Tennessee Titans

Fisk University point guard LaMetria Dunn making her presence felt in the Music City

May 10, 2016 by Andre Johnson Leave a Comment

DUNN DEAL — Former Memphis Fairley High standout LaMetria Dunn appeared in each of Fisk’s 29 games this past season and, as expected, she was often as good as advertised, having averaged better than six points per game while shooting nearly 50 percent from three-point range.

If anybody knows LaMetria Dunn, it’s Curtis Jones.

Jones is longtime Memphis-area AAU basketball coach who was afforded the opportunity of coaching Dunn from the time she entered sixth grade until she graduated from Fairley High School.

On Wednesday, or approximately two months removed from Dunn having completed her junior season at Fisk University in Nashville, Jones was asked to assess the overall progress of his former player.

“There are no words to express how pleased and impressed I am with her growth on and off the court,” Jones told Sports Journalist Andre Johnson. “In my 15 years of coaching, I have the most personal relationship with her that goes beyond basketball. LaMetria is like my 3rd daughter.”

To her credit, the 22-year-old Dunn has given her former coach and her mother, Tondelayo Williams, something about which to be proud.

For starters, Dunn, a 5-foot-4, 140-pound point guard, enjoyed a favorable tenure at Dyersburg State Community College prior to extending her collegiate basketball career at Fisk.

To her credit, she showed no signs of a letdown this past season for the NAIA member Lady Bulldogs, having emerged as a key contributor for a Fisk team that ended the season with an 11-18 mark.

Although the Lady Bulldogs failed to manufacture a winning campaign in 2015-16, Dunn admittedly still came away with more highs than lows in her first full season at the school.

“Progression (was the biggest thing),” Dunn said. “I’m more of threat as far as a scoring point guard. I worked out fairly every day, whether it was shooting and ball-handling or in the weight room getting some reps in.”

SHE AIN’T DUNN — Considering room for improvement is always an ambition, surely, amongst the things about which Dunn will be aiming to fine-tune is her ability to make free throws.
This past season, she shot an unsatisfactory 49.1 percent from the free throw line.

Dunn appeared in each of Fisk’s 29 games this past season and, as expected, she was often as good as advertised, having averaged better than six points per game while shooting nearly 50 percent from three-point range.

She finished in double figures twice as a junior, with her season-best of 13 points coming in a Philander Smith College of Arkansas.

Considering room for improvement is always an ambition, surely, amongst the things about which Dunn will be aiming to fine-tune is her ability to make free throws.

This past season, she shot an unsatisfactory 49.1 percent from the free throw line.

Even aside from her frequent offseason workouts, this summer will undoubtedly be a busy one for Dunn, who boasts lofty aspirations of becoming a medical doctor.

Dunn, who holds an Associates of Science Degree from Dyersburg State, is a Biology major at Fisk.

DR. DUNN — By and large, although she has one more year of college eligibility remaining, Dunn doesn’t shy away from the notion that she’s already planning for life after basketball. Even aside from her frequent offseason workouts, this summer will undoubtedly be a busy one for Dunn, who boasts lofty aspirations of becoming a medical doctor.

“I will spend my summer doing an internship and hopefully I’d be accepted into the graduate school of my choice,” Dunn said. “I will be doing a volunteer summer camps this summer at the McCabe Center in Nashville.”

By and large, although she has one more year of college eligibility remaining, Dunn doesn’t shy away from the notion that she’s already planning for life after basketball.

“On a billboard in Dyersburg, Tennessee, I’m being recognized as a student first and then an athlete,” Dunn explained.

Of course, atoning for last year’s losing record is a key goal also, she said.

“At the end of the game, when the clock strikes zero and the buzzer has sounded, my objective is to have a win, no matter how many I score or how many my teammates score,” Dunn said. “All I will do seek is the W and walk off the court knowing I gave everything I could.”

Something about she has doing since her AAU coach first discovered her immense skills back when she entered sixth grade.

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you have a child or team that is seeking exposure and would like an in-depth sports news story, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him for details under “Andre T. Johnson.”

Andre Johnson is a senior writer for MemphiSport. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send an email to memphi[email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

Filed Under: The Big Features Tagged With: City of Nashville, ESPN.COM, foxsports, NAIA, NCAA, NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, Tennessee Titans, the commercial appeal, The Tennessean, UConn Lady Huskies

Former U of M receiver Keiwone Malone shifting focus on earning pro roster spot

November 5, 2015 by Andre Johnson Leave a Comment

When asked recently to assess her son’s collegiate stint, Sheila Malone deemed it necessary to allude to a super hero.

