Don McPeak – USATODAY Sports
The NFL released the schedules for all 32 franchises last week, and the Tennessee Titans were not dealt any favors. Last season coach Mike Munchak barely survived the coaching firing squad, but one glance at the Titans’ schedule shows that the Munchak era is near its end and Jake Locker‘s time as the starting quarterback in the Music City may be done as well.
Although every regular season dishes out its fair share of surprises, asking the Titans to improve on last season’s 6-10 finish would mean that pigs have taken flight and the Montreal Expos have resurrected from the depths of MLB contraction.
Titans general manager Ruston Webster did a serviceable job in upgrading the roster, leaving little room for All-Pro running back Chris Johnson to whine or complain. It is nearly impossible for the Titans’ defense to repeat their deplorable play from last season, and with their talented linebacker corps of Colin McCarthy, Akeem Ayers and Zach Brown, improvement is inevitable even if it occurs by accident. However, it may be asking a lot to ask the defense that finished near the bottom in NFL efficiency to beat 10 playoff teams, seven All-Pro quarterbacks, and an endless array of play-makers on game day.
But since everyone expects them to lose, the Titans enter the season with no pressure and very little expectation. For the past two years, Titans quarterback Locker has crumbled at the sight of pressure. Since most expect him to continue to struggle with accuracy and inconsistency, Locker may finally thrive and surprise us all. Titans faithful will continue to remain hopeful that their once proud franchise will be relevant again some day. However, if the season goes as expected, the Titans may be fortunate enough to select South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney or Texas A&M Heisman quarterback Johnny Manziel in the 2014 NFL Draft which sounds like a great consolation prize to a disappointing season.
Anthony Denmark is a Tennessee Titans writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter@eatdrkslpsprtz2, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
