Titans' Griffin earns biggest Week 5 fine, $21K for hit on Vikings' Jenkins

NEW YORK -- Tennessee Titans safety Michael Griffin has been fined $21,000 by the NFL for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Vikings wide receiver Michael Jenkins.

The league said Friday that Griffin committed unnecessary roughness against a defenseless player.

Fined $15,750 by the league were Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry, Seattle Seahawks defensive end Chris Clemons, St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn and San Diego Chargers linebacker Melvin Ingram.

Perry was docked for striking Colts quarterback Andrew Luck in the neck and head area. Clemons unnecessarily drove Panthers quarterback Cam Newton to the ground. Quinn made helmet-to-helmet contact against Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb. Ingram struck Saints QB Drew Brees in the head and neck area and drove him to the ground.

New York Jets guard Matt Slauson was docked $10,000 for his illegal block on Texans linebacker Brian Cushing that tore ligaments in Cushing's left knee, sidelining him for the season.

Colts defensive end Cory Redding was fined $7,875 for unnecessary roughness against Packers running back Cedric Benson. Titans DT Sen'Derrick Marks was docked $7,875 for unnecessary roughness on a late hit against Minnesota. Rams DT Jermelle Cudjo was fined $7,875 for roughing the passer; he grabbed Kolb by the facemask in an attempt to tackle him and ripped off his helmet.

Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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Titans' McCarthy, Britt questionable for Vikings game

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Titans linebacker Colin McCarthy and receiver Kenny Britt both are questionable for Sunday's game against Minnesota. McCarthy at least has practiced; Britt has not seen any action in two consecutive weeks due to his sprained left ankle.

McCarthy has not played since injuring the ankle in the season opener against New England. He practiced Wednesday and was limited Friday, so coach Mike Munchak said they will have to see how much they can use the defensive captain against the Vikings (3-1).

"We'll have to see how the game goes and what kind of game it is," Munchak said. "We're going there to win, and we need him on the field, So if he can help us win, we're doing that. We'll have to see how he is on Sunday. If we have to limit him, we'll decide what package to keep him in."

Britt will test his ankle Saturday and before the game Sunday to determine if he can play. He has played only one game this season in the Titans' overtime win Sept. 23 against Detroit.

"Whoever is healthy to play and we feel can help us will go in there and play. If we feel they're both good and can contribute to Sunday, then we'll have them on the field. If we feel they can't help us, then there's no reason them to play, and we'll wait till Thursday," said Munchak, whose team faces a quick turnaround hosting Pittsburgh on Thursday.

Tight end Jared Cook said his injured left shoulder is feeling better, and he is probable for Sunday.

"I feel a lot better than last week," said Cook who sprained his AC joint against Detroit. "It just comes with the territory. It's gonna take some time to fully heal, but it feels a heck of a lot better."

Defensive end Scott Solomon (hamstring) and linebacker Patrick Bailey (hand) both practiced Friday and are questionable as is tackle Mike Otto (hand/knee).

Jake Locker was ruled out earlier in the week due to a dislocated left shoulder with Matt Hasselbeck starting for the Titans (1-3).

Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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Titans place DE Dawson (hamstring) on IR, sign DE Egboh

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans have placed defensive end Keyunta Dawson on injured reserve with a hamstring injury and signed defensive end Pannel Egboh (PUH-nell EGG-bow) to fill the roster spot.

The Titans announced the move Wednesday.

Dawson was hurt early in last week's 44-41 overtime win over Detroit. The 6-foot-6, 287-pound Egboh had been on the Titans' opening day roster, but he was inactive for the opener against New England. The Titans released him two days later. Egboh spent last season on the practice squad.

A native of Mesquite, Texas, Egboh went to Stanford and has been with San Francisco, Houston and Philadelphia.

Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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Rosario's 3 TD catches lead Chargers past Titans; Seau's No. 55 retired

CBSSports.com wire reports
Sep. 16, 2012

SAN DIEGO -- Dante Rosario looks right at home in Qualcomm Stadium's end zones.

Four years ago, Rosario caught a game-winning touchdown pass as time expired to lift Carolina over the San Diego Chargers.

On Sunday, the tight end made the most of Antonio Gates' absence by catching three TD passes for the first time in his NFL career to help the Chargers beat the Tennessee Titans for the ninth straight time, 38-10.

"He likes catching touchdowns here," said Philip Rivers, who threw scoring passes of 11 and 4 yards to Rosario on the first two possessions by the Chargers (2-0) and then hit the wide-open tight end on a 15-yarder in the third quarter.

"I thought he was phenomenal. He went out and did what was asked of him," said Gates, who was a game-time scratch due to a rib injury sustained in the season-opening win at Oakland on Monday night.

"He just tore it up today. Things happen in mysterious ways, man. It might have been meant for Dante to have this game. I'm very happy for him."

Half of Rosario's eight career TD catches have been at Qualcomm Stadium.

"This ranks higher because I'm a Charger," Rosario said when asked to compare Sunday's game with the one in 2008 when his scoring catch beat San Diego.

"I always prepare like it's going to be a big week but Gates was kind of a last-second decision, so it wasn't a sure thing that I was going to take the number of reps that I did today."

