Titans? home slate features exciting games
Frankly, there was no way to make an easier schedule for the Titans than the one they had last year, filled with soft games with teams like Cleveland, Arizona and the ?Niners.
It?s usually at this time I go through the Titans? upcoming schedule and comment as to how I expect they will fare in the coming year. However, coming off years of 5-11 and 4-12, and now with an uncertain quarterback situation, I haven?t the slightest idea of what to expect in the coming year.
While Steve McNair will be lost ? to be replaced by Billy Volek, who is not that far behind McNair?s level actually ? the Titans did fill some needs in free agency in the area of the defense and at wideout. However, it would be pure speculation to assess what impact these moves will make. The one upside is that it will be hard to go worse than 4-12 when you have at least two games with the Texans. The downside is that the schedule is tougher this year, and the Colts are still on it two times.
While I have no idea what to expect this year, I do know the home schedule looks interesting even if it is tough. I?m going to be front and center on Sept. 10 at the Coliseum to watch the Titans take on the Jets. I?ve never seen the Jets in person. As to who will win, a lot of that will come down to whether the incredible breaking man, Chad Pennington, is already hurt. However, he generally will wait a couple of games into the season to have his freak injury and send his team spiraling downward the rest of the season. Just remember, the Jets picked right after the Titans this year.
The Oct. 1 game should also be marked on your calendar as T.O., the Tuna and the rest of the Cowboys roll into town for a rare appearance. I know there are a lot of Cowboy fans around these parts, many of whom may cross over much as Red Wing fans show up in red at Predator games every year.
On Oct. 29, the Texans come to town. I?ve never seen the Texans play in person and seeing they passed on Reggie Bush this year, I will keep that record intact.
Now, for the biggie. On Nov. 12, if things go as projected, Steve McNair will be back starting at the Coliseum, this time with our sworn rivals, the Baltimore Ravens. How weird will this be? McNair to Derrick Mason for touchdowns and Samari Rolle in the secondary. Crazy stuff.
On Nov. 26, the Giants will roll into town followed on Dec. 3 by Peyton Manning and the Colts. Say what you will about Peyton, but I?ve seen that guy, each year he?s been here, stand at the back gate of the Coliseum for an hour after the game, signing autographs for anyone who wants one. He?s a class act no matter who you?re rooting for.
The home season is then rounded out by the Jaguars on Dec. 17 and the three-time champion Patriots on New Year?s Eve.
Much to my chagrin, aside from pre-season games, every last Titan game has a noon kickoff with the exception of their road game week two in San Diego. Of course, you won?t get primetime games after a 4-12 season. However, should the Titans out-perform expectations, there?s a loophole this year whereby carriers can change kickoff times of certain games.