2012 NFL Preview: Tennessee Titans

Today, our  2012 NFL Preview hit’s its 10th team, and it brings us to the Tennessee Titans and former Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck. Last season, the the networks force fed us in the Northwest so many Titans games that you’d think that Tennessee and Seattle were close, or that the Titans and Seahawks were rivals, except they’re not. I know that it’s because of Hasselbeck, but it caused us to miss a number of really compelling games that would have been much more fun to watch.

Helping me out this time is Justin Stewart from Titan Sized.

Matt returns in the Preseason. It’l be fun to to see him play in the Clink one last time. Credit: Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE

"Biggest Team Need Heading Into Offseason: The Titans had a few needs but the biggest one was DE. The Titans were second to last in sacks this last season and had way too many questions surrounding the position.Key Free Agents Retained: DE Dave Ball, LB Tim ShawKey Player Additions: DE Kamerion Wimbley, OG Steve HutchinsonKey Players Leaving: CB Cortland Finnegan, DE Jason Jones, SS Chris Hope"

"Quick Thoughts on Draft: The Titans had a successful draft. It was interesting that they chose to pass on drafting an offensive linemanQuick Thoughts on 2012 schedule: It doesn’t do them any favor. It’s a rough one, starting off with the Patriots…Most Interesting Roster Battle: QB: Jake Locker vs. Matt Hasselbeck. Young vs old. Both are quality QB’s and every Titans fan is excited to see how it plays out.Biggest Strength Heading Into 2012: The QB and WR position. Whether it’s Jake Locker or Matt Hasselbeck, the Titans are set at that position. They also have Kenny Britt and Kendall Wright, not to mention Nate Washington and Damian Williams. Both those positions are the strengths of the 2012 Titans.Biggest Weakness Heading Into 2012: The Center position. Eugene Amano didn’t cut it this last year and that position is looking for an answer.Biggest Question Still To Be Answered: Can Kenny Britt be healthy for an entire season and can Chris Johnson return to form?2012 Prediction: 10-6, Titan make a good playoff push lead by second-year QB Jake Locker."

The Titans were close to getting a playoff spot last season in spite of getting almost nothing from RB Chris Johnson. The team won with it’s defense and Hasselbeck’s arm. With an improved pass rush and resurgent Johnson running the ball, the Titans could be contender in the AFC.  The problem that I see is that the WRs aren’t very deep. Behind the oft-injured Kenny Britt and rookie Kendall Wright, there isn’t many weapons for Hasselbeck to throw to.

One thing to watch for is whether or not Jake Locker can take the QB job away from Hasselbeck. Locker was a really risky pick 2 years ago, and if he hasn’t developed into a starter by this point he may never do so. He barely completed half of his passes in college, and if he can’t do any better in the preseason he may find himself never being more than a backup in the NFL.