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| | Tuesday, August 15 Titans: Success brings expectations | |||||||||||||||
| By Mark Cannizzaro Special to ESPN.com The Super Bowl runners-up are poised to make another run at the big one, having missed tying or even winning by a mere yard on that fateful final play from scrimmage. What next? "We kind of made it difficult on ourselves to show improvement," Titans' coach Jeff Fisher said. Still, Tennessee was proactive in the offseason, adding free agent linebacker Randall Godfrey, the former Cowboy, and former Rams' tackle Fred Miller to the team. There continues to be talk about Reggie White being lured out of retirement for a final run with the Titans.
With Steve McNair having proven himself last year as a quarterback who can win the big games, the focus shifts a bit to receiver Yancey Thigpen, who's been injured for about half the Titans' games in the two years he's been with the team. Thigpen signed on as a big-time receiver coming from the Steelers' Super Bowl runs. He's yet to show himself as that main go-to player. Key position battle The receivers -- Thigpen, Kevin Dyson and Chris Sanders -- need to establish themselves as a bigger part of the offense. Biggest adjustment Somewhat like the Colts, the Titans, who entered last year having endured three consecutive 8-8 seasons, must get used to being the hunted as AFC Champions. This will be a new mindset for a team that lived on winning close games (5-1 in games decided by three points or less). Also, former Broncos' receivers coach Mike Heimerdinger has replaced Les Steckel as the offensive coordinator. Rookie report The Titans went defense most of the way, taking Syracuse linebacker Keith Bullock with their first-round pick with hopes that he becomes an instant starter. Tight end Erron Kinney, a third-round pick from Florida, is expected to see playing time as will BYU defensive end Byron Frisch, who could be another pass rusher to complement Jevon Kearse. One impressive note: The last five Titans' top first-round picks are all current starters, which speaks highly of Tennessee's scouts and personnel people.
| ALSO SEE Ravens: Playoff expectations Bengals: Some bright spots Browns: Couch leads the way Jaguars: Super outlook Steelers: Last chance for Stewart? AUDIO/VIDEO   ESPN's Kevin Greene could see Jeff Fischer was looking for some revenge against the Rams Monday night.avi: 1450 k RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1   Steve McNair is going to focus more on passing this season.wav: 90 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Jeff Fischer has high praise for his quarterback.wav: 63 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Frank Wycheck is confident McNair will have a breakout season.wav: 99 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Titans coach Jeff Fischer was pleased with Saturday's scrimmage against the Rams.wav: 114 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Titans head coach Jeff Fisher is impressed with Jevon Kearse's production in train camp.wav: 208 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Titans head coach Jeff Fisher talks about prepping his team for the upcoming 2000 NFL season.wav: 801 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 | |||||||||||||||
