ponder visited the Titans. The team also met with defensive tackles Nick Fairley of Auburn, Marcell Dareus of Alabama and end Da'Quan Bowers of Clemson.
LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson also visited Nashville, even though the Titans have their starting cornerbacks, Cortland Finnegan and Alterraun Verner, under contract for 2011. But Munchak recently noted the value that shutdown cornerback Darrelle Revis provides for the New York Jets.
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Michael Lombardi suggests that new coaches such as Mike Munchak use the lockout to spend more time evaluating prospects and how he'll implementhis new systems. More...
"The value of someone like him, who can come in and be that dominant that quickly," Munchak said of Peterson. "Yeah, he's one of those rare corners who can come in and be a very, very high pick."
Gray said the Titans are looking at all areas in the draft. They have nine draft picks after receiving two compensatory selections last month for the free-agent losses of tight end Alge Crumpler (to the New England Patriots) and defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch (to the Detroit Lions).
Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Babin was in Tennessee on a one-year deal, but the Titans aren't sure which of their other players will wind up free agents. That group could include linebacker Stephen Tulloch, defensive end Jacob Ford and left guard Leroy Harris.
"So we're kind of looking at all the areas to see where we could get better overall," Gray said. "You want to be cognizant of who your free-agent guys are because those guys are still there, too. They can't just up and leave, so they're kind of in limbo, and that helps us because it's a lot like they're not there and they are."
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
Friday, February 4, 2011
Titans add Fewell, Mularkey to head-coach hunt; Williams out
The Tennessee Titans expanded their head-coaching search to include New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell and Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, league sources said Wednesday.
New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, a candidate for the Tennessee Titans' head-coaching position, interviewed for three other top jobs this offseason. (Evan Pinkus/Associated Press)New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams also was expected to interview for the job, but he withdrew from consideration, according to a league source. He also pulled out of the Denver Broncos' head-coaching hunt earlier this offseason.
Williams was seen as a top candidate for the Titans' defensive coordinator vacancy in 2009. But he wanted to bring his son, Blake, with him, and Titans owner Bud Adams has a team policy against nepotism.
The Titans previously had stayed in-house in their quest to replace longtime coach Jeff Fisher, who left the organization last week. The team interviewed offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger on Tuesday and offensive line coach Mike Munchak on Monday.
Munchak, who has worked for Adams since the then-Houston Oilers made him the eighth overall draft pick in 1982 out of Penn State, is considered the favorite to land the job.
However, Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt has said he believes prior head-coaching experience would be good in a candidate, and both Mularkey and Williams have that, each with the Buffalo Bills. Even Fewell was interim head coach in Buffalo in 2009, going 3-4.
Williams spent 11 seasons with the Oilers/Titans franchise, starting as a defensive quality-control assistant and working his way up to defensive coordinator before the Bills hired him as head coach after the 2000 season. He coached the team through 2003, going 17-31, before joining the Washington Redskins as defensive coordinator. He spent 2008 with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the past two seasons with the Saints, winning a Super bowl title.
Mularkey went 14-18 with the Bills between 2004 and 2005 before resigning in 2006 over philosophical differences with the front office. He was 9-7 in 2004, the Bills' first winning season in five years. He interviewed for the Cleveland Browns' head-coaching job this offseason before Pat Shurmur was hired and also canceled an interview with the Broncos.
Mularkey has groomed quarterback Matt Ryan in his past three seasons in Atlanta. Mularkey also spent eight seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers under Bill Cowher, including three years as offensive coordinator.
Fewell started his coaching career in college, including a stint at Vanderbilt in Nashville. He went to the NFL with the Jaguars, working for current Giants coach Tom Coughlin, and he also has coached at St. Louis, Chicago and was defensive coordinator at Buffalo. Coughlin hired him as the Giants' defensive coordinator in January 2010.
By interviewing Fewell, who's African-American, the Titans would satisfy the NFL's "Rooney Rule," which requires teams to consider minority candidates for top jobs.
Fewell has interviewed for three head-coaching jobs this offseason, but other people were hired for each. The Carolina Panthers brought in Ron Rivera, the Browns picked Shurmur and the Broncos went with John Fox. Fewell also received interest from the San Francisco 49ers, who landed their top pick, Jim Harbaugh.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Chiefs clinch AFC West title with win over Titans, Chargers loss
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- With Kansas City's greatest one-year turnaround came great reward.
Three hours after racing past Tennessee 34-14 Sunday, the Chiefs became AFC West champions when Cincinnati upended four-time defending champion San Diego.
Kansas City did what it needed to do and dominated Tennessee. Later, the Chiefs got a gift when Cincinnati upended San Diego, handing them the AFC West title. Take a look at the playoff picture. More ... » More: NFL.com blogs
The Chargers' loss gave Kansas City (10-5) its first division title since Dick Vermeil's 2003 Chiefs went 13-3. Kansas City's 10 wins in Todd Haley's second season as coach are six better than last year's 4-12 mark and match the total of the past three miserable seasons combined.
Minutes after beating the Titans, the Chiefs knew their playoff goal was oh, so close, and were in no mood to celebrate their historic turnaround.
"It just means we were just that bad last year," guard Brian Waters said. "Our goal is to get to the next part of the season."
