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I think the last. When you have guys that you won't pay sometimes that sends a bad message. Its good to find talent cheap. But not everyone is going to play for pennies. I didn't like what Bullock said about how the Titans do business. Its like he's expecting not to return.

I agree. Whereas a certain degree of frugality is wonderful to open up cap space, I would like to see us spend a little more money for players that are game changers. I don't think that we should have came anywhere close to Big Al's contract with Washington, but throw down some decent sized contract for a Boldin when you have a chance.

Bullock is a Titan mainstay. Lewis/Ravens, Favre/Packers, Gonzo/Chiefs.....some guys just need to stay where they are identified. I hope that Bullock gets to end his career in Nashville.....he's earned the money.

Its bad when stuff like that even comes into question. But I have seen the Titans pocket their money when they need to spend some of it. I still feel as if they low balled Albert. Its more of the message that you send to the rest of the team that bothers me. Keith should be shown the utmost care with his contract. Whatever he wants he gets.

I hate how we make great players out of our guys, and when the contract is up we are to cheap to keep them on board.

It'll always be like this for us. Our Roster changes way to much to make a SB run. we need the same guys playing together several year so they will be in sync in big games.


Bulluck isnt getting any younger and hit his peek already. Titans wont offer him much to stay, his history with the team means nothing. they will pay what they think he is worth on the field. IMO if Bulluck isnt willing to take a steep pay cut, then he wont be a Titan in 2010.

QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 01:20 PM ET  07.25 by Jessestylex

I hate how we make great players out of our guys, and when the contract is up we are to cheap to keep them on board. It'll always be like this for us. Our Roster changes way to much to make a SB run. we need the same guys playing together several year so they will be in sync in big games. Bulluck isnt getting any younger and hit his peek already. Titans wont offer him much to stay, his history with the team means nothing. they will pay what they think he is worth on the field. IMO if Bulluck isnt willing to take a steep pay cut, then he wont be a Titan in 2010.

Somethings you just don't do. I believe that Bullock is worth every penny. He hasn't been injured that often. And he is truly the heart and soul of that defense. I can understand why you would feel like Keith should take less money. But you don't low ball your best players and expect to send a good message to your team. Hence this whole discussion. But like I said I understand where you are coming from.

QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 11:44 AM ET  07.24 by Perfectpats

Its bad when stuff like that even comes into question. But I have seen the Titans pocket their money when they need to spend some of it. I still feel as if they low balled Albert. Its more of the message that you send to the rest of the team that bothers me. Keith should be shown the utmost care with his contract. Whatever he wants he gets.

It is a sad situation for all involved. I believe the Titans make great players through their scheme & when it is time to reward their play they would rather start from square one with a new player and let the player who has earned a nice payday go. All Titan players that leave via free agency are never the same after there departure. Jevon Kearse, Drew Bennett, Justin McCareins, Derrick Mason, Lorenzo Neal, Jon Runyan and the list goes on. None of them ever achieved the success with their new teams that they had with the Titans. Now with that said the Titans need to understnd that if you invest time, coaching and initial contract money on players who become great, you should let the player (who has become a great player in your scheme) & the organization reap the benefits together. 4-year turnover @ every position will not yield a Super Bowl Champion. Sooner or later someone has to get paid. The Titans have sold out every home game since their inception. They have the money they need to start paying the players that they make great and bring us a Championship. The best team in the league has not won the Super Bowl in the last 3 years. It is their for the taking but players need to feel that the organization is their for them & the Titans don't show that to the right players!!!!!

QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 01:49 AM ET  07.27 by BTDInc

It is a sad situation for all involved. I believe the Titans make great players through their scheme & when it is time to reward their play they would rather start from square one with a new player and let the player who has earned a nice payday go. All Titan players that leave via free agency are never the same after there departure. Jevon Kearse, Drew Bennett, Justin McCareins, Derrick Mason, Lorenzo Neal, Jon Runyan and the list goes on. None of them ever achieved the success with their new teams that they had with the Titans. Now with that said the Titans need to understnd that if you invest time, coaching and initial contract money on players who become great, you should let the player (who has become a great player in your scheme) & the organization reap the benefits together. 4-year turnover @ every position will not yield a Super Bowl Champion. Sooner or later someone has to get paid. The Titans have sold out every home game since their inception. They have the money they need to start paying the players that they make great and bring us a Championship. The best team in the league has not won the Super Bowl in the last 3 years. It is their for the taking but players need to feel that the organization is their for them & the Titans don't show that to the right players!!!!!

