Keith Bullock's Challenge Improves Titans Defense

Keith Bullock is not stranger to success. Now in his 8th season he has been on a number of successful Tennessee Titans teams. Besides being a two time all-pro player(2002 and 2003) Bullock played on several playoff teams. Recent years however have been anything but successful. The Titans experienced four and five game winning seasons until last year's 8-8 finish. The team was only one game away from the playoffs. Bullock began to do some thinking.

After the 2006 season Bullock sat at home and reviewed some stats from the season. He learned that the Titans were dead last in the NFL in defense. Despite this fact the team was one victory away from making the playoffs. Bullock quickly concluded that if the Titans could be just in the top 10 in defense, they would easily make the playoffs. Bullock decided to challenge his teammates to become just that.

The Titans defenders seemed to respond. They all began to take their workouts over the off season more seriously. Even the biggest of Titans Albert Haynesworth worked harder during the off season. The result, Haynesworth is the best defensive tackle in the league and the Titans have one of the best defenses in the league. Lead up front by standouts Kyle Vandenbosh and Antwan Odom the Titans have one of the best front four on defense, of any team in the National Football League.

For years Keith Bullock was a member of a veteran led defense. Players like Jevon Kearse, Eddie Robinson and Samari Rolle all played alongside Bullock. Then Keith went through a stage in which he was the lone vet reran on the defense. He was a man amongst boys with very young players all around him. This fact is quickly changing again thanks to a number of players that have come along board. Last year the Titans signed veteran David Thorton from the Indianapolis Colts. Also on board for Tennessee veterans Chris Hope and Nick Harper. Both who have played on playoff and championship defenses. Linebacker Ryan Fowler has come over from Dallas and has been a great addition for Tennessee.

Tennessee is currently #1 against the run in the NFL. They have given up less than 700 yards rushing all season. Only one team has rushed for more than 100 yards against the Titans this year. In that game the Titans had injuries to two key players who were unable to play. Players like Haynesworth, Vandenbosh, Odom and Finnegan are all having pro-bowl caliber seasons.

Mr. Monday Night, as his has been nicknamed, Bullock has the Titans well on track to accomplishing their goal of being a top ten defense. The defense has actually carried the offense which is still trying to get things together. With a 6-3 record currently, look for Tennessee to make the playoffs this year!