They are there, although everyone around Arrowhead Stadium has been trying to avoid even saying the word "playoffs" all week. There was obvious pride in winning 10 games; in the Chiefs' first 50 years, five wins had been the biggest one-year improvement.
"It's a huge accomplishment," said quarterback Matt Cassel, who threw three touchdown passes in the first half against the Titans.
"It's a huge turnaround for us, being 4-12 and going through the year we did last year. I know there's a ton of adversity and all those things were very difficult to handle at times. But to be here with 10 wins on our season and one win away from a division championship -- I mean, it's remarkable to say the least."
Cassel connected with Jamaal Charles for touchdowns on Kansas City's first two possessions and Eric Berry returned an interception 54 yards for another score as the Chiefs raced to a 31-7 halftime lead. Cassel hit 12 of his first 13 passes.
The Titans (6-9) spent much of the game dropping passes, missing arm tackles and piling up penalties while losing for the seventh time in eight games.
Dwayne Bowe had six catches for 153 yards, including a career-long 75-yard touchdown as the Chiefs remained unbeaten in seven home games.
The Chiefs had 327 of their 458 total yards and all but three of their points while rolling up a 31-7 halftime lead.
"The game got out of reach early," Titans coach Jeff Fisher said. "You've got to execute to near-perfection when you get down like we were and we just didn't do that."
A couple of times in the ragged second half, it seemed fights were about to break out. By the end of the third quarter, each team had three unnecessary roughness penalties.
"It's just two physical teams going at it," Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers said. "Wasn't nobody going to back down. So when you get two teams like that, stuff like that is going to happen."
The Titans, one of the league's most penalized teams, were flagged nine times for 74 yards, while the Chiefs uncharacteristically drew seven penalties for 84.
Chris Johnson, the fourth-leading rusher in the NFL, had only 58 yards on 14 carries for the Titans.
"It's always disappointing when you're not able to run the ball. Anytime you get down like we were, there's not much you can do," he said. "They were stacking the box. But that's not why I didn't have a big day. It's the number of touches that I had. When you go down by that many points, it's going to be hard to have a big day."
In his second game since undergoing an emergency appendectomy on Dec. 8, Cassel was 24 for 34 for 314 yards and three TDs. He was not intercepted.
Kerry Collins, nearing the end of his 16th season, hit a career milestone that gave him little satisfaction. On his 53-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Britt in the second quarter, he became the 12th quarterback to go over 40,000 yards passing. He also connected with Jared Cook on a 22-yard touchdown pass and was 14 for 37 for 235 yards and two touchdowns. He was intercepted twice.
"There will be time for me to think about it and I understand it's an accomplishment," he said. "But the emotions are so bitter over today and the way the season has gone, it's just hard to feel good about it." Cassel was 4 for 4 on Kansas City's first possession, capping it with a screen pass to Charles that went 14 yards. After a Titans punt, Cassel was 6 for 7 in a 10-play, 61-yard drive. On second down from the 5, he tossed a perfectly timed fade pass to Charles in the corner of the zone for a 14-0 lead.
On Kansas City's next possession, Ryan Succop made a 35-yard field goal. He also kicked a 42-yarder in the third.
Bowe, whose hot-and-cold season has included a two-game stretch where he had only one catch, got behind the secondary on a third-and-19 play from the Kansas City 25. Hauling in Cassel's pass near the 50, he quickly changed direction and sprinted into the end zone for the 75-yard touchdown play.
With 22 seconds left in the half, Berry stepped in front of a receiver and weaved 54 yards into the end zone. The rookie safety broke two feeble attempts at arm tackles and avoided two more attempts before diving into the end zone for his first NFL touchdown and a 31-7 lead.
"That was awesome," he said. "The D-line got great pressure and I just came up with the ball. I think the pressure from the D-line forced the throw. Right after they got the pressure, they turned around and started blocking."
Notes: In the first quarter, Marc Mariani broke the Titans' franchise record for kickoff return yards of 1,317 set by Bobby Jancik in 1963. ... It was the seventh time this season a Chiefs opponent failed to score in the first quarter. ... Bowe and Charles are the Chiefs' third WR-RB combo to go over 1,000 yards receiving-running in a season. ... The announced crowd of 65,606 was the smallest of the year at Arrowhead. ... Thomas Jones fumbled in the fourth quarter, ending his streak of touches without a fumble at 862.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Collins' throwaway results in concussion for Titans' Hayes
Tennessee Titans defensive end William Hayes, in the wrong place at the wrong time, suffered a concussion in Sunday's 34-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs when he was hit in the head by an errant pass from teammate Kerry Collins, according to The Tennessean.
The Titans quarterback floated a pass out of bounds, hitting Hayes along the sideline. The third-year defensive veteran Hayes did not return to the game.
"That’s kind of how the game went," coach Jeff Fisher said Sunday. "I’ve never had a player leave the game with a concussion after getting hit with the ball on the sideline. But we’ll see how he is this week."
Hayes' injury left the Titans thin along the defensive line with veteran Jovan Haye deactivated.
The 6-foot-3, 272-pound Hayes has 29 total tackles in 13 games this season. He was drafted by the Titans in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Winston-Salem State.
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