By Clark Shelton
It was a tumultuous two weeks on the Titans front. First long time Oilers coach Bum Phillips passed away, then San Francisco beat us at home, and then there was the loss of owner Bud Adams. Lots to talk about so let’s get to it:
Bum Phillips Passes away:
Bum Phillips was quite the character. With his wide brimmed Stetson and heart as big as Texas, Bum was the face of the Oilers from 1974-1980. During that time, Bum took the Oilers to 2 AFC Championship games and a 55-35 record. His biggest named player was Hall of Famer Earl Campbell, who considered Bum like a second father. Bum passed away on October 18th and was laid to rest in Lakewood, TX.
49ers win 31-17:
In what continued to be a tough part of the schedule for the Titans, the NFC Champs came to town and proved why they are one of the best. To the delight of a surprisingly large crowd of faithful 49ers in the stands, they simply took the Titans behind the woodshed. QB Jake Locker returned from injury going 25-41 for 298 yards with 2 TDs and an interception. With The 49ers taking an early lead, the running game never had a chance to get going. However CJ2K did catch a pass for a 66 yard scamper in the 4th. The defense had no answers for San Francisco QB Kaepernick’s scrambling abilities and Frank Gore was just Frank Gore. WR Kenny Britt continued to be frustrating on and off the field, and has now decided he would be okay with a trade. Problem: No one is asking. Special Teams nightmares continued and KR/PR Darius Reynaud was released the next day. Reynaud’s duties will be handed to WR Damien Williams beginning this weekend.
Bud Adams Passes Away:
Kenneth Stanley “Bud” Adams, Jr. (January 3, 1923 – October 21, 2013) was the owner of the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans and of former Arena team Nashville Kats. He was instrumental in the founding and establishment of the former American Football League. Known for his “flamboyant” ties and his sometimes devil may care attitude, Bud definitely did it his way.
“The family of the late Bud Adams is taking control of the Tennessee Titans, naming his son-in-law president and chief executive officer of the team.Tommy Smith said that Adams’ daughters Susie Adams Smith and Amy Adams Hunt will be co-chairpersons. Grandson Kenneth Adams IV will join the Titans’ board of directors” (courtesy of Titansonline.com).
Welcome to The Dark Side:
This is a must win game for the Titans coaching staff. Nothing could be worse from a fans standpoint than to lose to former Head Coach Jeff Fisher. And while you look at the Rams roster and think that this team looks familiar, make no mistake there will be no love for 60 minutes on the field. Expect to see lots more of Shonn Greene on Sunday, a more mobile Jake Locker, and a bunch of guys that don’t want to drop this one. There will be lots of talk , and I expect a Cortland Finnegan – Bernie Pollard verbal exchange to happen at some point on the field. This one is personal for a lot of folks on both sides of the ball, on the sideline, and among the Titans fans.
Prediction: Titans 31 Rams: 14
Please join our FREE Newsletter
