Five reasons to feel good about the Titans’ chances in 2010

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1. Chris Johnson. He’s the best big-play threat in the NFL. Defenses can’t simply be aware of him; they must overcompensate for him. That means there always will be something that the offense can exploit to remain productive. Regardless of what defenses do, though, Johnson always has the ability to change a game or to put one out of reach with one of his signature long runs.

Read our five reasons to feel bad about the Titans in 2010 here

2. First-rate secondary: This team learned some tough lessons about cornerback depth last season, an issue that was addressed through both free agency and the draft. In a nutshell, though, the defense was productive when Cortland Finnegan played and not so productive when he didn’t. Provided his preseason groin issue is behind him, Finnegan is ready to go and will be used in a way to take better advantage of his ability.

3. Fisher’s consistency: The only times this team has not been competitive under the league’s longest current tenured head coach is when salary cap issues decimated the roster. There is no salary cap this season, and the Titans have gone four straight without a losing record (8-8, 10-6, 13-3, 8-8). The last time they had four straight seasons without a losing record (1996-99), they made it five in a row with a league-best 13-3 mark.

4. First-round success: General manager Mike Reinfeldt has presided over the franchise’s last four drafts. Two of his first three first-round picks (Johnson and Michael Griffin) have been to the Pro Bowl. Last year’s top choice, Kenny Britt, led the team in receiving yards and made probably the biggest catch of the year. That bodes well for this year’s top choice, defensive end Derrick Morgan, and the Titans have been at their best when they’ve had a playmaker at that position.

5. Vince Young. Anyone who looks for this guy to be Peyton Manning is going to be disappointed every time. But say what you will about his footwork, his throwing motion or his maturity, the guy has won twice as many games as a starting quarterback (26) as he’s lost (13). He’s made plays late with his feet and his arm, and he’s delivered victories in tight contests.