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A Tribute To Steve McNair
Published: July 9, 2009
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Steve McNair was the closest thing to a soldier there may have ever been on the gridiron.
Known for his unparalleled toughness, he led a squad into battle for 13 years. In that time he was selected to the Pro Bowl three times, named the league MVP, and led a franchise to its first Super Bowl birth in its existence.
McNair battled through constant injuries during his career. Despite injuries from his ankle to sternum, he almost always found a way to keep playing. Though many would cower at the thought of playing though an injury, McNair used the pain to focus on the task at hand.
Steve McNair was not the traditional NFL pocket passer. He was a beast of an athlete. “Air” McNair could pick apart a defense through the air and on the ground. He was once described as being too fast for defensive lineman to tackle and too strong for linebackers.
Steve McNair was one of three quarterbacks ever to throw for over 30,000 yards and run for 3,000 more. The other two to achieve the mark are Hall-of-Famer’s Steve Young and Fran Tarkenton.
Not bad company.
Many analysts do not think McNair is Canton-worthy. His numbers may not match up with the elite passers of history, but there is no stat to measure leadership and toughness.
McNair will always be remembered as a leader, and a player who would sacrifice his body for the good of the team. To those who were close to him, he was a loving father and friend they will never forget.
Tennessee Titans 2009 Draft Class Breakdown
Published: April 28, 2009
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The Tennessee Titans finished last year with an impressive regular season record of 13-3. The confident Titans looked primed for a Super Bowl birth, but they collapsed in the divisional round to rival Baltimore.
After losing two-time Pro Bowler Albert Haynsworth to free agency, the team needs a special draft to continue to be a top contender.
Here is a breakdown of this years draft class.
Round One
Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
Wide receiver was the teams biggest need heading into the draft. Kenny Britt was probably one of least risky wide-outs that was picked in the first round.
While guys like Darius Heyward-Bey and Percey Harvin have questionable route running ability and were picked solely on athletic ability, Kenny Britt is widely known as the best route runner in the draft.
Kenny Britt can also provide a reliable redzone target. Being 6’3″ and a top performer at the combine in the verticle leap and broad jump sure will help. He could challenge for the number one receiving job this training camp. Britt could be the Titans third offensive rookie of the year nomination in four years.
Round Two
Sen’Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn
Sen’Derrick Marks probably won’t be asked a lot of this season. He will be thrown into a deep rotation of defensive tackles that include Tony Brown, Jason Jones, Joven Haye, and Kevin Vickerson. The fact that all the Titans DTs, excluding Kevin Vickerson, have a history at defensive end as well should help even out the playing time.
Marks is a very athletic player who has great potential. The Titans have a very good defensive line coach in Jim Washburn who knows how to progress young lineman into stars. Defensive tackle was a need after Albert Haynsworth left this offseason, but additions of Joven Haye in free agency and Marks should help fill that hole.
Round Three
Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina
Jared Cook recorded the best combine numbers for a tight end since the 49ers’ Vernon Davis who happened to be drafted sixth overall. Cook will be used to create mismatches with his impressive 6’5″ frame and while boasting 4.5 speed.
He might have trouble getting on the field early in the schedule having to compete with veteran Alge Crumpler, Bo Scaife who just had a breakout season last year, and last years third round pick Craig Stevens.
Cook was more of a luxury pick than filling a need. The Titans staff really loves this kid. Jared Cook could be the X-Factor to the offense’s success next season playing a similar role to the New York Jets Dustin Keller.
Ryan Mouton, CB, Hawaii
Cornerback was a big need heading into the draft with starter Nick Harper being 34 years old with an expiring contract. The Titans got their guy with Ryan Mouton. Mouton is a athletic player with return ability. He is a feisty, aggressive cornerback, and that’s how the Titans like them.
This pick is a little controversial with local Vanderbilt standout D.J. Moore still available at the time of the pick. We will see in time who turns out to be the better player. Mouton will be fighting for the nickle position currently held by safety Vincent Fuller, but will probably earn the role of a backup cornerback.
Round Four
Gerald McRath, LB, Southern Miss
Outside linebacker was also a top need heading into the draft. Outside linebacker and team captain Keith Bulluck is getting up there in age and is in the final year of his contract. Gerald McRath should be the future replacement. He is a very athletic player who recorded over 130 tackles last year for Southern Miss.
McRath played inside linebacker in college, but may be to small to do so in the pros. In 2009, McRath should be the first guy of the bench at outside linebacker for the Titans, and may challenge Ryan Fowler for the backup inside spot as well.
Troy Kropog, OT, Tulane
David Stewart, a key offensive line depth player, left in free agency this year. Kropog was brought in to be his replacement. While Leroy Harris backs up the center and gaurd positions, Kropog will handle the back up tackle responsibilities left by Stewart.
Kropog most likely won’t be getting significant playing time for a while having two young, talented starters in Michael Roos and David Stewart in his way. The Titans usually don’t keep many active backup offensive lineman, so he will still have an important role heading into the 2009 season.
Round Five
Javon Ringer, HB, Michigan State
I believe this is the 6th year the Titans have drafted a half or fullback in the draft. Ringer will be thrown into the mix of backs to compete for the third running back job.
Quinton Ganther held the position last season, undrafted free agent Rafael Little will compete after recovering from a torn ACL, and former second round pick Chris Henry could possibly make a push.
Ringer is definitely the most talented of the four competitors, but at the same time he is only 5’8″ and ran a pretty slow 40 time for a change-of-pace back. The Raven game showed the Titans need a third legit threat in the backfield in case Lendale White or Chris Johnson goes down.
The competition for this role could be the one to watch this training camp.
Round Six
Jason McCourty, CB, Rutgers
Jason McCourty was brought in for corner depth and to compete for reps returning. He runs a 4.3 forty which probably makes him the second fastest player on the team to Mr. 4.24 himself. He could also fight his way onto another special teams unit. The Titans coverage teams struggled on 2008 so any help would be good.
Dominique Edison, WR, Stephen F. Austin
Dominique Edison could be a sleeper. 6’2″, 4.47 forty time, combine top performer in vertical leap, broad jump, and 20 yard shuttle. He tore up against lesser competition with over 1100 yards and 18 touchdowns his senior year. Good pair of hands as well. Could really challenge for time at receiver.
Marques Colston v2?
Round Seven
Ryan Durand, OG, Syracuse
Will probably land on the practice squad like former late round lineman Michael Otto. Big guy, 6’5″, 300+ pounds could challenge for a roster spot with the minimal depth at the position. Doesn’t hurt to have a Hall of Fame lineman in Mike Munchak coaching you.
Nick Schommer, FS, North Dakota State
Nick Schommer could struggle to find a roster spot. He was the 11th player picked by the Titans. His best bet to get on the active roster is to be an impact player on special teams and help repair that struggling coverage squad.
