Titans players angered by tanking recommendations
It's that time of year, when NFL fans live and die with every outcome as their teams fight to stay in the playoff race.
Unless, of course, their team is headed nowhere fast. In that case, thoughts of the draft — and a prime pick — begin to sprout.
Everyone knows how it works: The worse the record, the better the pick. And that reality prompts an absurd but familiar suggestion: Why not tank the rest of the season?
The Titans (2-7) have lost seven of their last eight games, so they've heard the suggestion they might as well pack it in for this season.
"I'm like, 'Oh, OK, sure,' " said tight end Delanie Walker, shaking his head. "It is ludicrous to me. Fans don't understand the situation we go through as players. No one wants to lose games for better picks. It just doesn't happen. It would never happen. Just the thought is ludicrous."
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If the 2015 draft started today the Titans would have the fifth pick, behind the Raiders (0-9), Jaguars (1-9), Buccaneers (1-8) and Jets (2-8). Six teams currently have three wins.
So if the Titans upset the Steelers on Monday night, they would drop a bit in the draft order. That's a nightmare scenario for those who've taken to talk shows and social media to plead for losses, not wins.
"I have worked too hard personally to listen to anybody that tells me to go out and tank a season," wide receiver Nate Washington said. "I wouldn't know the meaning of that. To those naysayers who think we should go out and mail it in the rest the season, maybe they shouldn't go to work for the next month and see if they expect a paycheck. Let's see how it works out for them. ...
"I can't see one individual in here that would be able to look at himself in mirror if they 'tanked it.' Not one guy is comfortable with that. This is a prideful group of guys, and no matter what the scoreboard is everyone is going to give his all."
The Titans finished 7-9 last season and drafted Michigan tackle Taylor Lewan with the 11th overall pick. In 2013, they selected guard Chance Warmack with the 10th overall pick. In 2012, it was wide receiver Kendall Wright at 20th.
The last time the Titans had a top-five pick: 2006, when they selected quarterback Vince Young third overall.
Needs for next season and beyond are becoming clearer after nine games. A game-changing pass rusher leads the list for now. Quarterback could zoom to the top if rookie Zach Mettenberger, who will make his third NFL start on Monday, fails to lock down the job.
The Titans hope Mettenberger is the guy, but some fans are already lobbying for other quarterbacks, cranking up Twitter campaigns for Oregon's Marcus Mariota and Florida State's Jameis Winston, last year's Heisman Trophy winner.
Overall, however, early forecasts predict the 2015 draft will lack can't-miss prospects at the top.
Titans CEO/president Tommy Smith made it clear in an interview with the Tennessean last week he has no plans to issue a "Code Bad." His mind is on a strong finish, not improving draft status. Wisecrackers might argue the team's play suggests otherwise.
"I don't get any satisfaction in getting a top-five pick," Smith said. "That's not what we want. It's not what anyone wants. We want to win games. We are looking for playoff games."
Smith also put the current roster on notice, saying he plans to replace underperforming players during the offseason.
Center Brian Schwenke knows the majority of Titans fans want the team to win every game, no matter what. Players know if they fail to meet expectations, they put their jobs in jeopardy.
"We're playing to win. Anyone who wants us to 'tank it' — that's not going to happen," Schwenke said. "I don't think that would ever happen on any team; that's just not what you can tell people who have been competing their whole life. There's no way that would ever fly."
Wyatt also writes for the Tennessean.
