2013-14 Tennessee Titans Training Camp Preview: Running Backs
Jun 18, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Alvester Alexander(left) and full back Collin Mooney (right) during mini camp at Baptist Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Training camp is right around the corner. The 2013-14 NFL regular season is fewer than two months away. What can Tennessee Titans enthusiasts expect from their team as they prepare for those meaningful games that begin in September?
Over the next few days, Titan Sized will give a brief preview on each position. What are some storylines heading into training camp and preseason games? Are there any jobs up for grabs? All players listed are from the roster at titansonline.com.
We’ve covered quarterbacks. Now let’s look at the running backs:
2013-14 Tennessee Titans Training Camp Participants: Running Backs
Alvester Alexander
Shonn Greene
Chris Johnson
Quinn Johnson (FB)
Collin Mooney (FB)
Jalen Parmele
Darius Reynaud (KR/PR)
Storylines:
No. 1: Everything Set for Chris Johnson to Dominate?
Expecting too much from the man known as CJ2K? After Johnson rushed for 2,006 yards during the 2009-10 NFL season, Johnson saw his rushing totals plummet to 1,364 and 1,047 yards. Last season, his total increased back up to 1,243 yards.
How about another season with 1,500-plus yards? If it’s going to happen, Johnson may not have a better opportunity. The Titans added Andy Levitre and Chance Warmack to an offensive line that already featured David Stewart and Michael Roos. At center, expect a strong battle between Brian Schwenke and Fernando Velasco.
Johnson has a revamped offensive line, improved blocking tight end with Delanie Walker, and Justin Hunter to shift the focus away from him. Only one thing should deduct from his touches…
No. 2: How Much Smash?
From 2008-2009, Smash (LenDale White) and Dash (Johnson) formed one of the NFL’s top duos at running back. The Titans hope to recreate some of that success with Greene, who was signed as a free agent this offseason. With Greene, the Titans have a short-yardage running back who should excel at the goal line and on third-and-shorts. Not only that, but if Johnson ever got injured, then Greene is a much more experienced option and safer bet for No. 1 carries than Javon Ringer and Jamie Harper (both released).
Don’t forget that one of Greene’s best performances came this past season against the Indianapolis Colts.
No. 3: Quinn Johnson vs. Collin Mooney
Fullback isn’t expected to play a major role in Dowell Loggains’ offense. Will that have an impact on whether one or two fullbacks are kept? Keep an eye on how much Mooney or (Quinn) Johnson contribute on special teams. Another thing to consider is that Craig Stevens could serve as an emergency fullback.
No. 4: Jalen Parmele vs. Alvester Alexander
It appears as though Parmele would have the advantage to win the No. 3 running back job. At the same time, maybe the Titans would want to keep at least one running back who was younger than 27? Alexander is 22. Of course, for that type of thinking, there’s always the practice squad.