Tennessee Titans: Realistic 2012 Expectations

The Tennessee Titans are fresh off a 9-7 season where the nearly clinched a Wild Card spot in the final week of the regular season. However, as the Titans are transitioning away from the failed Vince Young project into the Jake Locker era, the Titans seem ready to make the leap to double-digit victories and a possible playoff berth. The Titans will play the NFC North (Packers, Bears, Lions and Vikings) this season while also opening the season against the New England Patriots. It's a tough road ahead for Tennessee, however, they possess the personnel and hunger to succeed. 

Chris Johnson is coming off his least productive season to date, however, some of his ineffective play can be attributed to his length preseason holdout as well as a weakened offensive line. His total yards, yards per carry and overall production decreased across the board. With a full training camp under his belt, CJ2K appears ready for the tolls of the regular season. 

Jake Locker didn't impress everyone with his arm during the preseason, however, his mobility in and outside the pocket allows him to make plays that most quarterbacks simply cannot. While the Titans lost Eugene Amano, their starting Center, for the year, the offensive line looked much more cohesive over the course of the preseason than they did all of last year. 

Kenny Britt, the former Rutgers University standout, has been unable to stay healthy throughout his limited NFL career thus far. That doesn't take into account Britt's run-ins with law enforcement as well.  He will be serving a 1-game suspension this year, but should return to form and contribute at a high level as the Titans main deep threat. 

The addition of Kendall Wright (rookie out of Baylor) and the presence of Nate Washington amongst the receiving corps, the Titans should have no issues finding receivers. 

The big question is the Titans defense. In years past, their defensive line had been one of the best in the league.  Their secondary was one of the worst in the NFL last season and the Titans decided not to bring back star cornerback, Courtland Finnegan, who signed with St. Louis and joined former Titans head coach, Jeff Fisher. 

If the Titans can put together a consistent defensive attack and limit opponents on big plays, their offense should dominate time of possession with the likes of Johnson and Locker in the backfield.