The Titans (0-2) didn't double-cover Rosario like teams often do to Gates.

"When you have a quarterback like Rivers who is very good, he makes guys look good," Titans coach Mike Munchak said. "He puts the ball where it's supposed to be. Believe me, there was not a letdown when we knew Gates wasn't playing. We knew they still had some great weapons and we saw that again today."

Rosario praised Rivers.

"All of those passes were in places where the defender couldn't get it," he said.

Another backup, running back Jackie Battle, had two 1-yard touchdown runs in the fourth quarter. With Ryan Mathews still not back from a broken collarbone, Battle saw extensive duty.

San Diego's defense had a big day, too, by harassing Jake Locker and stuffing Chris Johnson.

Before the game, the Chargers (2-0) retired Junior Seau's No. 55. Seau, the hard-hitting, first-pumping leader of the Chargers for 13 seasons, committed suicide May 2.

San Diego's winning streak against the Titans (0-2) dates to 1993, when the franchise was still the Houston Oilers.

Rivers was 24 of 32 for 284 yards. Malcom Floyd had six catches for 109 yards and Rosario four catches for 48 yards.

It was a rough day all around for the Titans, who were held to 212 yards of total offense.

"We didn't look like an NFL team," said Chris Johnson, who had only 17 yards on eight carries. He was coming off a career-low 4 yards on 11 carries in a 34-13 loss to New England.

"I really don't know what's going on," Johnson said. "I don't know how we're going to fix it or whatever. Can't get the running game going, can't get no yards no matter what we do. I don't know at this point."

Locker was 15 of 30 for 174 yards.

"No one wants to start 0-2," Locker said. "It's not the way you envisioned it going. ... I wasn't able to move the ball consistently. Whatever's not working for us, we have to figure it out and work hard to overcome it."

San Diego moved 71 yards on its first possession and appeared to score on a 7-yard pass from Rivers to Floyd. Floyd was so sure it was a score that he started to slam the ball over the crossbar before noticing the official called it incomplete. Coach Norv Turner challenged, but the call was upheld. After Curtis Brinkley was thrown for a 4-yard loss, Rivers found Rosario for an 11-yard TD.

The Titans were awful early. On their third play from scrimmage, Locker was hit by Shawn Phillips and threw a wobbly pass that was intercepted by Eric Weddle, giving the Chargers the ball on the Titans 31.

Six plays later, Rosario caught his second TD pass from Rivers for a 14-0 lead.

On the Titans' next possession, Locker stumbled as he was being chased by Donald Butler on third-and-9 from the Titans 12 and had to throw the ball away underhanded to avoid a sack.

Tennessee didn't get its first first down until its third drive. The Titans finally scored on their fourth possession, settling for Rob Bironas' 23-yard field goal after a promising drive stalled to make it 17-3. Locker scrambled for 20 yards on third-and-9 and the Titans got 15 more yards when Vaughn Martin was whistled for a late hit.

San Diego's Nate Kaeding, who tied his career best with five field goals in an opening win against Oakland, kicked a 26-yard field goal on the Chargers' third drive.

Rosario's third TD catch came late in the third quarter.

Tennessee's only touchdown came on a 15-yard pass from Locker to Kendall Wright late in the third quarter to make it 24-10. The score came three plays after a 71-yard kickoff return by Lavelle Hawkins.

Notes: Rosario hurt his right calf in the second quarter and went to the locker room but later returned. ... Rivers is 6-0 in his career against the Titans, with a 100.6 passer rating. ... Titans WR Kenny Britt returned from a one-game NFL suspension for a DUI arrest and had one catch for 5 yards.

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Brady shakes off bloody nose; Pats handle Titans

CBSSports.com wire reports
Sep. 9, 2012

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tom Brady might have a broken nose, about the only damage inflicted by the Tennessee Titans against the New England Patriots who simply don't lose season openers.

Brady threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns, and the defending AFC champion Patriots routed the Titans 34-13 for their ninth straight season-opening win Sunday. It's the longest current streak in the league.

"I need some scars," Brady said, joking about the white bandage covering his nose and marring his usual look.

Titans defensive end Kamerion Wimbley hurt Brady in the second quarter when he got Tennessee's only sack of the game. Brady said that was the only good hit he took all day and complimented his revised offensive line featuring a new left tackle in Nate Solder, new center in Dan Connolly and right guard in Donald Thomas.

"It wasn't perfect by any stretch, but it's always fun to win," Brady said. "It's a good feeling."

The Patriots ruined Jake Locker's debut as Tennessee's starter, sacking him twice and forcing two turnovers. New England rookie Dont'a Hightower returned Locker's fumble 6 yards for a TD in his own debut, and Stevan Ridley ran for 125 yards and a TD.

New England even knocked Locker out of the game in the fourth quarter and held Chris Johnson to 4 yards on 11 carries.

"This is something that can be a backbone for us," Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork said. " To hold a great back to only 4 yards that was good defense."

Locker hurt his left shoulder tackling safety Patrick Chung on a fumble return officials should have whistled dead as an incomplete pass to Titans receiver Nate Washington, who also was hurt on the play. Matt Hasselbeck replaced Locker, who was kept on the sideline as a precaution.