“He is and always will be Superman,” Malone said of her son, Keiwone Malone. “He has filled many roles on the team and has excelled at all them. He received the punt and made spectacular moves, scoring touchdowns and broke the high school records in Tennessee. He kicked the extra points and covered (opposing team’s) receivers. Using what gifts God has given him, he is my Superman.”

To grasp a full understanding of why Malone has dubbed her son arguably the most decorated super hero of all time, look no further than his slew of accomplishments in recent years, most notably during what was a remarkable tenure at the University of Memphis.

A native of Rosedale, Mississippi, Keiwone Malone emerged as arguably one of the best football players in the history of Memphis Mitchell High, considering he blossomed into one of Shelby-Metro’s most sought-after recruits for the Class of 2010.

Widely regarded as an “athlete” because of his versatility on both sides of the ball, Keiwone Malone was the catalyst of a Mitchell team that had become a fixture in the Class 5A playoffs for the better part of his tenure with the Tigers.

GAME CHANGER — To his credit, Keiwone Malone is amongst the biggest reasons the Memphis program — a doormat while enduring years of futility — has emerged as a national standout in recent years, considering he was one of Tiger quarterback Paxton Lynch’s best options. (Photos courtesy of Memphis Athletics)

Add to the fact that Alabama’s Nick Saban was amongst the high-profile college coaches who inquired about Keiwone Malone’s services as a four-star recruit, and it’s no wonder this do-it-all athlete still believes he possesses the skills to — what else? — do it all at the professional ranks.

Less than one year removed from having completed his eligibility at the U of M, the 24-year-old Keiwone Malone doesn’t shy away from the notion that his primary focus now is to earn a spot on a professional football roster.

“If given a chance to play professional football, I will give it my all for the (organization) every day,” Keiwone Malone told MemphiSport during a recent interview. “I’ve always had dreamt at being the best at what I do, and I want to prove to people that size doesn’t matter.”

At 5-foot-11 ½ and 168-pounds, Keiwone Malone had proven time and again that his slim frame didn’t prevent him from enjoying success while playing major college football.

To his credit, he is amongst the biggest reasons the Memphis program — a doormat while enduring years of futility — has emerged as a national standout in recent years, considering he was one of Tiger quarterback Paxton Lynch’s best options.

After transferring from Alabama to Memphis to be close to his ailing grandmother, Keiwone Malone enjoyed a stellar career for the Tigers, given his numbers progressed considerably in each of his four seasons with the program.

MOM KNOWS BEST — When asked recently to assess her son’s collegiate stint, Sheila Malone deemed it necessary to allude to a super hero.
“He is and always will be Superman,” Malone said of her son, Keiwone Malone. “He has filled many roles on the team and has excelled at all them.

He was especially resilient as a senior for a Memphis team that finished the 2014 campaign with seven consecutive wins (10-3), including a 55-48 double overtime win over Brigham Young in the Miami Beach Bowl.

Keiwone Malone led the Tigers in yards receiving with 45 catches for 555 yards and four touchdowns, while averaging better than 12 yards per receptions — surpassing his 44 receptions for 476 yards and three scores he registered as a sophomore.

All of which is why Lynch, a Heisman candidate who’s projected as a Top 10 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, was extremely high on Keiwone Malone during his time with the Tigers.

All of which is why this former Tiger standout, who had proven to master major college football, believes he stills possesses the skills and mechanics to earn a paycheck at the professional ranks.

“I’m sure every mom feels their son deserves a chance, but I feel (football) is his ministry,” Shelia Malone said. “He is not complete if he is not playing football. I am his coach at home, so I am constantly giving him pep talks and keep us both prayed up. I am also constantly trying to put him in positions that can get him that chance he deserves.”

Without question, many — including Lynch — who have followed Keiwone Malone’s rise from Mitchell to appearing on a major college football stage believe he’s armed with the finesse to perform for a pro team.

The biggest question at this point is will his golden opportunity come to fruition.

Just as he played his way to earning to scholarship to play at tradition-rich Alabama, Keiwone Malone isn’t ruling out hope.

“I’m dedicated,” he said. “I work hard and I’m not one to give up or half-ass. I’m open-minded to leaning new techniques and ways of winning. I have a great sense of humor. I’m a people person. I’ve never had a coach or player since pee-wee football dislike me or my play or actions on the field. I interact well with others, and I’m a very respectful man that knows how to motivate a team to win.”

