Tag: no_mcc

Titans have chance to play international game in 2022

There’s a chance the Titans will have a game overseas in 2022.

The NFL has revealed the five teams that will host an international game in 2022, and there’s a chance the Tennessee Titans will be involved in one of those contests.

The five teams include the Green Bay Packers (London), the New Orleans Saints (London), the Jacksonville Jaguars (London), the Arizona Cardinals (Mexico City) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Munich).

Of the three games in London, two will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (Packers and Saints), while one will be at Wembley Stadium (Jaguars).

The game in Mexico City (Cardinals) will be held at Estadio Azteca, and FC Bayern Munich Stadium will host the contest in Germany (Buccaneers).

While both the Jaguars and Packers are away opponents for the Titans in 2022, Tennessee can only meet Green Bay in an international game, as a rule change taking effect this year mandates AFC vs. NFC matchups.

Taking it a step further, the Titans are one of three possible opponents for the Packers in London, with the New England Patriots and New York Jets being the other two.

The last time Tennessee went overseas was during the 2018 campaign when they lost to the Los Angeles Chargers, 20-19, at Wembley Stadium in London.

International games are a great way for the NFL and its teams to expand their appeal globally, but the long travel involved is definitely a negative. The good news is teams taking part will likely get a bye the following week.

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Four-star linebacker has notable crystal ball predictions for Penn State

The early crystal ball predictions are favorite Penn State for a four-star linebacker in Virginia.

One of the best features that recruiting service 247Sports offers is crystal ball predictions. Recruiting analysts from local to national levels get a chance to go on the record with their most dedicated guesses for each recruit, some daring to go on the record earlier than others. But it is a good way to measure which way things are developing on the recruiting trail when certain analysts cast their crystal ball predictions.

In the case of four-star linebacker Tony Rojas, out of Virginia, Penn State fans may want to be paying close attention to the crystal ball predictions for him.

In February, two 247Sports writers cast their crystal ball predictions of Rojas eventually committing to Penn State. And they are certainly worth recognizing as those predictions came from Steve Wiltfong, the director of football recruiting for 247Sports, and Sean Fitz, the insider for Lions247 who has a long history covering Penn State recruiting. The two are the only crystal ball predictions in for Rojas at the moment, and given each’s prediction record on the crystal ball tracker, this should be a strong indication of Rojas’ future with the Nittany Lions.

Rojas, at 6′-3″ and 200 lb, is rated as a three-star recruit in the Class of 2023 according to 247Sports, but his composite ranking actually sees him as a four-star prospect. In high school he has actually played wide receiver and defensive back, but he has the build for a linebacker.

The Virginia recruit already has a healthy assortment of offers from across the country, and the early indications are he has not yet narrowed down the list too much, at least publicly. But the early picks going Penn State’s way is certainly an encouraging sign on the recruiting trail for Penn State.

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PFF names Zach Cunningham a cut candidate for Titans

If the Titans were to cut Cunningham, they’d save $10.4 million.

With the Tennessee Titans entering the offseason over the cap and needing to free up cap space, the team will inevitably make cuts, but could linebacker Zach Cunningham be among them?

Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger thinks so. He believes the Titans should cut Cunningham, a move that would save $10.4 million and incur no dead-cap hit. Here’s his take:

“The Titans brought Cunningham aboard late in the 2021 season after he was released by the Texans and only owed him roughly $400,000 for the remainder of the season as the No. 1 seed looked to make a deep playoff push. Tennessee fell to Cincinnati in the divisional round, and Cunningham’s salary now jumps to $10 million for 2022. 

“Tennessee has some work to do on its roster, and paying top dollar to an off-ball linebacker may not be something it can afford.”

If the Titans were to cut Cunningham, who was brought in via waivers last season, they’d have to depend on David Long and 2021 third-round pick Monty Rice as starters on the inside.

While Long has proven himself worthy, the jury is still out on Rice, who is also coming off a serious injury that ended his season after 10 games. As a result, the Titans might be wise to give Rice another season before giving him the keys to the car.

The reality is, the Titans will likely hold on to Cunningham.

Not only was he sensational last season, especially against the run, but his contract isn’t exactly outlandish. In fact, it ranks 13th in the NFL among inside linebackers in terms of his 2022 cap hit.

The Titans have several avenues in which they can free up money with cuts and restructures, but Cunningham shouldn’t be one of them.

As we’ve said many times this offseason, the goal should be to run it back with as much of the same defense as possible after how well it played last season, and that includes Cunningham.

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Titans fall near bottom of NFL draft pick value power rankings

The Titans are projected to have seven picks in the 2022 NFL draft.

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In a recent power rankings of all 32 NFL teams’ draft capital value, the Tennessee Titans fell near the bottom of the league.

