Thursday, May 30 Can Eddie George bounce back from a disappointing 2001 season? Even in a season when he essentially played on one foot most of the campaign, George logged 315 carries. So, while quarterback Steve McNair has been permitted to open things up, there is still little doubt about who remains the Tennessee offensive centerpiece. Toe injuries of the ilk with which George limped through the 2001 season are dicey things and, earlier this spring, the Titans' brass was rumored to still have concerns about his recovery. But there have been positive reports the past month that George is nearing 100 percent and, if that's the case, pencil the Titans star in for a typical workhorse season.

Unlike the other teams in their division, which feature either a new coach (Indianapolis Colts), a ton of different starters (Jacksonville Jaguars) or a whole new team (Houston Texans), there wasn't a major shakeup for the Tennessee Titans this offseason. And despite the fact that they missed the playoffs last season, wholesale changes really weren't necessary.

Offensively, the Titans are led by a quarterback/running back tandem that is among the league's best when healthy. Steve McNair only missed one game last season, but was slowed with a shoulder injury. Eddie George is coming off his least productive season because of a toe injury. However, there was a silver lining or two that resulted from the pair's ailments. With George less involved in the offense at times, the Titans allowed McNair to throw deeper more often. He responded with a couple of 300-yard games and a career-high 21 touchdown passes. And even though there was some resistance, George's struggles without fullback Lorenzo Neal encouraged the Titans to sign Greg Comella (New York Giants) in the offseason. In addition, they signed Robert Holcombe (St. Louis Rams) as a backup to George.

If there's a concern, it would be at wide receiver, where the Titans have declined so far to bring in a high-profile free agent. That could change after June 1 when Keenan McCardell (Jacksonville Jaguars), Antonio Freeman (Green Bay Packers) and Derrick Alexander (Kansas City Chiefs) are expected to be available. If not, they'll again rely primarily on Derrick Mason and Kevin Dyson, who combined for 127 catches for 1,953 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. The biggest news on the offensive line is the pending retirement of center Bruce Matthews. He'll likely be replaced by Jeff Smith (Jaguars).

The biggest move by far was in the secondary, where Tennessee released former Pro Bowler Blaine Bishop and replaced him at strong safety with Lance Schulters (San Francisco 49ers). If cornerbacks Samari Rolle (neck) and Dainon Sidney (ACL) are recovered from the injuries that shortened or limited their 2001 campaigns, the secondary should be very productive.

The secondary's effectiveness also will be determined in part by the play up front. Jevon Kearse is coming off a solid season with 10 sacks and three forced fumbles, but fellow defensive end Kevin Carter (two sacks) was a tremendous disappointment in his first season with the Titans. And even though they re-signed tackles John Thornton and Joe Salave'a, the Titans might take a hit with Jason Fisk's departure (San Diego Chargers). Another blow could be the loss of veteran linebackers Eddie Robinson (Buffalo Bills) and Greg Favors (Indianapolis Colts).

	TITANS AT A GLANCE
	Steve McNair ran for 5 TDs      starter last season.
	2001 record: 7-9 Team rank: Defense (25th); Offense (8th) Titans team news

Lastly, but certainly not to be overlooked, is the kicking game. For a team that places a great deal of emphasis on running the ball and playing low-scoring games, the reliance on field goals is greater for Tennessee than a lot of other teams. After getting rid of Al Del Greco following his not-so-memorable moments in the 2000 postseason, Tennessee turned to Joe Nedney last season. He was perfect (11-for-11) in the 20- to 39-yard range. But from 40 or longer, he was just 9 of 17. He goes into camp as the team's kicker, but NFL teams aren't shy about making changes in this department if deemed necessary.