How do you replace a former MVP, however brittle the bones?  This season, the Titans will find out as former QB Steve McNair left town to join the Baltimore Ravens.  In his ten starts with the Titans, QB Billy Volek did very well, passing for 2,789 yards and forming a strong rapport with WR Drew Bennett.  However, despite performing at a high level when needed to start, the Titans did two things this offseason that didn’t show much faith in Volek.

The Titans drafted QB Vince Young in the draft with plans of him becoming the QB of the future.  Okay, fine, so that leaves Volek at the very least as the QB of the present, right?  Umm, maybe not so much.  At least not after the Titans signed free agent veteran, QB Kerry Collins, who played well for the Oakland Raiders last season.  So, I think that we can pretty much assume that the doorknob will be hitting Volek’s backside at some point this season.

However, the QB situation isn’t the only controversial one as the group of RBs can pretty much be chosen by closing your eyes, spinning yourself around, and pinning that starting spot to whomever you may.  RB Chris Brown will get first crack at being the main ball carrier with RB Travis Henry coming in possibly for goal line carries.  Rookie LenDale White will be part of the Titans’ future as Young is.

Bennett is WR1 with David Givens, a free agent acquisition, being WR2.  It’s not a combination that inspires awe, but it’s a more than capable one.  TE Ben Troupe could have a breakout season, based on the potential he flashed last season.

OLB David Thornton was just one of several offseason acquisitions brought in to provide some leadership to the Titans, along with C Kevin Mawae.  Thornton and fellow OLB Keith Bulluck for a great one-two punch for the defense.  CB Pacman Jones has the talent and only needs to show results.  And Jones will need to because the Titans secondary is probably the Titans’ weakest area.

For all intents and purposes, this is a rebuilding year for the Titans.  They have enough horses on offense to compete and certainly the front seven on defense is good, but I don’t see much winning here, especially with their tough schedule.  With the exception of the Jets in Week One, the next five opponents for them are expected to contend to make the playoffs - @ SD, @ MIA, host DAL, @ IND, and @ WAS.  That would be a grinding stretch for any team and could prove to be a backbreaker for the Titans heading into their bye week in Week 7.  Coming back, it could be time for Mr. Young to show his stuff.