The Tennessee Titans were optimistic as the 2009 NFL season came to a close and now as the 2010 NFL season approaches it appears the wheels are about to come off again on the Titans season. Chris Johnson is holding out in an attempt to secure a 30-40 million dollar bonus and Vince Young has already found trouble off the field and the training camp has yet to start.
Jeff Fisher Has No Patience for Chris Johnson's Agenda
When 2000 yard rusher, Chris Johnson, put the word out that he was dissatisfied with his contract, a disgruntled Jeff Fisher smirked and said to reporters in Titan camp, "Yeah I would like a 30-40 million dollar bonus too!"
Fisher has been around the block a few times as an NFL coach and he knows that following up a 2000 yard season is not only tough, it has never been done. Johnson may know this also and is trying to cash in before it is too late. One thing is sure, if Johnson misses some of or all of training camp, he will see limited touches to start the NFL season.
In anticipation of Johnson's decline, Fisher drafted two up and down runners. Stafan Johnson from USC is a solid running back that missed most of his 2009 collegiate year after a tragic weightlifting accident that crushed his wind pipe and nearly killed him. Before the accident Johnson had not done much in 2009 but 2008 he carried for 1300 yards. Fisher also draft Oregon's problem child LaGarrette Blount.
Does Vince Young Have the Stability to Lead Tennessee?
Tennessee is stuck with Vince Young for good or bad but his discretion at a strip club in Texas is more fuel to Jeff Fisher's fire. Fisher has never been much of a supporter for Young in years passed but last year, Young appeared to win over his coach Fisher. With one mistake in Texas, Young erased much of coach Fisher's trust and now must start training camp with an empty slate.
Young has been in this position before but now it may be more critical than ever. Young must show his coach, management and his fellow teammates that he is focused on becoming a leader on the Tennessee Titans and righting his sinking credibility. Does Young have the capability of resurrecting his career yet another time?
Final Breakdown of Tennessee Titans 2010 NFL Season
Almost through an entire article about the 2010 Tennessee Titans and no talk of defense? That is a major factor in Tennessee's comeback in the 2010 NFL season. Tennessee has struggled the last year and a half with defense and with Chris Johnson expected to take a dive in 2010, Tennessee could be on thin ice once again.
A key to Tennessee winning more than seven games will e based completely on their defensive exploits. If Tennessee cannot get their defense in gear this could be a setback to a 4-12 NFL season.
Todd Jacobs - Todd Jacobs is a freelance writer with publishing credits including USA Today, Orange County Register and Speed TV.
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