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In The AFC, Don't Overlook The Titans

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 5, 2008

TAMPA - Chris Simms might be returning to Raymond James Stadium sooner than anticipated.

The former Bucs quarterback is backing up veteran Kerry Collins in Nashville, and the undefeated Titans have suddenly emerged as a serious threat to represent the AFC in the Feb. 1 Super Bowl at Tampa.

Guided by the firm hand of Coach Jeff Fisher, Tennessee has limited its past eight opponents to 17 points or less, dating to the late-season 2007 surge that vaulted the Titans to a wild-card spot.

"This is a really fun team," said Fisher, who replaced Jack Pardee late in the 1994 season and is the league's longest-tenured coach with one organization. "They respect their opponents, and they know the games are going to be hard. They just trust each other to find a way to win."

The Titans (4-0) face their toughest road test today at Baltimore as the former division rivals renew hostilities.

Tennessee's formula for success is easy to analyze, yet difficult to overcome.

In replacing talented but erratic Vince Young under center, Collins provides Fisher with an experienced leader who has excelled at ball security.

The Titans lead the league with 144 rushing attempts, and rookie back Chris Johnson is making an immediate impact, complemented by sledgehammer LenDale White.

Tennessee's identity is well-established through the first month - the Titans want to beat you up and force mistakes.

"Obviously, they know what they're doing," Ravens rookie coach John Harbaugh said. "What they've done there, from the Houston Oilers through what they've done with the Titans, is about as impressive as probably has been done in the NFL in a long time."

Defensively, Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch lead a fierce charge up front that has resulted in 15 sacks and 12 takeaways.

Those are extraordinary numbers for an opening month.

In the red zone, the Titans have been exemplary on both sides of the ball.

Tennessee has scored 10 touchdowns in 13 ventures inside the 20, while opponents have four touchdowns in the same number of opportunities.

That's winning football.

The Titans must still play Indy twice, and the Colts have won eight of the past 10 meetings. Consecutive November road trips to Chicago and Jacksonville won't be easy, but Fisher likes what he sees.

"I think, first of all, we've played smart football," Collins said. "We haven't turned it over a whole lot, and our red-zone offense is much better."

Most of all, these Titans believe in each other.

Fisher took his lumps beginning in 2004 as the Titans lost 23 of their next 32 games while overhauling an aging roster. The rebuilding phase is officially over, and the AFC appears ripe for the taking.

Don't overlook Fisher's lunch-pail gang.

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