Question: Why are Titans a "Super Bowl Contender" while we are laughing stock?

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

And we draft players like Chris Cooley, Samuels, Sean Taylor, and Brian Orakpo, so what's your point?

The point is that Tennessee isn't known for splurging for free agents the way we are. It's not to say that we ignore the draft, just that we rely on the free agent market more than the Titans do, and it costs more towards the salary cap.

[Chico23231]

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

The point is that Tennessee isn't known for splurging for free agents the way we are. It's not to say that we ignore the draft, just that we rely on the free agent market more than the Titans do, and it costs more towards the salary cap.

Agree. The team, coaches, and players are not the laughing stock but the way the FO is run would be looked at as the laughing stock, even though that is a little too harsh. The culture of the FO needs to be changed, this isnt fantasy football. Overpaying Free Agents (we all know the list) and giving away draft picks(last year J. Taylor) is not how to building championship football. I think in the last several years we have drafted better but even though I would disagree with several decisions. Fat Albert is gonna be solid, but I winced when I heard the numbers. I think giving a guy 4 years out of football, 100+ lbs out of shape a contract and then stating it "changed our draft strategy" is simply retarded. If the FO thought a little ahead of things we wouldnt have to do things like this. I think if they looked at Pittsburg, New England, and even the Giants, the FO could pick up some ideas about how to put together a team. Instead the mentality is whenever a free agent hits the market we get the first call because agents know we will over spend, thats the laughable part.

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

The point is that Tennessee isn't known for splurging for free agents the way we are. It's not to say that we ignore the draft, just that we rely on the free agent market more than the Titans do, and it costs more towards the salary cap.

Historically that is true but that has changed significantly under Zorn. And the Titans have several times overpaid for free agents, just not to the tune of $100 mil. It's a difference of degree, not of kind.

It may be that in a few years Tennessee will pay big $$ for someone like Devin Thomas and the tables will be turned.

[44Deezel]

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

The point is that Tennessee isn't known for splurging for free agents the way we are. It's not to say that we ignore the draft, just that we rely on the free agent market more than the Titans do, and it costs more towards the salary cap.

And I'll bet money the Titants don't make Chris Johnson the highest paid player on offense when his contract comes up. RBs don't win championships. My GUESS (facts be damned) is that the better run teams don't put as much money in as few players as we seem to do, which affords them the luxury of depth. If so much money is tied up in Haynesworth on D and Portis on O, I would think that hurts our ability to have quality depth at as many positions, so when our ALL-WORLD draft picks want to get paid, we have no choice but to pay them. Steelers, Pats, Titans, etc. seem able to let those players walk without skipping a beat. Again, just wild speculation on part. Don't care enough to back up my argument with petty facts

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by 44Deezel

And I'll bet money the Titants don't make Chris Johnson the highest paid player on offense when his contract comes up. RBs don't win championships. My GUESS (facts be damned) is that the better run teams don't put as much money in as few players as we seem to do, which affords them the luxury of depth. If so much money is tied up in Haynesworth on D and Portis on O, I would think that hurts our ability to have quality depth at as many positions, so when our ALL-WORLD draft picks want to get paid, we have no choice but to pay them. Steelers, Pats, Titans, etc. seem able to let those players walk without skipping a beat. Again, just wild speculation on part. Don't care enough to back up my argument with petty facts

Exactly. Geez, I really don't want to open up another Portis debate, but you're right -- running backs rarely make the difference and we have way too much invested him. He'll probably get the all-time Redskin rushing record, and that's nice, but what do we have to show for it?

In the end, the age-old axiom still holds true -- it usually comes down to your quarterback. And what are we all saying this year? It all comes down to Campbell. All the 1400, 1500, and 1600 yard rushing seasons from Portis so far haven't taken us to the Promised Land. Think about it -- when was the last time a running back has carried the team on his shoulders to a Super Bowl? Many here would point to Riggins, and Cowboy fans would say Emmitt Smith. But recently, it's all been about your QB and your D.