The eighth pick overall in 2011 tried to talk his way back onto the field after being examined. Locker said he was sore but expects to play next week at San Diego. And he won't shy away from tackling in the future.

"I know I'm playing offense," Locker said. "I'm not going to let a guy run into the end zone."

The Titans weren't happy at the failure of the replacement officials on three different passes into the end zone they thought deserved flags for pass interference. Coach Mike Munchak said there always will be calls they believe are missed by officials.

The first came on the opening drive when Devin McCourty helped break up a pass to Damian Williams in the end zone. The second wound up an interception by Patriots rookie Tavon Wilson on a pass to Washington. The third came with Chung defending Jared Cook in the fourth quarter that left the Titans tight end pleading his case to an official.

Williams had an opinion on the lack of a flag, but refused to criticize the officials, who also needed replay to overturn the on-field ruling of an interception by McCourty in the third quarter that squirted out when he hit the ground.

The Titans even had former Tennessee basketball coach Pat Summitt on hand, not that she could help them stop or even slow Brady -- despite spending the offseason prepping for the teams' first meeting since being routed 59-0 in New England in October 2009.

Brady threw five TD passes in one quarter that day. He didn't match that Sunday, but didn't need to with Ridley providing plenty of help on the ground as the Patriots outgained Tennessee 390-284.

"They're going to make their share of plays, which we knew," Munchak said. "We just couldn't help them, and unfortunately along the way, we helped them."

The Titans couldn't match Brady's efficiency and had to settle twice for field goals of 28 and 24 yards by Rob Bironas. Locker did find Washington on a 29-yard TD in the third quarter even with Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones grabbing the quarterback.

Brady missed connecting with Brandon Lloyd for a would-be TD on the opening drive. That was among his few misses.

He put the Patriots up 7-3 with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Hernandez late in the first quarter, capping a 67-yard drive. It was Brady's 301st career pass, surpassing John Elway for fifth in TD passes in NFL history. It also marked his 33rd straight game with a TD pass. He found Rob Gronkowski on a 2-yard TD pass just before halftime for a 21-3 lead.

The Patriots' work boosting their defense through the draft showed early dividends. Jones sacked Locker and forced a fumble that Hightower ran in for a 14-3 lead in the second quarter.

Notes

Patriots coach Bill Belichick got his 193rd career victory, tying him for eighth all-time with Chuck Knox. Brady became the 14th player with 40,000 yards passing in his career. He has 40,215 yards, just shy of Johnny Unitas (40,239) for 13th. Brady now has sole possession of fifth for career wins by a quarterback with 125. Brady is 5-1 against Tennessee and has 10 TDs with no interceptions in those games. Titans LB Colin McCarthy had a walking boot on his right foot but said he'll be OK.

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Johnson aims at second 2K season; better Titans line may help

Monday June 04, 2012 - 2:44 PM
By Len Pasquarelli | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

Johnson rushed for 2,006 yards in 2009 but only 1,047 in 2011. (Getty Images)

No one has ever rushed for 2,000 yards in a season two times in NFL history. But at only 26 years old, set to turn 27 only a couple weeks into the season, Chris Johnson is aiming to become the first.

"That's definitely the goal," Johnson said.

Johnson's age alone shouldn't be viewed as a deterrent. Barry Sanders rushed for 2,053 yards in 1997 at age 29.

"I think it can be done," the Tennessee Titans' star tailback reiterated to The Tennessean newspaper recently.

And, history aside, it probably can be. But only if the Titans' offensive line, previously a model of stability and performance, plays better in 2012 than it did last season. And, too, if it comes together after an offseason of change.

Much of the culpability for Johnson's dropoff the past two seasons, after becoming only the sixth player in league history to run for 2,000 yards in 2009, has focused on the four-year veteran back. And, arguably, deservedly so, especially after a lengthy holdout in 2011 that followed the lockout.

Johnson dropped from 2,006 yards in '09, to 1,364 yards in 2010, and to a career worst 1,047 yards last season. His average per carry, only 4.0 yards, was also the lowest of his career. And only two seasons after posting seven runs of 40 yards or more in '09, he registered only one.

But the lockout seemed to affect the continuity and cohesion of the Tennessee line almost as much as it did Johnson. The unit, widely regarded as one of the league's best, has not been nearly as good the past two campaigns. And the falloff has had some kind of impact, it seems, on Johnson's productivity.

That the line hasn't been quite as good, and contributed in part to Johnson's slip, is reflected by the actions of the Tennessee football operation in the offseason. The tackle tandem of Michael Roos (left) and David Stewart (right) has stayed intact. But the interior of the unit has been overhauled after a spotty 2011 performance.

Tennessee signed 11-year veteran and seven-time Pro Bowl blocker Steve Hutchinson, and installed him at left guard, and even at age 34, he is being counted on to help supply an aggressive attitude that seemed to be missing at times in 2011. Left guard Leroy Harris likely will move to the right side to replace the departed Jake Scott. And, as if to signal some questions about longtime center Eugene Amato, the Titans visited with five free-agent snappers in the spring. They signed none, but Amano, who has vowed to retain his starting job, clearly was put on notice. As Nashville-area media outlets have noted, the interior of the line remains a work in progress in offseason practices.

