Titans Team Report

Yahoo! Sports Nov 25, 2:23 am EST

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INSIDE SLANT

Who would have thought it, but suddenly the Titans could be on the cusp of the AFC wild-card chase.

The Titans won their fourth consecutive game after an 0-6 start, and now at 4-6 they find themselves just two games behind the current wild-card leaders Pittsburgh and Jacksonville.

There are still six games to play, and numerous tiebreaker scenarios (many of which would go against Tennessee) exist, but any thought of the postseason seemed completely lost in the wake of the worst start in the Jeff Fisher era and a 59-0 blasting at New England.

Since that time the Titans have found the right formula, utilizing Chris Johnson, who leads the NFL in rushing with 1,242 yards after a 151-yard effort Monday night against Houston. Johnson is on pace for 1,987 yards, and he went over 100 yards rushing for the fifth consecutive game.

The other part of the equation is the rebirth of Vince Young(notes), who is 4-0 as a starter (22-11 in his career) and is playing the best football of his four-year NFL career in terms of playmaking and decision-making. Young was 12 of 22 for 116 yards against the Texans, and he added 73 yards on the ground.

Will it be enough to propel the Titans back into contention? That remains to be seen, especially with back-to-back games against offensive juggernauts Arizona and Indianapolis upcoming, but after the way the Titans have turned the corner, nothing appears impossible anymore.

NOTES, QUOTES

—Linebacker Keith Bulluck(notes) talked some trash about the Texans before the Monday night game, saying the Houston team talked too much about each game being the biggest in franchise history, and acting like each division win was a playoff game.

Bulluck didn’t back off that after Tennessee’s 20-17 victory at Reliant Stadium.

“I definitely got under their skin, because they didn’t say anything back,” Bulluck said of his comments. “I wasn’t trash-talking, I was just stating facts. If you look and read what I said, I really was just stating facts.”

• Safety Kevin Kaesviharn(notes) had a trying week. First, his wife gave birth to the couple’s third child, but the infant girl was premature, forcing Kaesviharn to leave the team and miss practice all week.

He returned and not only played in the game Monday night but also wound up fielding punts, as Alvin Pearman(notes) was declared inactive. Kaesviharn fair-caught four punts, and another went for a touchback.

He was scheduled to head back home Tuesday to visit his wife and new baby girl.

“She’s doing better,” Kaesviharn said of the infant. “My wife got to hold her (Monday) for the first time. She’s doing great. I’m going to go home (Tuesday) morning and check in on her and get back to work on Wednesday.”

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Player Notes  

• RB Chris Johnson had a career-high 29 carries for 151 yards. Johnson is on pace for 1,987 yards and has a goal of reaching 2,000 yards, something only five other running backs in NFL history have done.

• QB Vince Young looked poised and collected in leading the Titans downfield on their game-winning drive. Young finished 12 of 22 for 116 yards and one touchdown pass. He also ran for 73 yards.

• CB Nick Harper(notes) returned from missing four games with a broken forearm, and he gave up a 12-yard touchdown to Andre Johnson(notes) in the first half but played well in the second half.

• WR Kenny Britt(notes) caught a 13-yard touchdown pass, the first of his NFL career.

• K Rob Bironas(notes) nailed a game-winning 53-yard field goal not long after missing a 49-yard kick early in the fourth quarter.

Report Card Vs  . TEXANS

Passing Offense:   B-plus—Vince Young was strong again. His numbers could have been better than 12 of 22 for 116 yards had Nate Washington(notes) held onto a deep ball that fell off his fingertips.

Rushing Offense:   A—The yards were harder to come by for Chris Johnson, and he ran a lot between the tackles. Still, he has become a workhorse, and he gained 151 yards Monday night.

Pass Defense:   C-plus—Matt Schaub(notes) had his second 300-yard passing game vs. Tennessee this season, but the Titans held the Texans to just three second-half points. The Titans had four sacks and nine pressures.

Rush Defense:   A—The Texans gained just 57 yards on 17 rushing attempts Monday night, as the Titans kept Chris Brown and Steve Slaton(notes) bottled up.