Key attributes “Superman” prays pro scouts and general managers will take into account in the foreseeable future.

Filed Under: The Big Features Tagged With: 2016 NFL Draft, Alabama football, American Athletic Conference Football, Arena Football League, CFL.com, NFL.com, Nick Saban, Paxton Lynch, Tennessee Titans, university of memphis football, YahooSports.com

Playing Hurt Podcast: Who Will The Tennessee Titans Take With The No. 2 Pick In The NFL Draft

April 22, 2015 by MemphiSport Leave a Comment

Join Cerrito Live producer CJ Hurt and Sports 56 producer and WUMR Sports host Drew Barrett as they take you on a sports odyssey full of twists, turns, and a good time during Playing Hurt Podcast.

Filed Under: Cerrito Live, Playing Hurt Podcast, Playing Hurt Podcast, The Big Features, Titans, Web Exclusives Tagged With: Bobby McCain, Jameis Winston, Leonard Williams, Marcus Mariota, NFL Draft, Oakland Raiders, Tampa Bay Bucs, Tennessee Titans

Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger nearly collapsed on court while coaching in minor leagues

November 4, 2013 by Andre Johnson 2 Comments

Although Dave Joerger is in his first year as an NBA head coach for the Memphis Grizzlies, he is fully aware of the stress that customarily comes with coaching a professional sports franchise.

Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger on Monday said he can relate to the frightening incident involving Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak, who collapsed on the field during halftime of Sunday night's 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Jeorger said he nearly collapsed during a game while coaching minor league basketball. (Photo by Patric Schneider/Getty Images)

Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger on Monday said he can attest to the frightening incident involving Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak, who collapsed on the Reliant Stadium field during halftime of Sunday night’s 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Joerger said he nearly collapsed during a game while coaching minor league basketball. (Photo by Patric Schneider/Getty Images)

So much, in fact, that Joerger recalled becoming so fatigue from having invested countless hours to his job as a coach in the Continental Basketball League, that he nearly passed out on the court during a game.

Joerger was responding to the frightening incident involving Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak, who collapsed on the field in Reliant Stadium during halftime of Sunday night’s game against the Indianapolis Colts with the Texans leading, 21-3. The Colts rallied to defeat the Texans, 27-24, sending Houston to its sixth consecutive loss.

According to multiple media reports, several members of Kubiak’s family said the 52-year-old coach was “feeling good” Monday morning, although he is expected to spend at least another 24 hours in the hospital. Upon being admitted to the hospital, Kubiak — whom doctors said did not suffer a heart attack — was treated for tissue plasminogen activator (or tpa), an IV designed to break up blood clots, medical sources said. As for when Kubiak, the Texans’ second head coach in team history, will return is uncertain.

Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who has served as head coach for three different NFL teams, was promoted to interim coach in Kubiak’s absence.

After collapsing near the 24-yard line, a number of medical personnel rushed immediately to the aid of Kubiak, who lay on the surface for several minutes before being strapped to a stretcher and taken off the field. While doctors expect Kubiak to make a full recovery — they ran additional tests Monday to determine if he suffered a stroke – Joerger said he can attest to the situation involving Kubiak, although he said he was not aware of what happened until after the Grizzlies’ hour-long shoot around at the team’s practice facility Monday morning in preparation for their game against the Boston Celtics.

According to a report on NFL.com late Monday night, doctors said Kubiak suffered what they described as a mini-stroke.

“I have no idea,” said Joerger, when asked if he is aware of Kubiak’s incident. “I didn’t see anything.”

Still, Joerger said he sensed that Kubiak’s sudden collapse may have occurred, in large part because of the lengthy hours professional head coaches routinely devote to game-day preparation.

“I’ve almost passed out before (on the court),” said Joerger, who coached a number of minor league teams between

Kubiak, whom doctors said did not have a heart attack, reportedly was "feeling good" and high spirits Monday morning, although doctors ran more test to determine if he suffered a stroke. There is no timetable for his return to the Texans. (Photo by David J. Phillip/AP)

Kubiak, whom doctors said did not have a heart attack, reportedly was “feeling good” and in high spirits Monday morning, although more tests were implemented to determine if he suffered a stroke. There is no timetable for his return to the Texans. (Photo by David J. Phillip/AP)

1997 and 2007 before joining former Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins’ staff for the 2007-2008 season. “It’s the stress that you don’t know about. You’re working your tail off and you’re competitive and you’re trying to get after it and trying to get your team after it and trying to leave it out there, every single drop of your energy, just like the players are. So I can see it. It almost happened to me.”