The unit, which pro scouts around the league contend did not block nearly as well at "the second level" the past two seasons as in 2009, will clearly be different in its second season under line coach Bruce Matthews, who was in his first season with the franchise last year.

There is probably some credence to the "second level" assessments of NFL scouts in rating the play of the Tennessee line the past couple of seasons. In 2009, Johnson had 22 rushes of 10 or more yards, seven of 40 yards or more. The past two years, he has totaled only 24 of the former, five of the later. The synergy required of a solid running game has been as lacking as Johnson's electrifying sprints.

But with the presence of Matthews and second-year head coach Mike Munchak, two Hall of Fame guards, one would think the blocking unit would be improved.

"And it will be," said Harris, entering his third season as a starter.

Which could place the onus on Johnson in 2012. And the former first-round draft choice (2008) seems eager to accept the mantle.

"[I've] never felt better," Johnson said last month. "Whatever happened last year, well, it happened, and it's behind me."

Johnson suggested to The Tennessean that he is "still the best back in the league."

Having added 10-12 pounds, and fully committed to the offseason program for the first time in his career, Johnson appears motivated to regain his previous form. And the retooled offensive line has worked hard to smooth out the kind of rough spots always inherent to change. In addition, offensive coordinator Chris Palmer, who came aboard in 2011, will have a second season, minus a lockout, to put his scheme into place. And, as noted, Matthews will also be in his second go-round with the club.

Johnson has debunked the notion that he was perhaps overused during his first two seasons in the league. But in 2008-2009, he averaged 5.3 yards per year, including 5.6 yards per attempt in his 2,000-yard campaign. The past two years, his average has fallen off to 4.2 yards, despite carrying less. But Johnson, whose rushing scores have also dropped off, to 15 the past two years after 23 his first two, has not railed about his workload, and seems to want the ball just as much as ever.

It's not unusual for a back's production to slump after a 2,000-yard season. Not counting Terrell Davis, who rushed for 2,008 yards in 1998 but then was injured for much of '99 (when he ran for only 211 yards), 2,000-yard backs have posted between 32 percent and 51 percent fewer yards the following season. So Johnson's slide of roughly one-third between 2009 and 2010 is not that unusual. Of the back who stayed healthy, though -- Davis never again ran for over 701 yards because of injuries -- no one has rung up two consecutive "down" years. In addition to the second-time, 2,000-yard goal, Johnson, whose total of 5,645 yards is the best mark ever for a runner in his first four NFL seasons, wants to put an end to that kind of slippage as well.

"There are people out there who aren't going to give me the respect that I deserve," Johnson said in The Tennessean. With the aid of an improved offensive line, Johnson is aiming to regain that respect.

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Finding the Fits: Titans hope 3rd-round pick Mike Martin helps clog running lanes

Posted: 08:54 AM ET May 25, 2012

By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

Martin should help improve a run defense that finished 24th last season (US Presswire)
Over the next several weeks, NFLDraftScout.com will be reviewing some of the more intriguing picks made during the 2012 NFL Draft through a series called "Finding the Fits." The goal of the series is to identify one relatively unheralded player per team who appears to be a good schematic fit and therefore more likely to be a surprise contributor early in his pro career.

New Tennessee Titans general manager Ruston Webster and head coach Mike Munchak systematically checked off the needs for his team as the 2012 draft unfolded. Need a playmaker to take the place of the oft-injured Kenny Britt? Check, the Titans selected standout wideout Kendall Wright at No. 20 overall. Need more speed at the weakside outside linebacker position to pair with intriguing second-year standouts at middle linebacker Colin McCarthy and strongside linebacker Akeem Ayers? Check, the Titans handled that with the speedy Zach Brown in the second round.

Perhaps the duo's most intriguing pick, however, was Michigan defensive tackle Mike Martin in the third round, especially considering the Titans' struggles at defending the run.

Tennessee finished 24th in the NFL a year ago in terms of average rushing yards allowed, allowing 2,053 yards (or 128.3 yards per game) and even worse when it came to defending the run on third down. No team in the NFL finished worse than the Titans when it came to stopping the opponent on third down against the run, as they allowed 52 runs up the middle for first downs. The Titans like their young defensive tackle rotation of Sen'Derrick Marks, Shaun Smith and Karl Klug but with Peyton Manning moving on to the Denver Broncos, the division title requires stopping the Texans' Arian Foster and Jaguars' Maurice Jones-Drew. That's where the high-effort, run-plugging Martin comes in.

The 6-1, 307-pound Martin hardly looks like a run-stuffer but as Titans' fans already know with the 6-3, 275-pound Klug, who incidentally led the Titans with seven sacks a year ago, size is overrated. Martin, just like Klug, proved against quality competition the throughout his career as well as at the Senior Bowl that stuffing the run is more of a comment on physicality, effort and leverage than just size.

Martin is a high-effort run-defender whose use of leverage and explosive strength due to his championship credentials as a prep wrestler and shot putter, make him all the more effective than his size would indicate. If the Titans are to earn a playoff spot in 2012, they'll have to improve against the running game.

Martin, while not necessarily as physically imposing as several of the defensive tackles drafted ahead of him, will help them do them do just that.