Special Teams:   B—The return game was its usual mundane self, but it’s hard to ignore the clutch kicking of Rob Bironas, whose 53-yard kick after a 49-yard miss was the difference.

Coaching:   A—The Titans had a good game plan offensively, riding Johnson and complementing his work with timely runs and throws by Young. Defensively, Tennessee tightened up in the second half to slow the Houston passing attack.

Updated Nov 25, 2:23 am EST
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49 Comments

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  1. Kozzmo
    49. Posted by Kozzmo Sun Nov 22 6:05pm EST

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    The Titans biggest problem with the O-Line, doesn't have anything to do with the O-Line, its the loss of Albert Haynesworth. Last year, the DT shut down the run from opposing teams. This put our offense on the field, and with White pounding between the tackles and Brown doing his thing, we wore defenses out.

    With the loss of Haynesworth, now teams can run the ball on us and rest their Defense. That is why our line isn't as good this year.
  2. Annonymus
    48. Posted by Annonymus Sat Nov 21 1:04am EST

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    Titans have no plans to replace Fisher, why should they? Collins was the reason for the 0-6 start and Fisher was just being fair to him by letting him have 6 games to try and get back to the win column. But at 0-6, ownership did push for a change to VY and that's when Fisher had to agree. People talked about dropped passes, rookie receivers, etc., but if you don't win you don't win. You have the have a QB in the huddle that the other 10 guys on the field have confidence in. With VY, you see that, and you hear it when they comment to the media. Since the line is a little weaker this year for some reason, the mobility of VY is saving a lot of plays and taking some pressure off of CJ.

    In the NFL, QB's have usually proven themselves time and time again before getting the starts, and Collins deserved as much time as possible to prove to be a winner. Now the Titans are Young's team to lead and with Fisher's help they will end up with a winning record. Who knows, 9-7 is not impossible with the mindset of this team right now.
  3. Jason
    47. Posted by Jason Tue Nov 17 10:06am EST

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    titans are garbage go TEXANS
  4. <i>eric_prince1990</i>
    46. Posted by eric_prince1990 Sun Nov 1 4:24am EST

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    i think the biggest loss they had was the d coordinator jim shwartz. i think fisher is a great coach, but he needs someone to control his defense. after this season, i'd love for them to get a new coach. as much a fan as i am of fisher, i think there are a few guys they could look to for a quick turnaround.

    jon gruden is at the top of the list
    bill cowher
    mike holmgren
  5. <i>silverlady_42104</i>
    45. Posted by silverlady_42104 Tue Oct 27 11:07am EDT

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    J. Fisher is definitely overrated, he's had an abundance of talent over the years and yet he can only get them so far. There's time for new blood for the Titans.
  6. G-MANN
    44. Posted by G-MANN Sat Oct 24 10:49am EDT

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    Who does the Titans miss the most Swartze or Haynesworth?
  7. ztitans1
    43. Posted by ztitans1 Tue Oct 20 9:50am EDT

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    Fisher will not be the Titans coach next season. The owner does not say squat through 5 losses in a row then comes out and undermines his coach and staff. By undermining his coach and staff it has made Fisher's job even more difficult. What player wants to listen to a coach they know is on the out. Every failure by one of the Titans players will be viewed as the fault of the coach.

    Fisher deserves better than this. Perhaps he gets lucky to be fired and gets hired somewhere else. I guaranty that there are several teams that would grab him if available. The Titans will have a hard time replacing Jeff Fisher.
  8. Jer
    42. Posted by Jer Mon Oct 19 2:15am EDT

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    I sure would like to see Ringer get some more playing time. I bet this game was a nice way for Hoyer and Ringer to catch up on times back here at MSU! :) GO SPARTANS!!!
  9. Titan4life
    41. Posted by Titan4life Sun Sep 13 10:35am EDT

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    @ Baby H...youre an IDIOT!!!
  10. NASHVILLE
    40. Posted by NASHVILLE Sun Sep 13 7:00am EDT

