PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS

NO. 22

TENNESSEE TITANS

When identifying the potentially strong teams for a coming NFL season, the "real" media loves to spot trends.  Last year, strong 2005 finishes by the Panthers and Dolphins made them preseason favorites to meet in Miami come February.

And they were wrong.  (Coincidentally, we picked Carolina and Miami for the Super Bowl, too.)

This year, the Titans are a media darling, given the manner in which they came on to end the 2006 season.

But that was with Travis Henry and Drew Bennett.  And Pacman Jones.

This year, the Titans are missing several key members of that 2006 team.  Sure, they have Vince Young.  But we suspect that seven months to break down tape and to plot strategies for stopping him will be effective, especially since he will have a depleted rushing attack and a suspect corps of receivers.

And Young is showing signs of immaturity, culminating most recently in a benching for the team's preseason opener.  Though some say that the Titans want to ensure that Young won't become another Pacman Jones, we think that the concern is that Vince could be another Mike Vick -- if he is coddled as he ascends to stardom.

The fact that coach Jeff Fisher is entering the final year of his contract with no extension is a potential distraction, as is the uncertain status of G.M. Mike Reinfeldt, who could end up leaving to become the president of the Packers.

Our guess?  Young will get injured while trying to make something happen with his legs, and the Titans season will be derailed.

After all, Vince is on the cover of this year's Madden game.

Key departures:  WR Drew Bennett, RB Travis Henry, DT Robaire Smith, CB Pacman Jones.

Key arrivals:  LB Ryan Fowler, CB Nick Harper.

Draft pick most likely to make an impact:  WR Paul Williams.

Coach's current job security:  One year.