The rest of the Titans' picks:

1st Round - No. 20 overall - Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
2nd Round - No. 52 overall - Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina
3rd Round - No. 82 overall - Mike Martin, DT, Michigan
4th Round - No. 115 overall - Coty Sensabaugh, CB, Clemson
5th Round - No. 145 overall - Taylor Thompson, TE, Southern Methodist
6th Round - No. 190 overall - Markelle Martin, FS, Oklahoma State
7th Round - No. 211 overall - Scott Solomon, DE, Rice

Read more about all of the Titans' picks here.

Tags: 2012 Draft Prospects, Draft, Draft Prospects, Finding the Fits, NFL Draft, Tennessee Titans, NFLDRAFT

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NFL Football Picks and NFL Expert Predictions - Tennessee Titans Preview For the 2010 Season

Titans owner Bud Adams offered Peyton Manning 'contract for life'

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Posted: 11:19 AM ET March 15, 2012

.oO Titans owner Bud Adams offered Peyton Manning 'contract for life' By Ryan Wilson | NFL Blogger

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Bud Adams knows what he wants and what he wants is Peyton Manning. (AP)
The Titans appear to be going all-in on Peyton Manning. Eighty-nine-year-old owner Bud Adams said previously that he will do whatever it takes to sign Manning in his chase for a championship and he sees the quarterback as the missing piece. Never mind that Tennessee drafted Jake Locker with the No. 8 pick last April.

2012 NFL free agency coverageLatest moves: Free agent tracker | TradesEye on Football: Top 100 free agents Kirwan: Top 30 free agents: Manning best ever? Prisco: Top 30 free agents: New sheriff in townNFL coverage on the goOn iTunes | Subscribe to newsletterFor Adams, landing Manning transcends money. NFL Network's Michael Lombardi wrote Wednesday that, in addition to handing the quarterback a blank check, there's also the "promise Manning could be part of the Tennessee Titans' organization after his playing days are through." We have no idea if a front-office gig is something Manning is looking for when he retires but Lombardi points out that it's a perk the Broncos, who are also heavily recruiting Manning, can't offer (John Elway currently occupies that corner office).

But it gets better: according to KOU11 in Houston, Adams has offered Manning a "contract for life." And the owner isn't worried about Manning's neck, which required multiple surgeries and kept him out for the 2011 season.

"I'm only concerned how strong it is in September, when he starts the regular season," said Adams during a phone interview with KOU11. And there's even good news for Locker: the owner really likes the former first-rounder and thinks he'll have a great future, it's just that you can't pass up the opportunity to land a player like Manning.

Fair enough, but here's the thing: if Manning plays three more years, when he finally retires in 2014, Locker will be a free agent. As we mentioned Wednesday, that's not exactly the best use of an eighth-overall pick.

And because you can't get enough, we talked about the latest on Manning -- as well as a Day 2 recap of free agency -- on the Pick-6 Podcast:


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Titans keep playoff hopes alive, edge Jaguars

CBSSports.com wire reports
Dec. 24, 2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Mike Munchak told his Tennessee Titans to forget their embarrassing loss in Indianapolis, which cost them control of their playoff fate. The first-year coach insisted they focus only on their final two games and just see what happens.

Well, Matt Hasselbeck threw for 350 yards and a touchdown, and Jared Cook had 169 yards receiving to help the Titans beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-13 Saturday in their final home game. That keeps the Titans alive in the AFC wild-card playoff chase, which few outside of Tennessee might have predicted in Munchak's first season.

Hasselbeck said Munchak told them they could be proud if they finish 9-7.

"We'll take it because we knew what it took to do it regrouping after that loss, winning today and hopefully winning next week," Hasselbeck said. "But we're in the hunt. But again ... it's important for us to focus on the stuff that we can control and all we can control is how we play and hopefully getting a win next week."

The Titans (8-7) at least snapped a two-game skid and finished this season 5-3 at home under Munchak. They head to Houston for the finale with a chance at their first winning record since 2008. Cincinnati (9-6), a winner over Arizona, holds the final wild-card spot with the Titans tied with Denver, Oakland and the Jets at 8-7.

"We don't control anything else but beating Houston in Houston, and that's not an easy task in itself," Munchak said.

Cook had a 55-yard TD catch and finished with 169 yards receiving, a franchise high for a tight end. Rob Bironas kicked three field goals, including a pair of 51-yarders, and rookie Jamie Harper ran for his first career touchdown.

Maurice Jones-Drew, the NFL's rushing leader with 1,334 yards coming into the game, ran for 103 yards and a touchdown for the Jaguars (4-11). He has a career-high 1,437 yards this season, not that Jones-Drew wanted to talk about his personal achievements with only four wins this year.

"It hurts, and it's past frustrating," Jones-Drew said. "I don't know how many times we've been in the game and not [won]. That hurts more than frustrates you."

The Jaguars now have lost five of six in this injury-riddled season. Jacksonville had a sack and forced three turnovers the Jaguars turned into 10 points.

They forced two of those in the fourth quarter and missed a big chance when Morgan Trent picked off a ball tipped by Drew Coleman and ran it back to the Tennessee 18. The Titans stopped Jones-Drew on third-and-3 when he carried a direct snap a yard short. Blaine Gabbert then tried to throw into the end zone on fourth-and-1, only to have the ball tipped by Titans cornerback Jason McCourty to safety Michael Griffin for an interception.