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    " 39. Posted by baby h Sat Sep 12 6:19pm The titans will never win a super bowl under Fisher he's the most overrated coach in the league. Fire him now and there a good chance we could have our first super win"

    Dude are seriously an idiot or just a jackass. Fisher is never underated you @#$% boy. You need to fire your dad for raising a @#$%ot like you. Fisher keeps the Titans in the playoffs and forces them to compete at a high level. That's why he's the longest tenured queer boy.
  11. baby h
    39. Posted by baby h Sat Sep 12 6:19pm EDT

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    The titans will never win a super bowl under Fisher he's the most overrated coach in the league. Fire him now and there a good chance we could have our first super win
  12. James
    38. Posted by James Sat Sep 12 5:37pm EDT

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    Gage is the #1 WR. Look at the game not the stats.
  13. Douche McNasty
    37. Posted by Douche McNasty Sat Sep 12 7:59am EDT

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    Jeremy - Yes, Kenny Britt is a great pick. He currently their #1 WR and showed in Game 1 why he deserves to be their #1 (or at least a strong #2). I picked up Kenny with my 2nd-ot-last pick of my draft. I'm surprised he lasted that long, but that was awesome for me since I, like him, am also a Rutgers alum (picked up Ray Rice as a #1 RB, too!).
  14. jeremy
    36. Posted by jeremy Sat Sep 12 3:41am EDT

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    Kenny Britt is a good pick up right? I am new to this whole fantasy football thing... What do you guys think about stephan logan ? He is a return man.. He had like 75 yrds returning a couple kick offs and punts.. so how does that work? He doesnt get any points? Only for t.d.'s or what? hit me back at jrogersemail@yahoo.com. thanks.... J. rogers
  15. The GM
    35. Posted by The GM Mon Aug 31 5:26pm EDT

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    I am not worried about sloppy pre season play. That's why it's pre season! Writers need something to write about, but you can't tell much by looking at preseason games. Week 1 is when you see the real team. The key for the Titans is their line on both sides of the ball this year. I am really excited about the o-line group we have. With Mawae back healthy again at center, and Amato gaining a full year of starting experience last year this o-line could be the most dominant in the league. These guys are big, nasty, and just mash people. The 2 tackles may be the best combo in the league (Stewart and Roos). There could be multiple pro bowlers off this year's line if they play like they should and can stay healthy.

    Also, we actually have a decent deep threat now in Kenny Britt! Washington will be a solid additon as well. We have 3 solid receivers to put on the field in passing situations who can make a play: Washington, Gage, and Britt.
  16. A. Wolf
    34. Posted by A. Wolf Mon Aug 31 3:49am EDT

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    I must say, I am excited to see what is going to happen this season. Despite having my family be a part of LP Field since opening year as Adelphia Coliseum, including my working there and nearly getting hit in the head by a ball thrown by a practicing Panther back in 07, I haven't really watched a full season ever.

    I think Collins will do a great job. He is the starter for a reason. I do like VY too, but think he is not quite ready to start, despite the die-hard loyalty from his fans. He will have to mature some before I will reevaluate my opinion on him. Bulluck should definitely get an extension, he is my favorite left on the team. Don't want to be losing him!

    I also want to say that I will be sad to see the day Jeff Fisher leaves. As my dad once put he, he is about the most perfect coach you can get for our city. He fits in really well with the entire attitude of Nashville in general.
  17. <i>clarenceshelby32</i>
    33. Posted by clarenceshelby32 Thu Aug 20 2:01am EDT

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    Hey I'm a Tenn.Titans fan even when they was the hou.oilers.Now look you haters first of all leave McNair alone he's gone may him rest in peace.Now all you V.Y. haters you need to cool it cause yall remind me of all these talkers and you don't know nothing about football.V.Y. will be back in the starting role real soon the man got skill to be a qb ok true collins did good hell he's a titan what more can you ask for,it's seem to me yall don't won't to see a black qb led the titans to the sb well dammit get over it cause it's gonna happen.Go Titans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  18. Tennessee
    32. Posted by Tennessee Tue Aug 18 4:17pm EDT