As for how professional coaches should go about trying to prevent such incidents that occurred Sunday night at Reliant Stadium, Joerger said it’s just a matter of his peers making it a point to be more proactive, particularly as it relates to experiencing a possible burnout.

“When I got home from the Dallas game (early Sunday morning),” I went to bed at 5:30 am,” said Joerger, alluding to Saturday night’s game at the Mavericks that took place less than 24 hours after Memphis’ home opener against Detroit. “That was my day.”

Andre Johnson covers the NBA for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him at [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

Filed Under: The Big Features Tagged With: AFC South, Dave Joerger, ESPN.COM, Gary Kubiak, Houston Chronicle, Houston Texans, Memphis Grizzlies, NBA.COM, Tennessee Titans

Patrick Willis savors his memorable homecoming to Tennessee

October 23, 2013 by Andre Johnson Leave a Comment

NASHVILLE — Patrick Willis is headed to London this week. First, he had to savor a much-anticipated homecoming, of sorts.

Willis, the San Francisco 49ers All-Pro linebacker who, last year, was named to the Pro Bowl for a sixth consecutive year, played in his home state of Tennessee for the first time in his professional career. Fortunately for the seven-year veteran, it was a rather jubilant return, given the streaking 49ers seized their fourth win in as many weeks with a 31-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans before 69,143 witnesses at LP Field in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score indicated.

“Like I said earlier in the week, it’s one of those things where each time I’m allowed to go out and be blessed to be on the field and be able to perform, I always put my best foot forward, no matter whether it’s in California or being in my home state where I played (high school football),” Willis said.

HAPPY HOMECOMING — San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (No. 52) made his second straight start Sunday since being sidelined two games due to a groin injury. The Former Ole Miss star recorded a team-high nine tackles as the Niners upended Jake Locker and the Titans, 31-17, in Willis’ first game in his native home state of Tennessee since he entered the NFL in 2007. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

The former Ole Miss All-American showed no signs of rust against the Titans while making his second consecutive start after missing two games because of a groin injury. Willis recorded a team-high nine tackles Sunday for a 49ers defense that is tied for seventh in the NFL with Cincinnati for points allowed (19.29 per game). The 28-year-old Willis, in fact, put on a masterful display in front of hundreds of red and gold-clad 49er fans, many of whom turned out wearing his No. 52 jersey.

Among the sea of red spectators who spent a majority of the game cheering as San Francisco (5-2) staged its most complete outing of the season was a number of Willis’ relatives and close acquaintances, many of whom witnessed firsthand Willis growing up in poverty-stricken Bruceton, Tenn., a small, rural town in Northwest Tennessee with a population of roughly 1,459. Willis had landed a full-time job before he turned 10, working long hours in a neighborhood cotton field. By the time he turned 17, he and his siblings were forced out of their double-wide trailer park home when his father, an alcoholic, became increasingly violent.

It wasn’t long afterward, though, that Willis’ permanent residence was the home of his high school basketball coach. Consequently, he enrolled at Bruceton High, where he became a multisport star in football, basketball, and baseball, becoming the first prep athlete in Tennessee to be nominated for Mr. Football both as a linebacker and running back in the same season. Widely regarded as a three-star recruit by various recruiting analysts, Willis chose Ole Miss over the University of Memphis, where he evolved into a two-time First Team All-American.

Last year was a bitter sweet one for Willis and the 49ers, who advanced to the Super Bowl for the first time in 19 years before falling to the Baltimore Ravens, 34-31. (Photo by Christian Peterson/Getty Images)

OH, SO CLOSE — Last year was bitter sweet for Willis and the 49ers, who advanced to the Super Bowl for the first time in 19 years before falling to the Baltimore Ravens, 34-31. (Photo by Christian Peterson/Getty Images)

Prior to his long-awaited homecoming on Sunday, Willis has enjoyed an efficient professional stint, having registered 839 career tackles and 17.5 sacks in six-plus NFL seasons heading into the 49ers’ game versus the Titans (3-4). Selected with the 11^th overall pick by San Francisco in 2007, the organization signed him to a five-year, $53.51 million extension three years ago. And, given his stellar display in Sunday’s win, it’s safe to assume the Niners’ defense is starting to demonstrate the same assertiveness that helped propel San Francisco to its sixth Super Bowl appearance last season. The 49ers play Jacksonville Sunday in London’s Wembley Stadium, Willis’ second international game as a pro and his first since 2010 when San Francisco beat Denver, 24-16, in London.