John Runyan, Derrick Mason, and Lorenzo Neal have all been very successful in other places. Especially Derrick. I disagree that the last 3 years the best team has not won the title. Just my stance but the team that is supposed to win it has won it.

I think that when your team is mentioned in the top echelon of NFL teams ( as the Titans have been for the better part of 10 years now ) You have to realize that it didn't happen by mistake. The Titans have done well in getting themselves squared away from the salary cap nightmare they used to have. Many feel that barring a dog-pile mugging of Chris Johnson, the Titans were one of the strongest contenders for the SB, especially since they handled the eventual champs so handily.
You also must realize that throwing money at a team doesn't make them a contender. You have only to look at Washington or the Raiders to see what that can get you.

Buy low, sell high .. it's the formula for growth.

QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 03:43 PM ET  07.27 by Nintova

I think that when your team is mentioned in the top echelon of NFL teams ( as the Titans have been for the better part of 10 years now ) You have to realize that it didn't happen by mistake. The Titans have done well in getting themselves squared away from the salary cap nightmare they used to have. Many feel that barring a dog-pile mugging of Chris Johnson, the Titans were one of the strongest contenders for the SB, especially since they handled the eventual champs so handily. You also must realize that throwing money at a team doesn't make them a contender. You have only to look at Washington or the Raiders to see what that can get you. Buy low, sell high .. it's the formula for growth.

I don't know about the upper echelon bit. They played in one Super Bowl and 2 Championship games. But have little to show for it. Maybe if you said the Eagles I might agree with you. But you don't have to break the bank to keep your players. But if you show little to no interest in keeping them. And you low ball them past fair market value, Why would anyone stay?

And it was evident that Chris Johnson is the Titan offense. Yes they beat Pittsburgh at home. But I would have like to see them play a much more motivated Steeler team. I don't think the out come would have been too different. But the Titans would have been in for a fight.

Winning a SB or Champ game doesn't = great or upper echelon Defense. Take a gander at the best offensive and defensive team in the post season last year ... yeah, It was the Titans... even with an early exit. The rat birds ended our season with a low down tactic. We were the team to beat.
What makes you think we show little to no interest in keeping our players ? Last I checked we keep the young studs, the aging vets are evaluated and the flash in the pans are left to decide their fates on their own. Stay, fine, go, fine.

Big Al ( whom everyone sees as this d line god ) is a flawed product. His on and off the field antics along with his questionable motivation are reason enough to let him walk when a team throws the kind of money at him that the Redskins did.

The one mistake in the spending department that I see, and it REALLY pissed me and many many fans off, was the treatment and handling of McNair.

Oh, and as far as that "evident that CJ was THE offense" .. I think the tied for the league lead in TDs LenDale White might find that comment less than factual... just saying.

A few things Big Al will miss.

Our depth at D line ... he wont get to rest as long or as well any more.
The quality of our entire defense ... He had a hell of a safety net with the read and react talent on our squad.
Playing with a lead, hell, even being IN a game ... Playing from behind is never fun. When the morale starts to fall and the finger pointing starts, Big Al had better hope his therapy was effective. We all know how well he reacts when he gets frustrated and looses his temper.
Playing under extreme pressure ... see above for expected results.

QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 09:38 AM ET  07.23 by Perfectpats

I think the last. When you have guys that you won't pay sometimes that sends a bad message. Its good to find talent cheap. But not everyone is going to play for pennies. I didn't like what Bullock said about how the Titans do business. Its like he's expecting not to return.

It's Bull(U)ck. Don't worry, even some Titans fans get that wrong :)

Look, Bulluck is one of my favorite players on the team, however, he is 32 years old. The absolute safest position to spend a 1st round pick is LB : http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d807d12f0&template=with-video &confirm=true

2010 is a LB/DE field of dreams. I would be very surprised if the Titans don't come out of the 1st round with either Sergio Kindle out of Texas or Sean Weatherspoon out of Missouri .. the homer in me wants to include Brandon Graham from Michigan in there too :)

The point is, it's the BUSINESS of football. It's hard when a fan favorite is involved, but it is to be expected with a player of his age. Personally I'd love for us to keep him at a fair price AND draft one of those young men. Bulluck would make a fantastic mentor.

