Tennessee Titans 2012 Off Season Roster Breakdown: OL
By Chase Maher
Back again with the Tennessee Titans off-season breakdown, this edition will cover all five positions on the offensive line. The Titans are incredible at blocking for the passer, allowing the 2nd fewest amount of sacks
league wide in the last four seasons, but their run blocking has been all but atrocious. Let’s break it down.
LT Michael Roos: Roos is as durable as they come. He has never missed a snap in his seven-year career. He has taken on rushers like Dwight Freeney, James Harrison, Terrell Suggs and Mario Williams with great success. Michael Roos is arguably the Titans’ best player. He is locked in and not going anywhere.
G Leroy Harris: Leroy Harris wasn’t horrible this past season, but he wasn’t good by any means. Harris was consistently pushed off the ball in rushing situations. He displayed adequate pass blocking ability, and there is a strong chance he will be a starter again next year.
G Steve Hutchinson:Newly acquired from the Minnesota Vikings is guard Steve Hutchinson. He has blocked well for the likes of Adrian Peterson and Brett Favre. The wiley ol’ vet should be a fantastic addition to a Tennessee Titans offensive line that was afraid to push people in the mouth. His 3 year deal implies the Titans’ front office isn’t afraid of his recent injury issues.
C Eugene Amano: Quite possibly the worst center in the league is Eugene Amano. Game after game I walked away thinking, “my god Amano is weak!” He was certainly a better guard than center in his 08′ and 09′ seasons. His contract may have the Titans in a bind and a re-positioning back to guard looks to be inevitable. The shopping (and failures) of centers this off season suggests the team wants to head in a different direction at the center position, and rightfully so. The center should be tied to the hip with the quarterback, so a fresh body accompanied with Hasselbeck and/or Locker will be an exciting thing to see.
G Jake Scott: Scott is a free agent and shouldn’t be brought back for more than a slice of pizza. He has been bad, and the signing of Hutch shows we are done with him.
G Fernando Velasco: Velasco is a promising back up that may develop into a decent starter. He was put into the lineup late last season to shake some things up, but look for him to be a back up again in the 2012 season.
RT David Stewart: If Michael Roos isn’t our best player on the line, than it is certainly Stewart. He is a mauler that has the finesse and nastiness to stick with guys like Robert Mathis, or just push them over. David “Big Country” Stewart and Michael Roos combined are the best tackle tandem in the league.
T/G Mike Otto: Otto is a swing tackle that is used mostly in short yardage packages as a 3rd tackle or tight end, and on special teams. He recently inked a 2 year extension with the Titans.
T Byron Stingily: Stingily is a project player that may eventually turn into something, but for now don’t expect any playing time from the 2nd year pro.
Overall the Tennessee Titans have a wonderful offensive line anchored by strong durable tackles. Newly acquired Steve Hutchinson, along with a new center via the draft should morph this line back to smash mouth football.
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