As Willis tells it, returning to the Volunteer State for the first time since he entered the NFL ranks has only added more memories to what he hopes is a Super Bowl-winning campaign for the defending NFC champions.

“You know, I’m not sure,” said Willis, when asked how many of his relatives and friends made the 105-mile commute from Bruceton to Nashville to witness him play Sunday. “I know my brother and sister came up. My foster parents, they were here. I saw my aunt right at the end after the game. I didn’t know she was here. I saw her as I was walking toward the tunnel. It was nice to see her. She’s actually my dad’s twin.”

Fortunately for Willis, what his friends and loved ones witnessed in his return to Tennessee was that the catalyst of the 49ers’ defense hasn’t missed a beat since the days when he emerged as multisport star at Bruceton, something fans in the world’s largest stadium will witness Sunday in London.

Andre Johnson covers the NFL for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him at [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

Filed Under: The Big Features Tagged With: AFC South, ESPN.COM, FoxSports.com, Jacksonville Jaguars, NFC West, NFL.com, Ole Miss Football, San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Examiner, Tennessee Titans, The Tennessean

Fantasy Football Rankings – Week 2

September 15, 2013 by MemphiSport Leave a Comment

He had trouble holding onto the ball last week, but I feel David Wilson will bounce back this week with his job on the line.

Here are the rankings for Week 2 in the NFL. Also, coming next week look for articles on Add/Drops, Backfield Battles, and Start or Sit.

QBs

Peyton Manning – @ NYG
Drew Brees – @ TB
Aaron Rodgers – vs WAS
Michael Vick – vs SD
Cam Newton – @ BUF
Andrew Luck – vs MIA
Matt Ryan – vs STL
Matthew Stafford – @ ARI
Eli Manning – vs DEN
Robert Griffin III – @ GB
Tony Romo – @ KC
Colin Kaepernick – @ SEA
Carson Palmer – vs DET
Matt Schaub – vs TEN
Russell Wilson – vs SF
Jay Cutler – vs MIN
Terrelle Pryor – vs JAX
Sam Bradford – @ ATL
Joe Flacco – vs CLE
Ryan Tannehill – @ IND

RBs

LeSean McCoy – vs SD
Adrian Peterson – @ CHI
Matt Forte – vs MIN
Doug Martin – vs NO
Ray Rice – vs CLE
Jamaal Charles – vs DAL
Marshawn Lynch – vs SF
Steven Jackson – vs STL
Alfred Morris – @ GB
C.J. Spiller – vs CAR
Reggie Bush – @ ARI
Darren McFadden – vs JAX
Maurice Jones-Drew – @ OAK
Arian Foster – vs TEN
Trent Richardson – @ BAL
DeMarco Murray – @ KC
Eddie Lacy – vs WAS
Frank Gore – @ SEA
Darren Sproles – @ TB
Chris Johnson – @ HOU
DeAngelo Williams – @ BUF
David Wilson – vs DEN
Ahmad Bradshaw – vs MIA
Daryl Richardson – @ ATL
Ben Tate – vs TEN
Rashard Mendenhall – vs DET
Ryan Mathews – @ PHI
Joique Bell – @ ARI
Giovani Bernard – vs PIT
Lamar Miller – @ IND
Knowshown Moreno – @ NYG
Daniel Thomas – @ IND
Pierre Thomas – @ TB
Fred Jackson – vs CAR
Mark Ingram – @ TB
BenJarvus Green-Ellis – vs PIT
Bryce Brown – vs SD
Bernard Pierce – vs CLE
Montee Ball – @ NYG
Isaiah Pead – @ ATL

