Tennessee Titans Plan to Solidify Offensive Line in Offseason

Oct 11, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans kicker Rob Bironas (2) celebrates kicking the game winning field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers with teammate center Leroy Harris (64) following the game at LP Field. Tennessee defeated Pittsburgh 26-23. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

The Tennessee Titans offensive line was a glaring weakness during the 2012 season that was on exacerbated by injuries. Fortunately for QB Jake Locker and RB Chris Johnson, it looks like measures will be taken to assure that 2013 is not a repeat.

But let’s hear it from the horses mouth. Here’s general manager Ruston Webster, courtesy of John Glennon of the Tennessean:

"Our offensive line, with all the injuries and issues we had, I think that really affected us,” Webster said. “That’s something we have to make more solid, more reliable. We have to get better. I think it will be hard for us to get better on offense until that area improves."

That is encouraging news. The Titans have a history of being stingy with their offensive line, and that quote doesn’t necessarily mean their going to go crazy and draft somebody in the first round to anchor the center of the line, but it might.

If nothing else, it shows hope. Last year the Titans passed on all sorts of offensive line talent after bringing in the likes of Chris Myers in free agency and having a chance to draft Peter Konz and David DeCastro. Obviously, they paid the price. Bringing in Steve Hutchinson wasn’t a bad move, but it was a only delaying the inevitable. The Titans may not even have Hutchinson this next season, thanks to another knee injury to an ever aging guard.

"That’s probably the first priority,” Webster said of bettering the offensive line. “That’s something we’re all looking at, looking at our options in all different areas and planning on making that better."

Whether or not the Titans break the bank to strengthen the line, I’m at least glad to hear that they realize they need to do a better job of protecting their two biggest investments: Jake Locker and Chris Johnson.

You can find me on Twitter @JustinLStewart