Its called "dead Money", the money you have on your payroll that counts toward the cap, but you don't have the players anymore. Coaches call it "mistake Money". Bills are third highest in the league, including $5mil left over from 'you suck Johnson'.
So any expectations of an amazing turnaround are not going to happen. They had to clear the roster for the last 2 years and start over, now with glaring holes they can't fill.
Coaching.
this little section is also about front office, and that gives me a chance once again to say that Tom Donahoe is the best personnel guy in the league. He was able to keep on the roster 10 of 11 draftees last year (but had many holes), and this year has added some serious help once again. Next season, and the one after that, this team will once again flourish.
So how good is last years new coach Gregg Williams, former def. coordinator at Tenn.? Well, one look at how the titans defense fell apart last year gives an indication. He brought along Jerry Grey as his d coordinator, who was formerly the secondary coach of the titans. The titans then dropped to last in the league in pass defense.
When they arrived they pretty much turned over the whole coaching roster, so we have some great impovement in the coaching second year in. Further, the o coordinator didn't work out, so kevin Gilbride was brought in. I know, OH NO NOT HIM, but his run first, grind out approach fits with the philosophy and the drafted players. Anyway, anyone is better than Sheppard was.
upgrade.
QB
Early word is Bledsoe is reborn, and imho, what happened to him last year, and then the trade is the best thing for him. Handed the job straight out of college and reenforced by coaches as the guy who the team centered around, never led him to the growth that comes with having to fight to stay alive.
Well, now he's been through the fire that should clear up his mental problems.
major upgrade from the 'limp Johnson'.
rb.
Quite deep here and lots of young talent did well last year, even running behind a poor oline. Should be exciting with their gained experience and more help up front. Trav Henry showed some brilliance in his rookie year. short and sweet, powerful, expect a breakout year. Bryson is the pounder, straight up the gut, and closed the season very strong. Sammy morris is a fine receiver but may get lost in the mix. Larry Centers, pro bowl, is one of the premiere fb in the league, an unbelievable 80 catches last season.
Seasoning rbs are an upgrade.
WR.
Eric Moulds is one of the top 10 receivers in the league. Just give him a qb and watch him go nuts this year. He also has a #2 sharp guy in Peerless Price, who'se just coming into his own. Secondaries can no longer triple team Moulds. In addition Moulds is coming off a very poor 67 catch performance, and with the opportunity of a new qb should be rededicated. Price in the last year of his contract so playing for the big bucks. This tandem will be very fun to watch.
Buf also picked up some depth in Charles Johnson, but he's weak. Early word out of training camp is 2nd rounder Josh Reid is money, and perfect for the slot. In additon they brought over TE DAve Moore, starter at pitt for better blocking, Riersma now a depth guy.
upgrade.
oline.
Big changes here and an all out war. Mike Williams their top draft pick was exceptionally rated at texas, and word in camp is he's pro bowl, so will start, all 375 pounds of him. Trey Teague, starter for the broncos comes over and is better than average. Reuben brown, mr. pro bowl, is back and still has some life left. Which leaves 2 spots, and it appears Conaty and Ostrowski have lost their jobs to Jonas Jennings 2nd yr 3rd rounder, and Marques Sullivan, 2nd year 5th rounder. A couple of weak spots there, but now have some strong depth.
big upgrade.
dline.
Look out below, Phil Hanson is gone, and that is the last of a fine line. They still have Aarron Schobel, who had a terrific rookie season, future pro bowl, and the sometimes lazy Pat williams. But a couple guys they thought would come along haven't, 3rd year first rounder eric flowers is borderline cut, and so is Ryan Dennehy, this years 2nd rounder. Which leaves on one.
Big downgrade.
LB.
Last years shining star on this unit, Brandon Spoon is injured and lost for the year. London Fletcher comes over from the Rams, but although getting a lot of great press, I only see as slightly above average. Eddie Robinson comes over from Tenn. but although having a good seson last year is old, barely making average rating. Kieth Newman is a helluva pass rusher. The loss of cowert to injury last year and then to the jets is going to hurt.
About the same.
Secondary.
Antonio winfield is one of the best cb's in the league, and led the team in tackles to boot. Nate Clemons 1st rounder last year lived up to his billing. After that it gets a bit thin. Pierson Prouleau was unemployed til they hired him midseason last year, and Billy Jenkins couldn't cut it at gbay, after the rams let him go. BIG HOLES AT SAFETY. 3rd rounder s coy wire is penciled in to start soon.
About the same.
Kicks.
Signed Hollis from the jags after his poor year. 2nd year punter is below average. More possibe problems here.
Conclusion
2 years of dismantling will take 2 years of rebuilding at least. The coaching staff is headed in the right direction, and this team has made quite a few strides on offense, but LARGE problems remain on defense, which can't be fixed due to cap constraints. The combination of very poor dline, and weak safeties begs the question, who will tackle?