WRs

Calvin Johnson – @ ARI
Andre Johnson – vs TEN
Demaryius Thomas – @ NYG
Brandon Marshall – vs MIN
A.J. Green – vs PIT
Randall Cobb – vs WAS
Wes Welker – @ NYG
Vincent Jackson – vs NO
Victor Cruz – vs DEN
Larry Fitzgerald – vs DET
Julio Jones – vs STL
Dez Bryant – @ KC
Pierre Garcon – @ GB
Jordy Nelson – vs WAS
Reggie Wayne – vs MIA
DeSean Jackson – vs SD
Cecil Shorts – @ OAK
Steve Smith – @ BUF
Mike Wallace – @ IND
Marques Colston – @ TB
Dwayne Bowe – vs DAL
Hakeem Nicks – vs DEN
Eric Decker – @ NYG
Anquan Boldin – @ SEA
T.Y. Hilton – vs MIA
Michael Floyd – vs DET
Steve Johnson – vs CAR
Torrey Smith – vs CLE
Miles Austin – @ KC
James Jones – vs WAS
Rod Streater – vs JAX
Kenny Britt – @ HOU
Antonio Brown – @ CIN
Andre Roberts – vs DET
Marlon Brown – vs CLE
Mike Williams – vs NO
Chris Givens – @ ATL
Roddy White – vs STL
Golden Tate – vs SF
Brian Hartline – @ IND

TEs

Jimmy Graham – @ TB
Jason Witten – @ KC
Jared Cook – @ ATL
Julius Thomas – @ NYG
Tony Gonzalez – vs STL
Jermichael Finley – vs WAS
Jordan Cameron – @ BAL
Vernon Davis – @ SEA
Greg Olsen – @ BUF
Martellus Bennett – vs MIN
Antonio Gates – vs BUF
Brent Celek – vs SD
Brandon Myers – vs DEN
Owen Daniels – vs TEN
Dallas Clark – vs CLE
Tyler Eifert – vs PIT
Kyle Rudolph – @ CHI
Coby Fleener – vs MIA
Fred Davis – @ GB
Zach Miller – vs SF

D/STs

Texans – vs TEN
Bengals – vs PIT
Panthers – @ BUF
Bears – vs MIN
Ravens – vs CLE
Cowboys – @ KC
Colts – vs MIA
Eagles – vs SD
Seahawks – vs SF
Raiders – vs JAX
Packers – vs WAS
49ers – @ SEA
Broncos – @ NYG
Lions – @ ARI
Saints – @ TB

Greg Zuerlein – @ ATL
Justin Tucker – vs CLE
Randy Bullock – vs TEN
Sebastian Janikowski – vs JAX
Blair Walsh – @ CHI
Matt Prater – @ NYG
Matt Bryant – vs STL
Mike Nugent – vs PIT
Garrett Hartley – @ TB
David Akers – @ ARI
Dan Bailey – @ KC
Robbie Gould – vs MIN
Phil Dawson – @ SEA
Caleb Sturgis – @ IND
Josh Brown – vs DEN

Ben Hogan is a long-time fantasy sports guru. Follow him @NotTheGolfer for any fantasy or lineup questions throughout the week.

Filed Under: Fantasy, The Big Features Tagged With: Carolina Panthers, DeAngelo, Eli, Fantasy, football, Manning, NFL, Peyton, Tennessee Titans

Titans star Chris Johnson is hosting an event at a Memphis strip club

May 9, 2013 by Kevin Cerrito 8 Comments

Memphis will probably never get a NFL team, but that doesn’t mean the Bluff City will never get a NFL player to appear at a local strip club.

If you are a 21 or up fan of Tennessee Titans star running back Chris Johnson and scantily clad women, the Yellow Rose‘s grand reopening on May 14 is something you should circle on your calender. CJ is hosting.

In addition to the NFL’s 2009 Offensive Player of the Year, the event will also include over 50 ladies from Memphis, Orlando, and Atlanta.

Here’s the promotional flyer:

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @cerrito

SEE ALSO:

Filed Under: The Big Features, Titans, Web Exclusives Tagged With: Chris Johnson, CJ, Memphis, strip club, Tennessee Titans, Titans

Memorable moments you might have missed in the Titans’ overtime win against the Lions

September 23, 2012 by MemphiSport 2 Comments

Coming into this game against the Detroit Lions no one gave the Titans a chance to win. The game was such a non-factor that it was not shown in Memphis on the local FOX affiliate. Instead of the state’s team, Fox 13 showed the Dallas Cowboys vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Unfortunately for fans in the Mid-South, the Cowboys game did not come close to being as entertaining as the one happening in Nashville.

Chris Johnson (28) of the Tennessee Titans is protected by a wall of blockers against the Detroit Lions. Photo by Terry Davis

Because the game was blacked out in Memphis, not many people in West Tennessee got to see the game. Here is what they missed:

Music City Musical 2. A play similar to the original Music City Miracle that occurred on January 8, 2000 in a playoff game against the Buffalo Bills on a 75 yard kickoff touchdown to win the game. Today’s play was less dramatic, but still exciting. Darius Reynaud received a punt from Ben Graham. Reynaud threw a pass backwards 2 yards across the field to Tommie Campbell. Campbell behind great blocking ran for 65 yards and a touchdown to give the Titans 10-6 lead.

