The Associated Press
TENNESSEE TITANS (7-9)
New faces: Coach Ken Whisenhunt, defensive coordinator Ray Horton, RT Michael Oher, RB Dexter McCluster, LBs Wesley Woodyard and Shaun Phillips, DL Al Woods, rookies LT Taylor Lewan and RB Bishop Sankey.
Key losses: Coach Mike Munchak, RB Chris Johnson, CB Alterraun Verner, K Rob Bironas, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, WR Kenny Britt.
Strengths: Coach, WR, TE, RB, OL.
Weaknesses: DL, K.
What’s New: Horton is transitioning Titans from 4-3 to 3-4 scheme. Whisenhunt brought in his offense and will be calling plays. He’ll free McCluster and WR Kendall Wright from simply working slot and use them in as many positions as possible. Titans are going with running back by committee approach with Johnson now with Jets.
Expectations: Titans have sights set on first playoff berth since 2008. But for all Whisenhunt’s changes, Titans will go as Locker goes. Quarterback must stay on field most, if not all, of season in final year of rookie contract. Horton also must show new defensive scheme can work with most of the same pieces left from last year.
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