Bucs scouting report

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER, Times Staff Writer
Published October 14, 2007

The basics

For all the talk about quarterback Vince Young, above - and he has certainly been worthy of all that talk - the Titans are built on defense. And a good defense it is.

Tennessee ranks fifth in yards (275.8) and points (14.8) per game. Contrast that to the way the Titans played last season, when they were last in the NFL in total defense, allowing 369.7 yards per game. It's a dramatic turnaround that has the Titans off to a 3-1 start.

But statistics tell only half the story. It is among the most physical defenses in football, starting with a front seven that punishes opponents.

Linemen Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch lead the effort up front, while outside linebacker Keith Bulluck has been a swarming presence against the run and a nemesis of opposing quarterbacks. Bulluck already has three interceptions and three passes defended, leading a team that has an impressive seven picks for the season.

"Some of the guys they have (on defense) have motors that never seem to stop," Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia said. "It's a very opportunistic defense. They're great at stopping the run, and when you are forced to pass, they're doing a great job of being in places where they get tipped balls, where they're forcing interceptions, returning interceptions. That has been a key aspect to their success this year."

So has the play of Young.

The 2006 offensive rookie of the year, Young has picked up where he left off, even raising his game in some areas. His completion rate of 62 percent has been particularly impressive, though it is offset by five interceptions against just three touchdown passes. Young said his picks have been the result of some careless passes. Expect him to get sharper as the season wears on.

What's often lost when analyzing the Titans is the proficiency of their running game. Their dual backfield of Chris Brown and LenDale White allows the Titans to run a balanced attack. Last week against Atlanta, they ran 32 times and passed 33. The most inescapable number regarding the running game is 282. That's the number of rushing yards Tennessee posted in the opener against Jacksonville, which boasts one of the league's most dominant defensive fronts.

Injuries

Bucs: RB Michael Pittman (ankle) is out. CB Brian Kelly (groin) is doubtful. WR Ike Hilliard (shoulder), LB Barrett Ruud (knee) and DE Greg White (neck strain) are questionable.

Titans: WR Brandon Jones (knee) is questionable. DT Albert Haynesworth (ankle) and DE Sean Conover (ankle) are probable.

Keep in mind

The Titans have shown themselves to be adept at winning on the road lately. A win today would be a franchise-record sixth straight road victory, dating to a win Nov. 19 at Philadelphia. The franchise last won five straighton the road in 1993, as the Houston Oilers.

Key matchup

Bucs G Arron Sears vs. Titans DT Albert Haynesworth

Limited for most of the week with an ankle injury, Haynesworth is a load even when not at full strength. At 6 feet 6 and 320 pounds, he will present a formidable test for rookie guard Sears. Haynesworth creates more havoc than most defensive linemen you'll see, so expect center John Wade to give some help to the young man to his left. Haynesworth can derail a running game when he's at his best, and he certainly has been this season.

"Albert Haynesworth looks like he's playing better than he has ever played," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "He's a totally disruptive player."

[Last modified October 13, 2007, 17:42:49]