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    @ luvyablew

    Actually the Titans DID win their division last year even after they slowed following their 10-0 start. Best record in the NFL last year I do believe... at least in the AFC and probably in the whole league. I hope everyone underestimates the TITANS again because their gonna romp!!!!
  19. gordon p
    31. Posted by gordon p Tue Aug 18 2:59am EDT

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    wow the whole vy thing is funny because I think other than what happen last year he has't been involved in anything its like he has become the most hated guy in the league even T.o and vick get good pub sometimes but when vy gets it he will always be defined as this and that or yes he played well but you know he had a melt down he could lead the team to the superbowl and that same story will be played. note to writers WE ALL THINK WE KNOW WHAT HAPPEN JUST IN case ANY writer DON"T think we do. Talking about beating a dead horse. I get tired of hearing it its a waist of titans talk. Hell all the horses in TN has have got black eyes thats a lot of horses
  20. <i>luvyablew</i>
    30. Posted by luvyablew Sun Aug 16 1:58am EDT

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    @ Josh

    Why would Texan fans be reading this? Because we know that the NFL doesn't revolve around our trophy-less team. Take a cue.

    BTW your Titans didn't win the division, or a Lombardi Trophy last year. Maybe you were too busy patting yourself on the back -for the Titans hot start- to realize that?
  21. Josh
    29. Posted by Josh Sat Aug 15 12:39pm EDT

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    Ok. all you texans fans. why are you even reading this. are you just reading about the ROOKIE getting ready to put it to your little texans. you talk crap about the titans but who won the division last year. and have the texans had a winning seaon YET. NO!!! so until yall actually put some numbers up keep your mouth shut. Bud Adams isnt the best but still does his job. Titans believe it or not are still building. They are putting the receiving unit in that theyve needed. we have one of the best defenses, a great o-line. a tremendous running game, and a not-great...but accurate veteran qb. receivers are looking good, at least better than in the past and J. Cook is looking like a 3yr player in his rookie yr. i think all you texans fans are just jealous bc nothing great has came from texas football since the oilers moved. the best thing texas had was v. young and look where he is.

    p.s. - VY will not be traded. he wont start unless something happens to Collins. He is maturing in the league. he will most likely come in on blowout games. give him a lil time and he will shine. after all he did go 10-6 his rookie yr and got named rookie of the yr. obviously he's got something good. at least its not Matt Shuab i guess.

    GO TITANS
  22. Crazy CG
    28. Posted by Crazy CG Tue Aug 11 1:19am EDT

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    luvyablew, get a f*cking life!
  23. <i>luvyablew</i>
    27. Posted by luvyablew Sat Aug 8 11:33pm EDT

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    KS "Pud" Adams loves the Tennessee community so much, he named your team "Titans":

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiH4-h4o6Us

    BESFs!
  24. <i>markt-1579@...</i>
    26. Posted by markt-1579@... Tue Aug 4 10:07pm EDT

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    i love my titans looking foward to a great YEAR wooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!1
  25. David
    25. Posted by David Wed Jul 15 9:46pm EDT

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    I would also like to respond to one more thing and that is the owner of the Tennessee Titans Bud Adams. While I know that Bud Adams has done very bad things and is not a good owner, but I support him all the way and he believes that the Tennessee Titans will win a Super Bowl. Again the proof is this website: {http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/titans/2008-12-13-bud-adams_N.htm}. He wants the Tennessee Titans to win a Super Bowl no doubt about it. People keep sayiing as long he is still the owner, the Titans will never win a Super Bowl. That is not true because that entire team makes the decisions and how they play. The coach is Jeff Fisher and he has brought the Tennessee Titans above or at .500 7 times since they started in Tennessee as the Titans in 1999. If Jeff Fisher wasn't the head coach of the Titans anymore, would they find a good coach to replace him? Of course but it will take time for him to be a part of the Titans family. That's all I have to say here on this issue.
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