"The bottom line is we've got to play better in all phases of the game," Gabbert said. "On offense, it starts with me."

Dawan Landry recovered a fumble by Harper with 5:38 left at the Tennessee 35. Greg Jones capped the drive with a 1-yard TD run with 3:41 left.

The Titans ran out the clock out from there.

"At the end of the day, we didn't execute well enough on our side of the ball," Jacksonville interim head coach Mel Tucker said.

Chris Johnson finished with 56 yards on 15 carries and remains 14 yards shy of his fourth 1,000-yard season. He had just 10 yards in the first half, and he said he wasn't sure if he would be able to play with a sore right ankle until he got treatment and warmed up before kickoff.

He did have a 13-yard run staying inbounds to take the clock to 2 minutes, allowing the Titans to kneel down for the victory.

"To still be alive and still have another game that we need to go and win, it feels good," Johnson said.

The Titans came out throwing behind Hasselbeck. Offensive coordinator Chris Palmer unveiled a game plan Saturday featuring lots of throwing against a secondary that had cornerback Ashton Youboty hurt his hamstring in the second half.

The 13-year veteran looked fully recovered from the strained left calf that hobbled him a week ago in a loss at Indianapolis. He threw three times to Cook in the first quarter alone, including the TD as the tight end outran Jaguars linebacker Paul Posluszny before jumping into the end zone for a 10-0 lead. Cook's fourth catch gave him a career-high 113 yards early in the second quarter.

"You can't run with Cookie down the middle like that," Hasselbeck said.

For Cook, it was the kind of performance expected from him since the Titans swapped a future second-round draft pick to trade up and grab him in 2009.

"We have a lot of offensive weapons," Cook said. "I mean they're not always going to be able to use one person all the time or call one person's number all the time. I'm happy for the opportunity to finally be able to showcase a little bit more than I have been."

Hasselbeck had one lone mistake in the first half when defensive end Jeremy Mincey dropped into coverage and picked off a pass. Josh Scobee kicked a 39-yard field goal to pull Jacksonville within 17-10 at halftime. Still, Hasselbeck had his second-best passing day this season.

"He is a savvy veteran," Mincey said of Hasselbeck. "He steps up. He was letting it go."

Gabbert looked as sharp as the 10th pick overall has during his rookie season when he drove the Jaguars 82 yards. He completed all five passes for 68 yards before Jones-Drew capped the 82-yard drive with his 10-yard run.

But Titans rookie Karl Klug sacked Gabbert to end the Jaguars' first drive of the third quarter, and they did a much better job pressuring him the rest of the game.

Notes

Cook's 55-yard TD catch was the second longest of his career. Hasselbeck topped 3,000 yards for the season with the 55-yard TD pass to Cook. He topped 300 yards for the day, the 24th such game of his career, with a 48-yard toss to Williams. Titans receiver Damian Williams had a career-high eight catches. With his second field goal, Bironas set a career high with six field goals of 50 yards or longer this season. For Jones-Drew, it was his fifth 100-yard game this season. He had 177 and 186 yards in his last two trips to Nashville.

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Titans draft needs: Young miss creates chain reaction

It seems like it was just yesterday that I was sitting in Jeff Fisher's office last summer as he talked about being the longest-tenured coach in the league and went on and on about the talent on his 2010 team.

"This is the best team we've had," Fisher said.

Oops. Here we are eight months later and Fisher is no longer even the coach in Tennessee, and the team is trying to pick up the pieces from a disappointing 6-10 season.

Mike Munchak, the team's offensive line coach, takes over for Fisher and he does so with a major problem.

Who plays quarterback?

Vince Young, who was a flop last season and ultimately was benched by Fisher, is on his way out. Kerry Collins is a free agent and might retire. Chris Simms is also a free agent and might not be back. That leaves Rusty Smith, whose only start as a rookie was a disaster.

Do they need help or what?

Munchak hired Chris Palmer to run the offense, and he has a reputation for being good with quarterbacks. He'll need to be.

The defense wasn't very good either last season. The Titans were 26th in total defense and gave up more first downs than any defense in the league.

Jake Locker, QB, Washington: Have you looked at their QB depth chart? They need help and they like Locker.
Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas: He is a strong-armed passer who would help back off defenses for Chris Johnson.
Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn: His defensive line coach at Auburn was Tracy Rocker, who is now the D-line coach for the Titans.
Martez Wilson, ILB, Illinois: He would help at a position that needs it in the worst way.
Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina: He has the speed, but he's coming off a serious ACL injury. Might be worth a look in the third round.

Munchak has a big rebuilding job in front of him.

Where did all that talent that Fisher talked about last summer go?

QB: With Young gone and the two veterans now free agents, the only player to evaluate is Smith. He was a sixth-round pick last year who impressed Fisher in camp. He is smart player with a good arm. But when he was forced to start, he was horrible, getting picked off three times in a 20-0 loss. Even so, he has the makeup to be a backup in the league for a long time. The Titans might draft a quarterback early in this draft. There is talk they like Jake Locker from Washington. If Collins returns, he could be a good mentor for two young passers. But how much does he have left? This is a serious problem for the Titans. That's what missing on Young has done.

