The Tennessee Titans will be looking to regain their form of the 2011 season after a disappointing 2012 campaign under Mike Munchak.
Munchak's side limped to a 6-10 record as quarterback Jack Locker struggled during his second season in the NFL as well as having injury problems.
It will be do or die this season for the coach and the quarterback as they look to get back to the playoff-challenging record of 9-7 they had two seasons ago.
Sports Mole takes a look at what the season ahead holds for the Titans.
Head Coach: Mike Munchak
Last season: 6-10
Review: The Titans started their campaign badly as they lost their opening two games to the New England Patriots and the San Diego Chargers.
A miraculous over-time victory against the Detroit Lions got them off the mark in week three but back-to-back defeats to the Houston Texans and the Minnesota Vikings knocked them back down to earth.
Wins over the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Buffalo Bills helped them to a 3-4 record, but it was all downhill from then on for Munchak's side as they lost five out of their next six games to end their playoff hopes.
Late victories over the New York Jets and the Jacksonville Jaguars boosted their end-of-season record to 6-10, but the year was a massive disappointment for a side that had invested heavily in their skill positions.
Notable Ins
Bernard Pollard: The safety was an essential part of the Baltimore Ravens side that won the Super Bowl last year. Pollard is exceptional in run support and will provide the Titans' defense with a much-needed physical edge. He played 13 games for the Ravens last year in the regular season.
Chance Warmack: The former Alabama guard was drafted with the 10th pick in the 2013 Draft. He will be a vital part of the offense this season, opening holes for All-Pro running back Chris Johnson to run through. Johnson had 2,000 yards, in the 2009 season, if Warmack can enable the running back to repeat that feat, the Titans can challenge for a playoff place.
Notable Outs
Matt Hasselbeck: The veteran quarterback, who played in five regular season games for the Titans in the last campaign, was allowed to leave the club meaning that Jake Locker no longer has a safety net behind him. The 37-year-old joined the Indianapolis Colts, where he will serve as backup to Andrew Luck.
Will Witherspoon: The experienced linebacker left the Titans to join the St Louis Rams in the off-season. The Titans have invested heavily in the Draft at the linebacker position over the last few years, with Colin McCarthy, Zach Brown and Akeem Ayers all scheduled to start for Munchak's side this season.
Key Player Offense: Chris Johnson
Key Player Defense: Kamerion Wimbley
Rookie to watch: Justin Hunter
Pre-season form: 1-3
Prediction: 8-8 – A lot will depend on whether Jack Locker can improve as a quarterback in his third year. He has some weapons around him now, with the recently drafted Justin Hunter an intriguing prospect along with fellow receivers Kenny Britt, Nate Washington and Kendall Wright.
If Chris Johnson can get back to his best form, then perhaps the Titans could make a run at the playoffs with a 10-win season. Defensively the front seven looks fairly solid. To make the post-season they need to get better in the secondary but with the players at their disposal there it doesn't look on the cards.
Simon Sinclair
