| ! |
- Tennessee has its quarterback in place. A settled quarterback situation---even with a young quarterback — always beats the alternative.
- The Titans had a really good offensive line, which could make replacing Travis Henry much easier.
- Tennessee had several players who could end up having their best seasons. Some were playing to prove themselves. Some were playing for better contracts. Some were just coming into their own. Some, like Albert Haynesworth, fell into all three categories.
- The Titans players knew what they were supposed to do and what they wanted to be. From the second half of 2006, these guys understood fully the style of football that they would have to play to win games. Everyone came in on the same page.
When the Titans started 6-2, I was slightly surprised — it was a little better than I expected. But my opinion of where the team was did not change: playoff contender. There was much work to be done.
When the team had its November lull, I was slightly surprised, but not totally shocked. The team simply was not good enough to not play well and win. They aren't to that stage yet.
And now that the Titans have rallied to win two of their last three and put themselves squarely in the playoff race, they are...playoff contenders.
Vince Young has had good moments and bad, but that was expected in the second year. Still, as the Titans have opened up the offense more in the last six games, we have seen more and more things that Young can do. He throws a nice deep ball and suddenly the Titans are no longer seeing eight and nine defenders in the box. While he won't finish with a high passer rating, if Young can close with two strong games, he can look at December very positively.
That's good if the Titans are headed into the playoffs or even if they are just headed into the off-season.
The offensive line has been what we thought that they would be. The two young tackles — Michael Roos and David Stewart — are as good as any pair in the NFL. Kevin Mawae is almost 37 and keeps playing. Guard will be a question moving forward, however, as Jacob Bell is a potential free agent and Benji Olson's health issues have forced him out of action for some games this season. The good news for the Titans is Eugene Amano and Daniel Loper have played well in relief and the Titans believe that they have a star of the future in Leroy Harris. In other words, offensive line is going to continue to be an anchor for Tennessee.
Defense has become a strength, as well. It's largely because of players who had to prove themselves.
Antwan Odom and Travis Laboy had to prove that they could stay healthy and be productive. They've combined for 10 sacks.
Tony Brown and Ryan Fowler had to prove that they deserved their new contracts. They've both had good seasons. Tennessee will miss the injured Fowler, but he's being replaced by another guy who needs to prove himself: Stephen Tulloch.
Cortland Finnegan had to prove that he was a starting cornerback in the NFL. Nick Harper had to prove that he wasn't too old to cover in man-to-man. Both have played super football.
And then there is Pro Bowler Albert Haynesworth.
14 months ago, many thought that Haynesworth's NFL career might be over.
In 2007, he has played up to every expectation and is now regarded as one of the preeminent forces in the NFL. Say the name "Albert Haynesworth" now, and a word like "dominant" will follow.
On the day that Haynesworth made his horrible mistake against Dallas, so much good was gone in an instant.
Today, he has brought that good back. He has taken his second chance and rehabilitated himself. There are a lot of people proud of this mammoth defensive tackle and happy to his that his success has brought him some peace.
His humble statement about making the Pro Bowl indicated as much. It was much less of an "I guess that I showed you" and a lot more of an "I'm appreciative".
The Titans will have roughly 40 million dollars of open salary cap space in the 2008 off-season. They will have every draft pick except a sixth-rounder (traded for Bryce Fisher). They have nearly 40 players under contract for next season.
Tennessee is going to have the financial ability to sign everyone that it wishes to keep and then more money to sign free agents.
The future certainly looks bright. "The now" ain't bad, either.
The Titans need help to make the playoffs happen, but there is no chance without two wins in the next two games. One gets the sense that if Tennessee reaches 10-6, whatever needs to happen for them, will happen.
It's about taking care of one's own business. But, oh, what a playoff berth in 2007 would mean for this team's progress. Oh, what it would mean for 2008 and beyond.
It would be unbelievable for VY and guys to get rid of the term "playoff contender" and replace it with "playoff team."
