AFC SOUTH TENNESSEE 2014 STRENGTHS: • The depth and skill along the offensive line Titans Offense Perhaps the biggest change to the offense in 2014 will be how new coach Ken Whisenhunt implements his system within the current crop of players on the roster. Just based on prior years, Whisenhunt has shown that he favors the passing game and has an aptitude for having a game plan that revolves around it. He will need to be very innovative this year. Gone is franchise stalwart running back Chris Johnson to the Jets after he led the Titans in rushing for the last six years. Trying to replace him will be second-round pick out of Washington Bishop Sankey. Last year Sankey broke Corey Dillon’s school record for rushing yards as he ran for 1,870 yards while also scoring 20 touchdowns despite playing behind an offensive line that was inconsistent at times. With an emphasis being put on the passing game, quarterback Jake Locker will have to show the form that made 2014 WEAKNESSES: • Lack of depth at the skill positions TITANS him the eighth overall pick in 2011. Locker was well on his way to improving upon his 2012 campaign when injuries interrupted his season and limited him to seven games. He finished the year with 1,256 yards through the air while also gaining 155 yards on the ground. Locker will hope to have the same chemistry with wideout Kendall Wright as former quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. In his second season out of Baylor, Wright had a breakout year as he pulled down 94 passes for 1,079 yards. Another player that could have a major impact on the offense is free-agent acquisition Dexter McCluster. The Chiefs import is as flexible as they come, as he can be used both out of the backfield and in the slot as a wide receiver. The Ole JASON O. WATSON/GETTY IMAGES SPORT Miss product utilizes his speed and shiftiness just as well as a punt returner and is a threat to take one back for a touchdown any time he touches the ball. Offensive Player to Watch Without Fitzpatrick to back him up, the pressure is all on Locker’s shoulders to lead this team back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2008 season. He will have to play like he did at the start of last season, where he led the team to a 3-1 record despite being knocked out of the game against the Jets on September 29. In those games, Locker threw six touchdowns with no interceptions. Upon his return from injury he threw only two touchdowns and four interceptions. Whether it’s Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde, the player that shows up under center will determine the Titans’ season. Kendall Wright
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