A Cook Bomb. Early in the second quarterback Jake Locker found tight end Jared Cook deep down the middle for a 61 yard touchdown bomb. This was Cook’s first touchdown reception of the year.

Longest kickoff returns in Titans history. Reynaud received a kickoff from Jason Hanson and he took it to the house and scored on the longest kickoff for a touchdown in Titans’ history.

Washington makes a difference. Locker found veteran wide receiver Nate Washington for a 71 yard touchdown. Washington went over of a defender to take the ball away and sprinted to the end zone.

A fumble return for a touchdown. Matt Stafford threw a completed pass to Brandon Pettigrew and he was striped by Alterraun Verner and Verner dashed down the lineside for 72 yards and a seemingly insurmountable 41-27 lead with 1L16 left in the game.

A 14 point comeback. Stafford left the game with 1:16 in the game and Shuan Hill entered the game. Seven plays later Hill hit Calvin Johnson for a 3 yard touchdown that was aided by a 15 yard roughing the passing penalty.

Onside kickoff. The Lion executed a perfect onside kickoff that was recovered with 16 seconds left in the game. Amari Spievey recovered the kickoff for the Lions on the Titans’ 46 yard line.

A Hail Mary. Hill with 6 seconds left Hill drop back deep in the pocket and found Titus Young in the middle of a pile of receivers and defenders in the end zone for the tying score.

Overtime drama. The Titans took their opening drive to the Lions 8 yard line where they were forced to kick a field goal. The Lions took the ensuing kickoff down to the Titan’s 7 yard line. On fourth and one the Lions tried to catch the Titans off guard and ran a quarterback sneak. After the measurement, the Lions were just short and the Titans took the 44-41 win. This is the first win in Locker’s professional career.

These are only a small sample of what you missed in the Lions vs. Titans game because it was blacked out in Memphis.

This was only the second game in the NFL’s history where there was a kickoff return for a touchdown, punt return for a touchdown, an onside kickoff recovery and a hail Mary for a touchdown all in the same game.

Terry Davis covers the Tennessee Titans for MemphiSport. Follow him @Terryd515.

Other football articles:

Filed Under: The Big Features, Titans Tagged With: Chris Johnson, jake locker, Nate Washington, NFL 2012, Tennessee Titans, Titans vs Lions 2012

Five Reasons for Titans Fans to be Excited

January 12, 2012 by MemphiSport 2 Comments

Despite of just falling short of making the playoffs this season, Titans fans should feel pretty good about going into next season. Many analysts didn’t even think the Titans would have a shot at making the playoffs, but if it wasn’t for a handful of missed opportunities and maybe the worst loss in Titans history to the Peyton-less Colts, the Titans would have been the sixth seed in the playoffs. However, the Titans did not make the playoffs, so all fans can do is look forward to next season. Although the negatives are magnified, there are plenty of positives for Titans fans to take away from this season. Let’s not forget that this season marked a new era in Titans football with a new coach and a new starting quarterback, along with many other new faces and new additions to the team.

Going into the offseason Titan fans have plenty of reasons to look forward to the 2012 season:

1. Full Offseason and Training Camp
Of all 32 teams, the Titans probably could have benefited the most from a full training camp last year considering the team was basically brand new, ranging from the coaching staff to the players on the field. For the Titans, it seemed that for the first half of the season the team was still learning how to play together. With many new faces and schemes put in place, and the lack of a full training camp, the Titans were just thrown out into the season and forced to pretty much “wing it” for much of the first half of the season. Now this year, the Titans will have the benefit of a full offseason and training camp together. This should help out tremendously in all areas of the team, but hopefully for Titan fans the biggest improvement will be seen in the run game.

2. Young Defense with Experience
One of the main positives from this season comes from the play of the rookies on defense. Karl Klug, Akeem Ayers, Jurrell Casey and Colin McCarthy all played big roles for the Titans defense this season. These rookies saw significant playing time all season long making in impact on the field. Titans’ coaches and fans witnessed the emergence of rookie linebacker Colin McCarthy who seems to get better and better every time he steps on the field. McCarthy’s potential seems to have no limit at this point and there is no reason to think that he won’t keep improving and becoming the leader of this defense. McCarthy may be the next Brian Urlacher, or even better.

