Faceoff - S Chris Hope, Tennessee Titans

Posted 8/12, exclusive to Footballguys.com

Upside - by David Baker

When Chris Hope was still playing in Pittsburgh in 2005, he saw his time and production increase enough to the point where he was a top 25 fantasy DB. After he went to the Titans, his production skyrocketed and he ended the season with 89-32 tackles and five interceptions. Both were career highs at the time. Fast forward to today, and two years later, both numbers remain career highs. But while I don't foresee him making another appearance amongst the elite in IDP leagues, I think he's an excellent value bet for 2009.

Hope himself stated that an improved defensive front for the Titans left fewer tackle opportunities for the secondary. Specifically, the increased performance by DT Albert Haynesworth appeared to result in decreased numbers for Hope (as well as other Titans). Well, Haynesworth took his bags and a boatload of money and went off to play for the Redskins. His replacement looks to be Jason Jones. Those familiar with me know I've been propping Jones since he entered this league, but he's no Albert Haynesworth. At least not yet. Jones might prove better equipped to get to the QB, but Haynesworth has been a run stuffing machine. Without him in the lineup, look for more opportunities for Hope to gobble up tackles.

Hope, who will turn 29 about a quarter into next season, is still young and has more than proven himself and is a team leader, as indicated when he stuck around the team through the season even after his injury. He's an intelligent player with good instincts and is a hard hitter in run support. While Tennessee's improved defense might have led to fewer opportunities for plays by Hope the last couple of years, the loss of Albert Haynesworth should be enough to merit an increase to Hope. Also, Keith Bullock is not getting any younger. To be clear, I don't think the loss of Haynesworth means that Hope should expect to see 2006 revisited. Those numbers were far too lofty to expect a repeat this year. But if you can sneak by and grab Hope in the 20s amongst defensive backs, do so. Hope should present good value if enough opposing owners downplay him based on his relatively inconsistent recent numbers.

Downside - by Larry Thomas

I'll admit it's difficult not to like Chris Hope this year, especially his tackle potential after the loss of Albert Haynesworth in free agency.

The Titans also lost long time defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and Chuck Cecil was promoted from defensive back coach to take over the defense. Cecil may take a little more aggressive approach, and it's hard to say what effect that will have on Hope. Even though Cecil replacing Schwartz should be a seamless transition, it's still a team losing a defensive coordinator who had filled that spot for eight seasons. You never know how change will influence things.

Some will say with Haynesworth gone and LBs Keith Bulluck and David Thornton slipping, there will be more tackles for the safeties, specifically Hope. But have the linebackers really slipped? The play at LB the past couple seasons appears to be sub par by the numbers, especially with Keith Bulluck, not so much with Thornton, however he did have 44 less tackles in 2008 from '07. As for Bulluck, after four consecutive seasons (2003-06) with 100+ solo tackles, he's failed to top 75 the past two seasons. How much of this is sub par play, how much was Albert Haynesworth and his play causing a lack of tackle opportunity? Both linebackers may be past their prime, but the on-field play of both has been better than their numbers.

The Titans defenses faced above average pass attempts and pass completions the past couple years. If teams can have success running on Tennessee, Hope will face fewer opportunities for INTs and PDs. Also, it's difficult to see the Titans getting as much pressure on the QB without Haynesworth, which could also have an adverse affect on Hope's INTs and PD opportunities. Defensive line coach Jim Washburn does a very good job developing young talent along the defensive front, I don't think their play up front will miss Haynesworth as much as some think, leading to below-average opportunity again this year.

In 2007, Hope suffered a serious neck injury which required surgery. He returned last year showing no ill affects and earned a trip to Hawaii. It was not expected to be a career threatening injury, however, football players with neck issues are risky durability bets. I'm not sold on Hope as a #1 DB, but should be a solid 2.