QUOTE(#10):

Originally posted 11:23 AM ET  08.06 by Nintova

Winning a SB or Champ game doesn't = great or upper echelon Defense. Take a gander at the best offensive and defensive team in the post season last year ... yeah, It was the Titans... even with an early exit. The rat birds ended our season with a low down tactic. We were the team to beat. What makes you think we show little to no interest in keeping our players ? Last I checked we keep the young studs, the aging vets are evaluated and the flash in the pans are left to decide their fates on their own. Stay, fine, go, fine. Big Al ( whom everyone sees as this d line god ) is a flawed product. His on and off the field antics along with his questionable motivation are reason enough to let him walk when a team throws the kind of money at him that the Redskins did. The one mistake in the spending department that I see, and it REALLY pissed me and many many fans off, was the treatment and handling of McNair. Oh, and as far as that "evident that CJ was THE offense" .. I think the tied for the league lead in TDs LenDale White might find that comment less than factual... just saying. A few things Big Al will miss. Our depth at D line ... he wont get to rest as long or as well any more.The quality of our entire defense ... He had a hell of a safety net with the read and react talent on our squad.Playing with a lead, hell, even being IN a game ... Playing from behind is never fun. When the morale starts to fall and the finger pointing starts, Big Al had better hope his therapy was effective. We all know how well he reacts when he gets frustrated and looses his temper.Playing under extreme pressure ... see above for expected results.

Interesting points. But except for the 80 yard run, how many of LenDale White's runs were of the 30+ yards or more.

2) Ever since the big purge the Titans have become unwilling to resign guys the deem they can replace. John Thornton and Travis Laboy to name a few. No these are not the top guys at their position but the were apart of the team. And they were allowed to chase dollars somewhere else.

And the Redskin defense is not that bad really. He is in just as physical a division as the AFC South was and maybe more physical quite frankly.

QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 11:50 AM ET  08.06 by Nintova

It's Bull(U)ck. Don't worry, even some Titans fans get that wrong :) Look, Bulluck is one of my favorite players on the team, however, he is 32 years old. The absolute safest position to spend a 1st round pick is LB : http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d807d12f0&template=with-video &confirm=true 2010 is a LB/DE field of dreams. I would be very surprised if the Titans don't come out of the 1st round with either Sergio Kindle out of Texas or Sean Weatherspoon out of Missouri .. the homer in me wants to include Brandon Graham from Michigan in there too :) The point is, it's the BUSINESS of football. It's hard when a fan favorite is involved, but it is to be expected with a player of his age. Personally I'd love for us to keep him at a fair price AND draft one of those young men. Bulluck would make a fantastic mentor.

Bulluck is the cornerstone of this defense. It seems easy to go out and get someone else but lets be honest. The Titans defensive system is difficult to learn. It may take a rookie a second to pick it up it may take him a while to pick it up. But a guy like him you respect. But look at what happened to McNair.

QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 01:49 AM ET  07.27 by BTDInc

It is a sad situation for all involved. I believe the Titans make great players through their scheme & when it is time to reward their play they would rather start from square one with a new player and let the player who has earned a nice payday go. All Titan players that leave via free agency are never the same after there departure. Jevon Kearse, Drew Bennett, Justin McCareins, Derrick Mason, Lorenzo Neal, Jon Runyan and the list goes on. None of them ever achieved the success with their new teams that they had with the Titans. Now with that said the Titans need to understnd that if you invest time, coaching and initial contract money on players who become great, you should let the player (who has become a great player in your scheme) & the organization reap the benefits together. 4-year turnover @ every position will not yield a Super Bowl Champion. Sooner or later someone has to get paid. The Titans have sold out every home game since their inception. They have the money they need to start paying the players that they make great and bring us a Championship. The best team in the league has not won the Super Bowl in the last 3 years. It is their for the taking but players need to feel that the organization is their for them & the Titans don't show that to the right players!!!!!

It seems like we have 2 more free agency casualties to add to our list. Albert is already nursing a knee problem THAT WILL give out before the season is over & what do you know Brandon Jones is already out for 2 months & I agree John Runyan, Lorenzo Neal & Derrick Mason have gone on to have good careers. Neal had L. T., Runyan had Donavon & Mason didn't do in Baltimore what he did in Tennessee. I agree Tennessee needs to give a little more effort in resigning their best players, but they need to take care of Bulluck out of good ol fashioned loyalty. We can't have another Steve McNair situation on our hands and we all know how that turned out!!!!

McNair: I loved him as a player and a community leader in TN. I would have liked to have kept him for 2-3 yrs as a starting QB and mentor for VY. I will say that Steve was banged up and lost quite a bit. He had some "ok" moments with Baltimore, but he was no where near where he used to be.