According to Tankathon, which used the Jimmy Johnson draft pick value chart that assigns scores for each selection in the draft, something that is widely used around the NFL to this day, the Titans ranked 27th.

Tennessee is projected to have seven picks, with one in the first, third and fifth rounds, and two apiece in the fourth and sixth rounds if recent compensatory pick estimates come to fruition.

The total value of those picks comes in at 956.2. Only the Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams had a lower score.

Tennessee doesn’t have any selections in the second or seventh rounds due to the trades involving wide receiver Julio Jones and 2020 first-round bust, Isaiah Wilson.

While the overall value of their picks isn’t great, the good news is that a win-now team like the Titans isn’t as reliant on draft picks as other teams that are rebuilding.

Adding to that, the Titans have enough draft capital that they can move up in most rounds if they want to land a player they covet.

One thing general manager Jon Robinson can’t do is have another draft class like the last few, both of which have seen plenty of disappointment, whether as a result of injury, ineffectiveness, or both.

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Breakdown of possible Titans draft target Tyler Linderbaum

Linderbaum could be an option for the Titans at the end of the first round.

Now that the 2021 NFL season has come and gone, it’s time to start preparing for the new league year, when the Tennessee Titans will look to improve their team ahead of the 2022 season.

Up until draft weekend, we will be breaking down some of the more intriguing collegiate prospects the Titans could consider in the 2022 NFL draft.

Today’s breakdown is going to be one of the top offensive linemen in this draft class, 2021 Big-Ten offensive lineman of the year, Tyler Linderbaum.

The Iowa native was a decorated five-sport athlete at Solon High School, the versatile athlete participated in basketball, track and field, wrestling, baseball, and football during his four years there.

However, football was the sport that truly showcased his unique talents. By the time he was nearing the end of his senior season, the talented offensive lineman had plenty of big-time offers.

Unfortunately for those schools, they never had a realistic chance. Home is where the heart is, and that’s where Linderbaum was always going to spend his collegiate career.

Now that it’s inevitably time for Linderbaum to leave the comfort of his hometown surroundings, could the Iowa product call Nashville, Tennessee his next home?

The Titans currently possess the 26th pick in the upcoming NFL draft, so let’s take a closer look at what makes Linderbaum a possibility for Tennessee.

Name: Tyler Linderbaum

Position: Interior offensive lineman

College: Iowa

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 290 pounds

9 AFC South stories from last week for Titans fans to know

Carson Wentz’s future in Indianapolis continues to look bleak.

Another week, another trip around the AFC South to see what the Tennessee Titans’ rivals — the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars — are up to.

As we prepare to turn the calendar over to March and remain just weeks away from the start of free agency, the Colts are apparently still weighing their options under center. Carson Wentz is anything but secure.

Meanwhile, the Texans have finalized their 2022 coaching staff under new head coach Lovie Smith, and the rebuilding team finds itself in a good position when it comes to the upcoming draft.

In Jacksonville, the Jaguars have some decisions to make in terms of the franchise tag, and head coach Doug Pederson also revealed the support system that will be in place for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

Those are just some of the nine stories we’re covering in what is our latest trip around the AFC South to check in on the Colts, Jaguars and Texans.

Watch: Ex-Titans CB Breon Borders surprises grandma with money for house

The reaction from Borders’ grandma and aunt are priceless.

Former Tennessee Titans and current Arizona Cardinals cornerback Breon Borders is giving back to his family members.

Borders posted a video on social media of him giving money to his aunt and grandma that would allow them to not only pay off their own house, but for his grandma to purchase a new one.

The reaction is priceless, of course, and videos like this of NFL players giving back to their families never gets old.

Borders appeared in 17 games (five starts) for the Titans over the past two seasons before being waived last November.

He then latched on with the Cardinals in December, playing in one game before being waived a month later. Borders has since signed a futures deal with Arizona, putting him on the team’s offseason roster.

Over 31 career games (six starts), Borders has 42 combined tackles (one for loss), one interception, seven passes defended, one QB hit and one fumble recovered.

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Game day Tipico betting odds for Florida basketball at Georgia Bulldogs

The Gators hold an edge over the Dawgs in Athens this afternoon.

Florida basketball is quickly running out of opportunities to pad its regular-season record ahead of the Big Dance next month but is presented with an opportunity for a relatively easy win on Saturday on the road against the rival Georgia Bulldogs. The Gators had been riding high after a defeat of the then-No. 2 Auburn Tigers last weekend, but came back to Earth the following Tuesday after a loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks.

