tennessee3

With other matters addressed, Shane Bowen has much to prove

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans changed little about their defensive staff and a lot about their defensive personnel after a horrific performance in 2020.

The new players have to do their thing, of course, but in his second season as Mike Vrabel’s most prominent defensive assistant, Shane Bowen is center stage now.

BowenGW

Shane Bowen, pool photo, George Walker, The Tennessean

He is no longer tethered to the Titans’ outside linebackers. He wears the defensive coordinator tag and owns the freedom to roam position practice meetings and practice periods.

Things will be different for him in 2021.

“Ultimately being the final voice, right, it has changed in that regard,” he said, though with the alpha Mike Vrabel above him there will certainly be times we’re left to wonder how final.

Read More...
Write comment (4 Comments)

Early OTA participation speaks to lack of competition for Titans' starting spots

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Veteran OTA attendance is likely to pick up, at least some, for the Titans this week.

I counted 51 of 9- players at Thursday’s session that was open to the media, but among the projected starters only Anthony Firkser, Amani Hooker and Teair Tart were on the field.

As I wrote that day, I understand the voluntary element of this time on the team’s calendar. But the way things really work, it’s not entirely voluntary. A fight between the union and management is playing out, and the undercard is pitting the Titans’ theme of team-first against what is best for individuals.

VrabelTeachGW

Pool photo George Walker, The Tennessean

Though it’s not entirely clear how the top Titans may have concluded staying away as part of a fight against something their union collectively bargained for in 2020 is best for them.

At any rate, what strikes me now is that through the first week of Phase 3 of OTAs so few players felt job security as a force in their decision about showing up.

Read More...
Write comment (2 Comments)

OTAs create conflict with Titans team-first preaching

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Voluntary or not, at OTAs the Titans’ preaching about being a good teammate and doing what is best for the team is clashing right now with guys doing their own thing and following the guidance of their union.

The NFLPA failed to negotiate away OTAs in a new collective bargaining agreement it signed off on in 2020.

punch

Pool photo, George Walker, The Tennessean

Only a year later, after seeing the effects of an OTA-less offseason that resulted from the pandemic, the union has decided the spring and summer obligations are unnecessary and pushed players to stay away.

The largest share of Titans ever were not at the Thursday session open to the media.

Read More...
Write comment (5 Comments)

Mike Vrabel: I won't challenge any players to lead

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Natural-born leader is a cliché, but it fits Mike Vrabel like a well-tailored tailored suit.

His leadership style may be a turnoff to some. It’s clear he can be heavy-handed. Wesley Woodyard has said the coach doesn’t deal well with people who have differing opinions.

VrabelRookiesMH

Pool photo, Mark Humphrey, AP

I think it’s fair to say it’s imperfect leadership. But it can unquestionably be effective leadership. People will follow him. Plenty of players and the Titans’ organization certain have during his three years. Jon Robinson said when he hired Vrabel he wanted a “leader of men." He certainly hit on that.

Vrabel's own qualities as a leader certainly shape how he thinks about leaders in his locker room.

Read More...
Write comment (3 Comments)

Six players the Titans are counting on too much from right now

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – We know the Titans still have an incomplete roster. We don’t know what more, if anything, they will do to round it out.

louisville fitzpatrick desmond 2

Dez Fitzpatrick, courtesy Louisville athletics

Given the way things stand right now, here are the six players who they are counting on too much.

Read More...
Write comment (4 Comments)
Cron Job Starts