Bulluck: (thanks for the spell check Nintova) He has lost some physical ability, but he is still a top LB.....maybe not top 5 like he used to be but definitely top 10-15 still. Also I agree with Nintova that we should pick up a young guy and have Bulluck lead for 2 more yrs. I've heard that McRath was an absolute steal this year and if it wasn't for his lack of bulk (one analyst said he needs to add 20 lbs and learn better pass coverage) he would have been a top draft pick this past year.

PerfectPats: "But except for the 80 yard run, how many of LenDale White's runs were of the 30+ yards or more." What difference does that make? White avg 3.9 yds, Johnson 4.9 yds. When you spend the year beating teams 13-10 you don't care about how many 30+yd runs. All you want is long slow offensive drives. All you have to avg is >3yds/carry. "3 yds and a cloud of dust" Johnson could not carry the immense workload w/o White, just as White would not be as good w/o Johnson. (Let me rebuttle myself by saying that White should be in tip-top shape at all times and run like he is capable of at all times....and not just in preparation for a contract year) I like White, but I hope him and Ringer push each other some more.

Draft: Next year's draft is a DE/LB dream....but also good QB dream. I wouldn't mind shopping for DE/LB or QB next year.




Money: I have no idea how close we were to getting Boldin (or how much the Cards were actually gonna let him go), but it brings up a good point. We were weak in receiving last year and we are definitely better now after getting Cook/Britt/Washington......but we could have been a lot better if we'd open up the wallet. Imagine getting a Boldin, Housh, Holt, Harrison, or Owens for 2-3 yrs while you build up a better core of WR. Also DE, CB, kick returners. A few yrs of increased paying would not break us.


P.S. I know that Holt, Harrison may be really banged up. And thank the Good Lord that we didn't even look at Owens.

QUOTE(#15):

Originally posted 12:39 PM ET  08.08 by Blueraider22

McNair: I loved him as a player and a community leader in TN. I would have liked to have kept him for 2-3 yrs as a starting QB and mentor for VY. I will say that Steve was banged up and lost quite a bit. He had some "ok" moments with Baltimore, but he was no where near where he used to be.Bulluck: (thanks for the spell check Nintova) He has lost some physical ability, but he is still a top LB.....maybe not top 5 like he used to be but definitely top 10-15 still. Also I agree with Nintova that we should pick up a young guy and have Bulluck lead for 2 more yrs. I've heard that McRath was an absolute steal this year and if it wasn't for his lack of bulk (one analyst said he needs to add 20 lbs and learn better pass coverage) he would have been a top draft pick this past year.PerfectPats: "But except for the 80 yard run, how many of LenDale White's runs were of the 30+ yards or more." What difference does that make? White avg 3.9 yds, Johnson 4.9 yds. When you spend the year beating teams 13-10 you don't care about how many 30+yd runs. All you want is long slow offensive drives. All you have to avg is >3yds/carry. "3 yds and a cloud of dust" Johnson could not carry the immense workload w/o White, just as White would not be as good w/o Johnson. (Let me rebuttle myself by saying that White should be in tip-top shape at all times and run like he is capable of at all times....and not just in preparation for a contract year) I like White, but I hope him and Ringer push each other some more.Draft: Next year's draft is a DE/LB dream....but also good QB dream. I wouldn't mind shopping for DE/LB or QB next year.Money: I have no idea how close we were to getting Boldin (or how much the Cards were actually gonna let him go), but it brings up a good point. We were weak in receiving last year and we are definitely better now after getting Cook/Britt/Washington......but we could have been a lot better if we'd open up the wallet. Imagine getting a Boldin, Housh, Holt, Harrison, or Owens for 2-3 yrs while you build up a better core of WR. Also DE, CB, kick returners. A few yrs of increased paying would not break us.P.S. I know that Holt, Harrison may be really banged up. And thank the Good Lord that we didn't even look at Owens.

The 3 yards and a cloud of dust works when you score touchdowns. But the Colts and the Texans have good to spectacular passing games. What is 3 yards going to do when Andre Johnson and Reggie Wayne keep waltzing into the end zone. True the two headed system works. But you have to be able to score points. 24 points a game can win you quite a few. And knowing that a team like the Colts will average 25-27 points a game will force you into a situation where you need to score and score often. It is difficult to keep a good offense out of the end zone. Long scoring plays make a difference. They can hurt really bad. And truthfully the Titans defense is geared to stop the run. But Indy and the Texans have ran on the Titans. Going to be interesting to see.

