Making the Most of It

Published Aug. 16, 2010 7:45 p.m. ET

foxsports

By Terry McCormick
August 16, 2010
Foxsportstennessee.com

When Alge Crumpler bolted to the New England Patriots somewhat unexpectedly, the Tennessee Titans never wavered in their plans to replace him.

They simply ascertained that third-year man Craig Stevens, who had been largely limited to being a standout on special teams, was ready for a bigger role in the offense as the blocking tight end.

Crumpler was a veteran the Titans had voiced an interest in retaining last spring, but when the team was slow to make him an offer, the veteran began to explore and signed with the Patriots for two years and $4.8 million.

It opened the door for Stevens, a third-round pick from California in 2008, to expand his role.