3. Offseason Acquisitions
Now that Coach Munchak’s first season under his belt he and his coaching staff should have a good idea of what they have in the locker room. Now they must figure out what they need in order to compete for the division and make a run in the playoffs. Look for the Titans to make some moves on their roster in the offseason, more so in the secondary, defensive line and the offensive line, through both the draft and free agency. Safeties Chris Hope and Michael Griffin will probably not be in a Titans uniform next season according to some sources. This will allow the Titans get a couple younger upcoming safeties to go along with Jordan Babineaux. Hopefully the Titans can acquire the necessary pieces to get them back to the Titans defense of old. On the offensive side of the ball the Titans will make some changes to the offensive line in an effort to boost the run game and open up some holes for Chris Johnson.

4. Kenny Britt and Upcoming Receivers
This season Titans fans witnessed a style of play that was different than most Titans teams seen in the past. Because of the ongoing struggles of the run game, the Titans had no choice but to try and win games through the air and they did have quite a bit of success doing just that. This allowed young receivers like Damian Williams, Lavelle Hawkins and tight end Jared Cook the opportunity to prove themselves in the passing game. All of the receivers improved significantly from last year, but most importantly the players and coaches feel that the overall improvement is huge for the confidence of this young receiver group. Oh yea, Titans will have a healthy Kenny Britt too. That alone will have fans excited about next year, especially if he can stay healthy and out of trouble.

5. Full Season under their Belt
Now that the Titans have completed a full season fans should have more hope going into next season than they did coming into this season. Hasselbeck has proved he can still play and he obviously has the leadership skills needed at the quarterback position. It seems to be a great fit for Jake Locker to learn and grow under the veteran. Titans fans have already seen Jake step up when his number was called and one could only imagine that Locker will just keep getting better. Having a complete season in the books will allow the coaches and players time to evaluate their performances as individuals and as a team, ultimately finding ways to get better as a whole in all 3 phases of the game.

Filed Under: The Big Features, Titans Tagged With: Akeem Ayers, Carl Klug, Chris Johnson, Colin McCarthy, Darel Casey, jake locker, Mike Munchak, Tennessee Titans

Three reasons why Mike Munchak is not the answer

November 9, 2011 by MemphiSport 1 Comment

More than halfway through his first season coaching the Titans, Mike Munchak is showing some signs that he may not be the right guy to replace Jeff Fisher. Here are three reasons why:

1) No Run Game: Munchak is a hall of fame offensive lineman. Munchak has been the offensive line coach for the Titans for many years before becoming head coach. He has coached some of the best linemen in the history of the game, including long time Titans offensive linemen and Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews, who is now the O-line coach. So why is there no run game in Tennessee? That is the question that has been asked all season long and nobody seems to have an answer. One would think that if the Titans would be good at anything, they would be good at running the ball considering Munchak’s background. However, the Titans are the worst in the league on the ground and at this point there are no signs of any significant improvement.

2) No Consistency: So far this season Titans fans have seen many numerous identities of the Titans on Sundays. They range from great to awful depending on the day, but not really depending on the opponent. For example, the Titans played terrible in the season opener and suffered a bad loss against the division rival Jaguars. The very next week the Titans came out and dominated the Ravens, one of the best teams in the NFL. And on Sunday the Titans played well in the first half and had a 10-point lead at halftime, but in the second half they couldn’t do anything, giving up 17 points in the half on the way to a disheartening 24-17 loss. It was a tale of two halves. All season the Titans have been up and down with no consistency in their game whatsoever. Titans fans don’t know what they are going to get on Sundays and it’s hard not to think that it may be a result of poor coaching.

3) Lack of Adjustments: Coach Mike Munchak came into the season with a lot of support and high hopes from the fans. However, as the season goes along and the Titans continue to get out-performed and out-played by their opponents throughout the course of the game, many begin to question Munchak’s ability to coach. Of the teams the Titans have wins against, only one, the Ravens, has a winning record. In the games against the Steelers and the Texans when the Titans were down at halftime, it would appear that no adjustments were made in the locker room to try and get back in the game. And on the other end of it, when the Titans have had the lead going into the half, like they did on Sunday against the Bengals, adjustments the opponent made could not be countered by the Titans coaching staff, ultimately ending up in yet another tough loss, leaving the Titans with a 4-4 record at the halfway mark of the season.

Filed Under: The Big Features, Titans Tagged With: Brett Buchanan, Mike Munchak, Tennessee Titans, Titans