Good points....and they hold merit, but only if the Titans didn't go 13-3 last year...stopping only a couple games from the SB. The Colts (with a recovering Peyton) and the Texans (have been getting better, but have not yet competed with the rest of the division) were behind the Titans all last year. Their "passing games" were on the bench.....that's what happens with a run-first coaching attitude backed up with a good defense.

Now I agree that I wish that the Titans were better balanced on offense. Fisher and Co. will always have a "run-first/tough D" attitude, but last year we were that way b/c we had to be. If we were able to pass even a little against that Ravens D last year, we likely would have been able to meet up with the Steelers. Steelers....prime example. Run-first attitude backed with a stellar defense......oh, and they can pass when able. And they hold the title.

QUOTE(#17):

Originally posted 10:41 AM ET  08.09 by Blueraider22

Good points....and they hold merit, but only if the Titans didn't go 13-3 last year...stopping only a couple games from the SB. The Colts (with a recovering Peyton) and the Texans (have been getting better, but have not yet competed with the rest of the division) were behind the Titans all last year. Their "passing games" were on the bench.....that's what happens with a run-first coaching attitude backed up with a good defense. Now I agree that I wish that the Titans were better balanced on offense. Fisher and Co. will always have a "run-first/tough D" attitude, but last year we were that way b/c we had to be. If we were able to pass even a little against that Ravens D last year, we likely would have been able to meet up with the Steelers. Steelers....prime example. Run-first attitude backed with a stellar defense......oh, and they can pass when able. And they hold the title.

Absolutely. But one thing that you missed. Pittsburgh and Indy have proven quarterbacks who have won championships. Last year is last year. Its gone. All of the explosiveness was gone when Chris Johnson got injured in the playoff game last year. And Kerry show a weakness that I think teams will try to exploit this year. He can be reckless when pressured. I do mean reckless. True a good running game will keep team's offense on the bench. But you had better not be kicking field goals. One of the reasons that the Titans have been looking up at the Colts is because they cannot pressure Peyton Manning into consistent mistakes. You have to get to that guy. They and the Texans will be a different team this year. The Titans can't do a thing with Andre Johnson either.
And finally the Titans were able to throw on the Ravens. They just get the plays they needed to get in the end zone.

QUOTE(#18):

Originally posted 05:07 PM ET  08.09 by Perfectpats

Absolutely. But one thing that you missed. Pittsburgh and Indy have proven quarterbacks who have won championships. Last year is last year. Its gone. All of the explosiveness was gone when Chris Johnson got injured in the playoff game last year. And Kerry show a weakness that I think teams will try to exploit this year. He can be reckless when pressured. I do mean reckless. True a good running game will keep team's offense on the bench. But you had better not be kicking field goals. One of the reasons that the Titans have been looking up at the Colts is because they cannot pressure Peyton Manning into consistent mistakes. You have to get to that guy. They and the Texans will be a different team this year. The Titans can't do a thing with Andre Johnson either.And finally the Titans were able to throw on the Ravens. They just get the plays they needed to get in the end zone.

They didn't get the plays they needed to get in.

I think were saying the same thing from two different angles:

1. Having a great defense and running game will take you places, but you can't get there unless you have the entire package. (Which is why I mentioned our inept receiving and need to grab a QB in the draft or FA)
2. We are right...what good is running game if you can't score? Smash and Dash scored 24 TD's last year. It didn't matter that LenWhale could not cover 30+ yd runs. Did it matter for Bettis in Pitt, or does it matter for Jacobs in NYC?
3. We are correct to think that the AFC South is going to be wide open. Are the Titans as good as their 13 wins last year? How will the Colts manage under new coaching? When will the ever growing talent pool of the Texans start to take hold? We would probably agree that the most accurate prediction about the AFC South that can be made is that Jacksonville is the most likely team on the decline.
4. We, and everyone else in the world, agree that the Titans need a QB. (Whether VY finally kicks in or they get someone else) Kerry is 147 yrs old and frankly "just not the guy we need." Whoever our future QB is he doesn't have to be Peyton or Tom (though it would be nice). Good decisions, reliable, great leader, durable.....Like Big Ben. (I didn't miss him as you pointed out. I said that the Steelers have a great D, a run-first attitude, and "oh, they can pass" Their passing ability is the reason I brought up Pitt in the first place)






Which brings us to the main question of the column. The Titans have rarely had or maintained the entire package. They've had Moon and McNair, the phenomenal defenses, the stellar running games......but rarely together and for rarely very long. They just don't seem to shell out the money to keep the talent around. (not that merely throwing money around wins championships.......ala Yankees........but it helps.......ala Yankees)