So any expectations of an amazing turnaround are not going to happen. They had to clear the roster for the last 2 years and start over, now with glaring holes they can't fill.
Coaching.
this little section is also about front office, and that gives me a chance once again to say that Tom Donahoe is the best personnel guy in the league. He was able to keep on the roster 10 of 11 draftees last year (but had many holes), and this year has added some serious help once again. Next season, and the one after that, this team will once again flourish.
So how good is last years new coach Gregg Williams, former def. coordinator at Tenn.? Well, one look at how the titans defense fell apart last year gives an indication. He brought along Jerry Grey as his d coordinator, who was formerly the secondary coach of the titans. The titans then dropped to last in the league in pass defense.
When they arrived they pretty much turned over the whole coaching roster, so we have some great impovement in the coaching second year in. Further, the o coordinator didn't work out, so kevin Gilbride was brought in. I know, OH NO NOT HIM, but his run first, grind out approach fits with the philosophy and the drafted players. Anyway, anyone is better than Sheppard was.
upgrade.
QB
Early word is Bledsoe is reborn, and imho, what happened to him last year, and then the trade is the best thing for him. Handed the job straight out of college and reenforced by coaches as the guy who the team centered around, never led him to the growth that comes with having to fight to stay alive.
Well, now he's been through the fire that should clear up his mental problems.
major upgrade from the 'limp Johnson'.
rb.
Quite deep here and lots of young talent did well last year, even running behind a poor oline. Should be exciting with their gained experience and more help up front. Trav Henry showed some brilliance in his rookie year. short and sweet, powerful, expect a breakout year. Bryson is the pounder, straight up the gut, and closed the season very strong. Sammy morris is a fine receiver but may get lost in the mix. Larry Centers, pro bowl, is one of the premiere fb in the league, an unbelievable 80 catches last season.
Seasoning rbs are an upgrade.
WR.
Eric Moulds is one of the top 10 receivers in the league. Just give him a qb and watch him go nuts this year. He also has a #2 sharp guy in Peerless Price, who'se just coming into his own. Secondaries can no longer triple team Moulds. In addition Moulds is coming off a very poor 67 catch performance, and with the opportunity of a new qb should be rededicated. Price in the last year of his contract so playing for the big bucks. This tandem will be very fun to watch.
Buf also picked up some depth in Charles Johnson, but he's weak. Early word out of training camp is 2nd rounder Josh Reid is money, and perfect for the slot. In additon they brought over TE DAve Moore, starter at pitt for better blocking, Riersma now a depth guy.
upgrade.
oline.
Big changes here and an all out war. Mike Williams their top draft pick was exceptionally rated at texas, and word in camp is he's pro bowl, so will start, all 375 pounds of him. Trey Teague, starter for the broncos comes over and is better than average. Reuben brown, mr. pro bowl, is back and still has some life left. Which leaves 2 spots, and it appears Conaty and Ostrowski have lost their jobs to Jonas Jennings 2nd yr 3rd rounder, and Marques Sullivan, 2nd year 5th rounder. A couple of weak spots there, but now have some strong depth.
big upgrade.
dline.
Look out below, Phil Hanson is gone, and that is the last of a fine line. They still have Aarron Schobel, who had a terrific rookie season, future pro bowl, and the sometimes lazy Pat williams. But a couple guys they thought would come along haven't, 3rd year first rounder eric flowers is borderline cut, and so is Ryan Dennehy, this years 2nd rounder. Which leaves on one.
Big downgrade.
LB.
Last years shining star on this unit, Brandon Spoon is injured and lost for the year. London Fletcher comes over from the Rams, but although getting a lot of great press, I only see as slightly above average. Eddie Robinson comes over from Tenn. but although having a good seson last year is old, barely making average rating. Kieth Newman is a helluva pass rusher. The loss of cowert to injury last year and then to the jets is going to hurt.
About the same.
Secondary.
Antonio winfield is one of the best cb's in the league, and led the team in tackles to boot. Nate Clemons 1st rounder last year lived up to his billing. After that it gets a bit thin. Pierson Prouleau was unemployed til they hired him midseason last year, and Billy Jenkins couldn't cut it at gbay, after the rams let him go. BIG HOLES AT SAFETY. 3rd rounder s coy wire is penciled in to start soon.
About the same.
Kicks.
Signed Hollis from the jags after his poor year. 2nd year punter is below average. More possibe problems here.
Conclusion
2 years of dismantling will take 2 years of rebuilding at least. The coaching staff is headed in the right direction, and this team has made quite a few strides on offense, but LARGE problems remain on defense, which can't be fixed due to cap constraints. The combination of very poor dline, and weak safeties begs the question, who will tackle?