The Gators enter the day at No. 55 in the NET rankings, making this a Quadrant 2 matchup for the ‘Dawgs, while the latter’s No. 212 ranking makes it a Quadrant 3 game for Florida. As such, a loss would be absolutely devastating for the Orange and Blue’s March Madness aspirations while a win would simply help keep it afloat on the tournament bubble. The good news is that the oddsmakers are feeling quite bullish about the Gators’ chances today.

The Tipico Sportsbook favors the Gators by 9.5-points over the Bulldogs while the over/under is set at 143.5. The money lines for Florida and Georgia are minus-520 and plus-370, respectively, as of 9:15 a.m. EST.

Team Spread Money Line Total Points
Florida -9.5
-108		 -520 O 143.5
-110
Georgia 9.5
-112		 +370 U 143.5
-110

Florida in a must-win situation on the road against Georgia

How to follow Florida basketball at Georgia Bulldogs

Tipoff is scheduled for noon EST on Saturday night inside Stegeman Coliseum, Athens, Georgia. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2, livestreamed on the ESPN app and can be heard on the Gators IMG Sports Network.

All Betting Lines are Courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook

Visit our free to play game lobby at Daily Ticket, Powered by Tipico Sportsbook

Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

Zion Johnson listed as a ‘dream draft target’ for Titans

If the Titans are looking to add a guard in the 2022 NFL draft, Johnson should definitely be on their radar.

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One area of need the Tennessee Titans might have upon entering the 2022 NFL draft is at the guard position.

We say might because that depends on the future of left guard Rodger Saffold, who is no doubt a candidate to be a cap casualty in 2022.

Saffold has been a great leader and a mauler in the run game during his time in Tennessee, but his pass protection was sorely lacking in 2021, and he was constantly banged-up during games.

If Saffold is cut, the Titans might have an in-house solution in 2020 UDFA Aaron Brewer, who has been solid as a backup the past two seasons.

However, the jury is still out on if Brewer is not only capable of being a starter, but also being an upgrade over Saffold.

If the Titans find themselves in the market for a new left guard, Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay believes Boston College product Zion Johnson would be Tennessee’s “dream draft target.”

Tennessee would be fortunate to land Boston College guard Zion Johnson when it’s the team’s turn to select on Day 1.

Johnson is a beefy 6’2″, 314-pound guard with a powerful playstyle. He has a low center of gravity and is extremely strong, making him almost impossible to beat with a bull rush.

If he lands with the Titans, the Eagles product will pave lanes with ease for superstar running back Derrick Henry while also offering adequate protection for quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

A two-year starter at Boston College, Johnson has experience playing both left guard and left tackle during that span. He projects to be a guard at the next level but could fill in on the end if required.

Tennessee would be getting an immediate contributor with this selection, a perfect pickup for a team looking to make a run before its window closes.

There’s a lot to like about Johnson.

While he projects as a guard at the next level, he does have at least some versatility thanks to his playing tackle in college. Furthermore, Johnson appears to be ready to contribute right away. The 6-foot-3, 316-pound interior lineman also excels in a zone-run scheme

Joe Marino of The Draft Network believes that Johnson is at his best in pass protection, which is good news for a Titans offense that needs to improve in that area. Marino calls Johnson “above-average” in the run game.

“Johnson is a smart and physical blocker with consistent technique. He plays within himself and is rarely caught with poor posture or poor control of his frame. I believe he is best in pass protection but he’s still an above average run blocker that is comfortable operating in space. Johnson has plug-and-play potential at guard in the NFL and given how consistent his technique is, I would keep him on the left side. He has the makeup of an above average starter that can lock down a starting role at least through a second contract.”

Johnson is one of three offensive linemen we’re on board with at the end of the first round. He, along with center Tyler Linderbaum (if Ben Jones leaves in free agency) and tackle Trevor Penning, should all be on Tennessee’s radar at No. 26 overall.

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Watch: Titans’ top 5 turnovers from the 2021 season

Titans safety Kevin Byard makes the list twice.

The Tennessee Titans have revealed which five turnovers they feel were the best of the bunch during the 2021 season.

In all, the Titans forced 22 takeaways, so there were a good amount to choose from. Safety Kevin Byard led Tennessee in that department after notching five interceptions and recovering one fumble. He turned two of his six takeaways into touchdowns, also.

Unsurprisingly, both of Byard’s defensive touchdowns (one fumble recovery versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, and a pick-six against the Los Angeles Rams) made the list.

Joining him on the list was fellow safety Amani Hooker, who notched a diving interception against the Cincinnati Bengals in the divisional round.

Cornerback Elijah Molden’s pick-six off Carson Wentz and the Indianapolis Colts, and linebacker Rashaan Evans’ diving interception against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs also made the cut.

Of the four players who had plays in the top five, three of them are under contract for 2022. Evans is the only one who is not.

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