RB: Chris Johnson remains one of the league's best. He is an explosive runner who can turn a handoff into a 70-yard run, one of the few in the league with that kind of ability. But Johnson, coming off his 2,000-yard season in 2009, wasn't as good as the year before. Part of that was because the Titans didn't run block as well and there wasn't a passing game to scare teams down the field. Javon Ringer is the top backup, a role he serves well. Fullback Ahmard Hall is one of the best blocking fullbacks in the NFL.

WR: The Randy Moss experiment didn't work. After they signed him midway through the season, he did nothing. He is a free agent and won't be back. Kenny Britt is the top receiver and when he's on the field he's a good player. But he has to stay healthy and out of trouble. Britt was arrested Tuesday and faces felony charges. If he plays, he is a big, strong player who should be ready for a big season -- if they fix the QB situation. Nate Washington hasn't lived up to what the Titans expected when they paid him a lot of money as a free agent a few years back. Justin Gage is a solid veteran player, but he doesn't run that well. Damian Williams showed potential as a rookie and should get on the field more in 2011.

TE: Second-year player Jared Cook played well as the season moved along, getting 15 catches in the final three games. He is a pass-catching tight end who should be more effective when the quarterback situation is fixed. Craig Stevens is the blocking tight end. He isn't much more than that. Bo Scaife, who is more of a flex tight end, is a free agent who isn't expected back. They could use a player here for depth.

OL: This seemed to be a strong point during much of Fisher's tenure, but it wasn't as good last season. Tackles David Stewart and Micheal Roos, one of the best tandems heading into the season, weren't as good as expected. The play inside also tailed off. Eugene Amano, who took over at center for veteran Kevin Mawae, wasn't as good in the run game, and it showed. He got hurt late and Fernando Velasco played decent in his place. Left guard Leroy Harris really struggled and right guard Jake Scott was just OK. The result was they didn't get as much push in the run game. They have to be better inside and could use an early pick on a lineman. There is some young depth, which the Titans have to consider using inside next season.

DL: Under Fisher, the one thing you could always count on was a good front. Not last season. It was a unit that underachieved and was bothered by injuries. End Jason Babin was the unit's best player and finished with 12? sacks. He is a free agent and might not be back. The new regime likes bigger lineman. Jason Jones started strong at tackle, but seemed to slow as the season went along. He's still a good player. Tony Brown was bothered by injuries all season and didn't live up to the new contract he got from the team. Rookie Derrick Morgan, the team's first-round pick, showed pass-rush ability from the end spot when he was on the field, but his season was ended by a torn MCL. William Hayes and Jacob Ford, two players the Titans thought could be productive pass rushers heading into the season, didn't do what was expected. They both have ability. Veteran defensive tackle Jovan Haye wasn't very good. This is a unit that has some talent, but it needs to avoid the injury troubles of 2010

LB: This is a major position of concern. Middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch makes a lot of tackles but he can't cover anybody. He is a real liability in coverage. He can run to the football, but he isn't big and guards can sometimes eat him up. Veteran Will Witherspoon was solid but he is in his ninth season. He's starting to slow down. The other spot saw Gerald McRath start 12 games after being suspended for the first four for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. He didn't play with the same suddenness as he did in 2009 and was a disappointment. There isn't much in terms of backups, although Tim Shaw and Rennie Curran are good special-teams players. Curran, who is small, might get a chance to challenge for time this season.

DB: This was a unit that didn't play as well in 2010 as it did the year before. Cortland Finnegan is still a good corner but he had an off year. He seemed to get caught up too much in the dirty player talk and didn't play as well as in recent years. But he is the least of the concerns in the secondary. Jason McCourty was solid on the other side, but missed time with a broken forearm. Alterraun Verner showed well as a rookie nickel corner and as a starter when he took over for McCourty. He was a steal. The veteran safeties were just OK. Chris Hope seems to be slowing down some and he really struggled. Michael Griffin was the better of the two, and did improve over 2009, but he still isn't as good as his reputation. The backups are mostly special-teams players, although Vincent Fuller has been the nickel corner and Ryan Mouton has seen playing time.

View the original article here

Titans draft needs: Young miss creates chain reaction

It seems like it was just yesterday that I was sitting in Jeff Fisher's office last summer as he talked about being the longest-tenured coach in the league and went on and on about the talent on his 2010 team.

"This is the best team we've had," Fisher said.

Oops. Here we are eight months later and Fisher is no longer even the coach in Tennessee, and the team is trying to pick up the pieces from a disappointing 6-10 season.

Mike Munchak, the team's offensive line coach, takes over for Fisher and he does so with a major problem.

Who plays quarterback?

Vince Young, who was a flop last season and ultimately was benched by Fisher, is on his way out. Kerry Collins is a free agent and might retire. Chris Simms is also a free agent and might not be back. That leaves Rusty Smith, whose only start as a rookie was a disaster.

Do they need help or what?

Munchak hired Chris Palmer to run the offense, and he has a reputation for being good with quarterbacks. He'll need to be.

The defense wasn't very good either last season. The Titans were 26th in total defense and gave up more first downs than any defense in the league.

