Overview of Madden Teams - Tennessee Titans

A few seasons ago, I'd say the Titans were an underdog team who could surprise a lot of people online. This year, however, is a completely different story. This roster is not a very good one, although there is some talent here. Tennessee is not a potential playoff team, but they could manage a few upset wins.

Offensively:

Quarterbacks - Zach Mettenberger (74 overall, 23 years old) could be their next franchise quarterback - but it's too early to tell. He has decent mobility for a passer (64 speed, 58 agility), has a strong arm (95 throw power), and solid accuracy (77 short, 76 medium, 80 deep). Should he fail to impress, Jake Locker (73, 26) can step in and lead the Titans as well. His athleticism (83 speed, 85 agility), arm strength (94), and accuracy (72 short, 74 medium, 66 deep) is decent enough.

Running Backs - Shonn Greene (74, 29) is the lead back for this team, with his 83 speed and 78 agility (poor speed for a runner), his good trucking (87), and good carrying (87). He is only a decent runner, as Greene would be a better fit to split carries and be a goal line back. Rookie Bishop Sankey (73, 21) is a decent bright spot in this group, but he doesn't have a great skill set at the moment. Dexter McCluster (73, 26) is the speed back on this team, with 94 speed and agility. He is a playmaker (with 80 catching), even with his below average 74 carry rating. Fullback (and former halfback) Jackie Battle (76, 30) would honestly be a better option to run the ball than any of Tennessee's halfbacks. His 82 speed and 77 agility aren't overly impressive, but his 88 trucking and 89 carrying make him a better ball carrier than any of the aforementioned players. His run blocking isn't terrible (60), but could definitely be improved.

Wide Receivers - Kendall Wright (85, 24) is one of the very few bright spots on this offense. He is a solid starter, with good speed (92 speed, 94 agility), good hands (90 catch, 87 catch in traffic), and solid route running (86). Across from him should be Justin Hunter (75, 23). Hunter is a decent receiver with good speed (93 speed and agility), decent hands (74 catch, 75 catch in traffic), and great size (6'4", 203). In the slot should be Kris Durham (71, 26) because of his solid hands (83 catch and catch in traffic). Veteran Nate Washington (80, 31) makes for a good backup, but this position as a whole needs a makeover.

Tight Ends - Delanie Walker (85, 30) is a good option in this offense (especially with the lack of weapons) with very good speed for a tight end (87 speed, 84 agility), and decent catching abilities (77 catch, 72 catch in traffic). He is a good blocker at the same time, with 78 run blocking. Craig Stevens (78, 29) is a very good blocking tight end (84 run blocking), backing up Walker.

Offensive Line - Tennessee's best thing going on the offensive side of the ball may surprisingly be the line. Michael Roos (89, 32) - while ageing - is a very good starter at left tackle. He provides good veteran leadership, and can teach a thing or two to others in this group. Left guard Andy Levitre (86, 28) is another good starter - solidifying the left side of the line. With two solid veterans along the line, center (left tackle-turned center for the sake of the depth chart) Taylor Lewan (75, 23) provides a good change of pace. He has potential at literally any position along the line. 22 year old Chance Warmack (83 overall) is another high-potential superstar in the making at right guard. Should he improve in pass blocking, he could become one of the best, young linemen in the league. Right tackle is the position with the most need, as Byron Stingly (72, 25) doesn't seem to warrant a starting job.

Defensively:

Defensive Line - Ropati Pitoitua (78, 29) is a good option to rush the passer with his great block shed (91), and tackle (85) ratings. Also, at 6'8", he can bat passes down, should he not get to the quarterback in time. At the right end position is another superstar in Jurrell Casey (92, 24). He can tackle very well (90 tackle, 86 hit power), shed blocks quickly (89), and pursue the ball carrier with great determination (91). The interior of the line is made of a couple of 27 year olds who are decent, but not exactly great. Al Woods (79 overall) and Sammie Hill (75 overall) can do their jobs adequately, but neither are true game changers.

Linebackers - Left side linebacker Derrick Morgan (82, 25) is a converted defensive end, who can make his share of plays for his defense. His tackle ratings are decent (79 tackle, 75 hit power), block shed is solid (83), and pursuit is good as well (85). 30 year old Kamerion Wimbley (74) is a decent option on the right side - although he isn't necessarily an ideal starter. His tackle rating isn't very impressive (66 tackle, 83 hit power), and he is not a very mobile player (79 speed, 78 agility). I personally suggest moving third string middle linebacker, Zach Brown (76, 24) to the right side, as his speed (89 speed, 88 agility), tackle ratings (85 tackle, 86 hit power), pursuit (90), and zone coverage (76) will most certainly come in handy on the outside. Wesley Woodyard (77, 28) mans the middle, with solid movement skills (85 speed, 81 agility), good catching for a linebacker (67), solid tackling (80 tackle, 83 hit power), good pursuit (87), and zone coverage (82). This could be a very solid linebacking corps if a few adjustments are made.

Cornerbacks - Jason McCourty (87, 27) is quite a fine starter for the Titans on the outside. His 83 man coverage and 89 zone coverage lead this roster. He can stay with the opposing teams' number one receiver. Across from him is Brandon Harris (73, 25), who has solid coverage ratings as well. While his 81 man and 77 zone coverages aren't the best in the league, he makes for a decent (but not stellar) number two guy. As the nickel back, Coty Sensabaugh (71, 25) has solid ratings for the job, with 77 man and 79 zone coverages. He is a decent fit in the slot for this defense. Blidi Wreh-Wilson (72, 24) and Jemea Thomas (63, 24) make for decent - but not very good - depth.

Safety - Rookie Marqueston Huff (74, 22) starts at free safety, with good speed (90 speed, 85 agility), decent tackling (72 tackle, 65 hit power), decent pursuit (78), and solid zone coverage (76). Michael Griffin (73, 29) makes a solid backup to the rookie, with 87 speed, 67 catch, and 74 zone coverage. At strong safety, Bernard Pollard (86, 29) is a consistent intimidator. Even with average speed (80 speed and agility), his tackle ratings (85 tackle, 89 hit power), pursuit (85), and decent zone coverage (74) make up for it.

Summary - Don't get me wrong, this is not a good team. They have too many holes to fill offensively (possible quarterback, franchise running back, wide receivers, right tackle), and too many question marks defensively (defensive tackle, cornerback, and free safety) to actually be a threat - in real life or on madden. The Titans have a few special players (Kendall Wright, Taylor Lewan, Jurrell Casey, Zach Brown, and Jason McCourty) to build around. Unfortunately, it's going to take multiple seasons in rebuild mode to improve them, so I don't suggest using Tennessee if you're online, and legitimately want to win.