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Tennessee Titans Health of QB McNair will determine postseason chances
Tennessee opens its training camp at Baptist Sports Park in Nashville, Tenn., on July 25. By Jarrod Breeze, CNNSI.com The Titans actually took a step backward in 2000 after coming within 1 yard of a Super Bowl title the previous season. Tennessee lost to the Ravens in the AFC Championship Game. But anything short of a title this season will be a disappointment for head coach Jeff Fisher & Co. The Titans can make the playoffs if ... quarterback Steve McNair can stay healthy, which he is now. McNair had a series of injuries last season, the least of which, an infection in his right throwing shoulder, limited his effectiveness in the playoffs. Kevin Carter was added to the league's top-ranked defense and is eager to prove his 17-sack season two years ago with the Rams was not a fluke. He teams with fellow former Florida Gator Jevon Kearse to give the Tennessee a formidable pair of defensive ends. Pivotal games: The Titans have back-to-back games at Baltimore and home against Tampa Bay in early October, followed by road games at Detroit and Pittsburgh, two teams that historically play well at home. A tougher stretch could come in December, when the Titans sandwich games at Minnesota and Oakland with a home contest against Green Bay. On the hot seat: The Titans will expect immediate dividends from free-agent investment DeRon Jenkins, a former San Diego cornerback signed to help a unit that lost Denard Walker and Marcus Robertson in a secondary that allowed the fewest yards per game (151.4). Jenkins had 50 tackles last season but only one interception. Up-and-coming: Kevin Dyson put himself in Tennessee folklore by rushing down the sideline for the winning touchdown in the Titans' Music City Miracle against Buffalo. But as Dyson was blossoming into a top-flight receiver, a torn ACL derailed his 2000 season after just two games. Dyson is ahead of schedule in his recovery and is ready to reclaim his role as a No.1 receiver. He'll team with Derrick Mason, who had a breakout season with 63 catches for 895 yards and five TDs. Sports Illustrated's season preview will post Aug. 29.
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