Jake Locker, QB, Washington: Have you looked at their QB depth chart? They need help and they like Locker.
Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas: He is a strong-armed passer who would help back off defenses for Chris Johnson.
Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn: His defensive line coach at Auburn was Tracy Rocker, who is now the D-line coach for the Titans.
Martez Wilson, ILB, Illinois: He would help at a position that needs it in the worst way.
Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina: He has the speed, but he's coming off a serious ACL injury. Might be worth a look in the third round.

Munchak has a big rebuilding job in front of him.

Where did all that talent that Fisher talked about last summer go?

QB: With Young gone and the two veterans now free agents, the only player to evaluate is Smith. He was a sixth-round pick last year who impressed Fisher in camp. He is smart player with a good arm. But when he was forced to start, he was horrible, getting picked off three times in a 20-0 loss. Even so, he has the makeup to be a backup in the league for a long time. The Titans might draft a quarterback early in this draft. There is talk they like Jake Locker from Washington. If Collins returns, he could be a good mentor for two young passers. But how much does he have left? This is a serious problem for the Titans. That's what missing on Young has done.

RB: Chris Johnson remains one of the league's best. He is an explosive runner who can turn a handoff into a 70-yard run, one of the few in the league with that kind of ability. But Johnson, coming off his 2,000-yard season in 2009, wasn't as good as the year before. Part of that was because the Titans didn't run block as well and there wasn't a passing game to scare teams down the field. Javon Ringer is the top backup, a role he serves well. Fullback Ahmard Hall is one of the best blocking fullbacks in the NFL.

WR: The Randy Moss experiment didn't work. After they signed him midway through the season, he did nothing. He is a free agent and won't be back. Kenny Britt is the top receiver and when he's on the field he's a good player. But he has to stay healthy and out of trouble. Britt was arrested Tuesday and faces felony charges. If he plays, he is a big, strong player who should be ready for a big season -- if they fix the QB situation. Nate Washington hasn't lived up to what the Titans expected when they paid him a lot of money as a free agent a few years back. Justin Gage is a solid veteran player, but he doesn't run that well. Damian Williams showed potential as a rookie and should get on the field more in 2011.

TE: Second-year player Jared Cook played well as the season moved along, getting 15 catches in the final three games. He is a pass-catching tight end who should be more effective when the quarterback situation is fixed. Craig Stevens is the blocking tight end. He isn't much more than that. Bo Scaife, who is more of a flex tight end, is a free agent who isn't expected back. They could use a player here for depth.

OL: This seemed to be a strong point during much of Fisher's tenure, but it wasn't as good last season. Tackles David Stewart and Micheal Roos, one of the best tandems heading into the season, weren't as good as expected. The play inside also tailed off. Eugene Amano, who took over at center for veteran Kevin Mawae, wasn't as good in the run game, and it showed. He got hurt late and Fernando Velasco played decent in his place. Left guard Leroy Harris really struggled and right guard Jake Scott was just OK. The result was they didn't get as much push in the run game. They have to be better inside and could use an early pick on a lineman. There is some young depth, which the Titans have to consider using inside next season.

DL: Under Fisher, the one thing you could always count on was a good front. Not last season. It was a unit that underachieved and was bothered by injuries. End Jason Babin was the unit's best player and finished with 12? sacks. He is a free agent and might not be back. The new regime likes bigger lineman. Jason Jones started strong at tackle, but seemed to slow as the season went along. He's still a good player. Tony Brown was bothered by injuries all season and didn't live up to the new contract he got from the team. Rookie Derrick Morgan, the team's first-round pick, showed pass-rush ability from the end spot when he was on the field, but his season was ended by a torn MCL. William Hayes and Jacob Ford, two players the Titans thought could be productive pass rushers heading into the season, didn't do what was expected. They both have ability. Veteran defensive tackle Jovan Haye wasn't very good. This is a unit that has some talent, but it needs to avoid the injury troubles of 2010

LB: This is a major position of concern. Middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch makes a lot of tackles but he can't cover anybody. He is a real liability in coverage. He can run to the football, but he isn't big and guards can sometimes eat him up. Veteran Will Witherspoon was solid but he is in his ninth season. He's starting to slow down. The other spot saw Gerald McRath start 12 games after being suspended for the first four for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. He didn't play with the same suddenness as he did in 2009 and was a disappointment. There isn't much in terms of backups, although Tim Shaw and Rennie Curran are good special-teams players. Curran, who is small, might get a chance to challenge for time this season.

DB: This was a unit that didn't play as well in 2010 as it did the year before. Cortland Finnegan is still a good corner but he had an off year. He seemed to get caught up too much in the dirty player talk and didn't play as well as in recent years. But he is the least of the concerns in the secondary. Jason McCourty was solid on the other side, but missed time with a broken forearm. Alterraun Verner showed well as a rookie nickel corner and as a starter when he took over for McCourty. He was a steal. The veteran safeties were just OK. Chris Hope seems to be slowing down some and he really struggled. Michael Griffin was the better of the two, and did improve over 2009, but he still isn't as good as his reputation. The backups are mostly special-teams players, although Vincent Fuller has been the nickel corner and Ryan Mouton has seen playing time.

View the original article here