Did the Tennessee Titans Ever Really Plan to Replace Amano?

Did the Tennessee Titans ever plan to replace C Eugene Amano?

Seriously.

All the signs point to a pretty simple answer. No. The Titans brought in some big name centers during free agency but let them all walk off to sign with teams elsewhere without putting up much of a fuss. They also had ample opportunity to draft multiple centers in the draft, including Peter Konz of Wisconsin, but they passed on all of that.

I think this idea has been residing in the back of my head for quite some time, though I never really wanted to think that until I read an article by August West over at Music City Miracles that addressed that pretty bluntly after Munchak was quoted as saying that Fernando Velasco is in the running to start at the center position this year.

Via MusicCityMiracles:

"Munchack stated that he likes what he’s seeing from Fernando Velasco, and says he may end up contending for the starting Center spot. I hope that’s the case, but this also sounds like Munch lighting more of a fire under Amano’s butt."

I don’t believe it was every really in the plans to replace Amano. As stated in the quote, I think Munchak still has faith in Amano and is trying to show him that

A. He wants him to play his hardest and

B. He’s replaceable, and quiet easily so.

Does this shock me? Not terribly so. Munchak was pretty confident about his offensive line this last season heading into the season and once things wore on he assured everyone that the problems were fixable. He has replaced veteran Jake Scott with a much better veteran in Steve Hutchinson and perhaps that’s all the line really needs.

Perhaps Jake Scott is to blame for the collapse of the interior line on nearly every run play last season. His blame wouldn’t stand alone, though.

Either way, Amano has to step up. Munchak can only say things are fixable for so long before he is forced to replace players who are under-performing.

Please do your thing, Amano. Please.

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