Drew Bennett hopes that
this will be the year where he shines. Many felt that he would be a top-notch receiver last year after an impressive effort in 2004, but instead, his production took a major hit. This year, he'll have some pressure off him with former New England Patriots receiver David Givens on the field at the same time.
Bennett will also be playing with starting quarterback Billy Volek to begin the season. Volek had more chemistry with Bennett than former quarterback Steve McNair did.
"Really, personal statistics always take care of themselves if your team is winning. If you are doing your job and your team is winning, all the other stuff kind of takes care of itself," Bennett said. "I think that is why teams that have a bunch of players that don't worry about their stats, those are the teams that do very well."
Givens may have been the biggest signing the Titans made in the offseason. He was one of the best free agent receivers on the market, and signed a $24 million deal with the team. Givens always came through in the clutch for Tom Brady, especially during the playoffs. The Titans lost Derrick Mason last year, which was a reason for their decline of production at the position.
"I expect a lot of things," Volek said. "I expect Drew and David to be 1,000-yard receivers. Drew can do it...he has to stay healthy."
In 2004, Bennett led the Titans with 1,247 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns. Last year, despite leading the team in receptions, Bennett only had 738 yards receiving. Ironically, Givens had 738 yards receiving as well, but for the Patriots. He only had one more reception than Bennett did last year.
"It was all very frustrating, personally, and with the team last season," Bennett said. "Everything is magnified when you are 4-12...your injuries, your statistics, your role on the team and all that stuff. It is questioned and magnified. But right now I think I'm like everyone else in that no one cares about anything else but winning. I am excited about getting last year behind me. I was beat up all year and we didn't win. I am ready to move past that. And I'm excited about what we can do."
Last year, Bennett missed three games due to a broken hand. He also played through various injuries throughout the season. After rehabbing in the offseason, Bennett is close to being back to 100%, and will be ready to play by the start of training camp.
Besides Givens and Bennett, the Titans have a promising young group of receivers that saw a lot of playing time last year. They include Brandon Jones, Courtney Roby, and Roydell Williams - all of which were rookies last year. The team also signed veteran receiver Bobby Wade in the offseason, and Tyrone Calico is still on the team as well.
"Drew was just taking every snap (last year)," said Titans head coach Fisher, "but what has happened here with the development and the number of players we have, Drew is not going to need to take every snap through camp and through the preseason. And, of course, we'll be able to rotate guys and keep them fresh during the game. Our whole group has matured even more now. We don't look at them as young receivers any more, we look at them as an experienced group, so that depth should help everybody."
The Titans have been known as a team of youth the past few years, and it's about time that their progress converts into victories.