The Tennssee Titans took a massive blow on the injury side of things after last weeks game against the Colts. The news from the training staff was dismal as it was learned that 3 starters are now lost for the remainder of the regular season. And with the Titans yet again sitting in mediocrity at 5-5, that may be the death knell to their season. Lost are starting LE Daquan Jones, starting LG Quentin Spain and perhaps worst of all starting WR Taywan Taylor who is the teams deep threat and was having a fine year.
Coach Harry Snaps said "this is a great opportunity for the next guy in line to come in and show what he can do. Thats why there are back up players in this league. Every team takes injuries and we just have to soldier on. Maybe we can get a look at some of these young,exciting guys who've been riding the pine for 11 weeks" He also took a shot at the league for its new rule regarding QB safety. "this is a mans game,a contact sport, the league institutes a rule where they may as well stick a damn flag in the QB's pocket cuz you sure as hell can't touch em anymore.The league has all but taken away the great pass rushers in this great game and turned it into a penalty fest with refs throwing flags all over the damn field" Coach was clearly very passionate about the new QB safety rule which has produced a ridiculous amount of calls for what used to be great pass rush sacks.
Coach says they will hit the practise field hard as always,fill in those gaping holes caused by the injury bug,and see what happens.
Although sitting at .500 through 11 weeks it appears the Titans are headed for another 'middle of the pack' season. With all the off season big name aquisitions, alot more was expected of this team and so far it has not delivered. With a tough schedule down the stretch we will see what intestinal fortitude these Titans have.
The buzz around Tennessee is the decent start by the Titans. Although letting the last game against the Texans slip through their fingers mainly due to a missed extra point and the clock running out before the last timeout could be called, there is much optimism around the city and state for these long suffering fans. With a stout defence,tough secondary and Marcus Mariota looking like the player they had hoped for when he was drafted, fans are lining up in waves to get tickets for home games and not just coming for the Hot Dogs and tasty beers.
Coach Snaps has brought new life and energy to the Titans and the players we spoke to were excited about working with him and his staff.
When asked for his comments, coach Snaps had this to say... "with the addition of Malcolm Butler and the drafting of the 2 young Linebackers Evans and Landry, we have an exciting core of players with a good mixture of veterans and youngsters. My idol/mentor was the great Bum Phillips and i still refer back to his old playbooks for inspiration. In fact i am trying to get Earl Campbell back to the team as running backs coach (heh-heh,just kidding) But boy he was great to watch, wasn't he ?? Anyway,Training camp was great, I worked em hard (pauses to spit his Redman) and we are ready to take a run at this thing."
Indeed time will tell how this all gels together but one thing is for sure... those color rush uniforms are DOPE !! We will be following the development of the Titans closely and hope to see a playoff appearance this year, and who knows ? maybe a long run in the post season also.
The winless Texans met the 4-2 Seahawks in Seattle last night and despite falling short of the win, head coach Payton says he saw many improvements and some good things. "that was a dogfight out there. The boys left it all on the field and that's all i can ask". When prodded to comment on the "good things", Payton said "Miller had a great game and is really coming around in this new offence.The defence held up well but gave up a few too many big plays" When asked about the negatives, coach replied "the f#*#ing turnovers !! How many times do i have to tell you people this ?" He then went on a tirade about how he would rather have a double root canal than have to speak to braindead reporters who ask the same shit over and over.
Coach Payton ended the interview by saying he was going home to demolish a 6 pack and a bottle of JD and then watch some game tape. He reiterates that things will come around for his team and that everyone needs to calm the fuck down and let his young QB learn under fire. He also responded to one reporter's comment on why Tom Savage has not come in to games in relief, with this... "You're an idiot"
After an 0-5 start the fans of the Houston Texans are riled up and questions are flying all over the city. Asked what the issues are, coach Payton said "turnovers,turnovers and turnovers" and also added this gem... "offence, defense and special teams stink". Coach Payton maintains that the coaches are working harder than ever and "we will turn this around". He asks the fans for patience with rookie QB Watson as he faces baptism by fire. "he has shown flashes of his great athleticism and strong arm, but as a rookie he requires playing/practise time to learn this game". He also pointed out that the Offensive line has not blocked well at all for his rookie QB and needs to step it up or he will replace them with somone who can. "its quite simple really,if you cannot do your job properly,we will find someone who can".
On a lighter note, Liquor and food prices have dropped in an effort to keep fans happy...