11/22/09
Four weeks ago, the Tennessee Titans couldn't complete a simple pass, stop any opposing offense whatsoever, and maybe not even win a shuffleboard tournament at a retirement home. But four weeks ago, Vince Young and Chris Johnson weren't taking turns shredding defenses. After three straight wins, the Titans have left me wishing the season started in November. Vince Young has assumed a nearly perfect game managers role, stepping up to make timely plays when he is needed. He looks much more mature, both in his decision making and his demeanor. Honestly, he is doing better than I had ever predicted. They are averaging a cool 35 points per game since VY took back the keys to the franchise. But if I gave him all the credit for their newfound success, I'd be labeled a fraud. The primary cause for their turnaround is the one, the only, the ridiculously elusive, Chris Johnson. He has totaled six touchdowns and about 400,000 total yards since the Jags game three weeks ago. He is unstoppable lately and it couldn't come at a better time. The Monday night rematch this week with the Texans is a huge game for both teams. Houston wants to keep their own playoff hopes alive, while Tennessee is playing spoiler to anyone they cross from now til week 17. If you survey the locker room, the Titans would tell you they are playing for the postseason. That, of course, is highly unlikely. Winning out would give them a 10-6 record and in the AFC, that usually doesn't get you in the playoffs. I had already given up on the idea of a 2009 postseason in Tennessee so at this point I'm just enjoying the ride. VY and CJ are proving to be a nearly impossible combo to cover. If you spy VY, CJ is left with open space turning the corner. And if you man up on CJ, you leave VY with a running lane of his own. Here's a look ahead to the big Monday nighter.
Titans Top Two Topics
Week 11 at Houston
1. The number one, far and way huge concern has to be containing Andre Johnson. He and QB Matt Schaub have built a relationship similar to that of Manning-Wayne, if not yet Manning-Harrison. In the week two showdown, Johnson unloaded for 149 yards and two touchdowns. Finnegan will have to do a better job of containing him this time around. With the Texans running game left up in the air, and Owen Daniels out for the year. you have to shut down Johnson, the Texans remaining offensive weapon. If he is held to an average performance, there is no doubt the Titans will be in position to win. The Finny-Andre head to head matchup is by far the most intriguing one to watch for in the game.
2. Get CJ going. Just like my point in the week 2 matchup, Chris Johnson will have to show up big. He is on the hottest streak in the NFL right now. And in week 2, he had a career day. But because Andre Johnson wasn't contained, the performance put in by CJ didn't matter. This week, if CJ can keep doing what he's been doing, and the defense actually shows up, Tennessee will continue to spoil things for their opponents.
The Houston games are always big. Not just because the team formally resided there and the animosity still resides there with their former fanbase. But for Vince Young personally, the games are of great importance. He has a lot of hometown pride. Fans of his know that he would love to perform well in his old stomping grounds. Also, he seems to play better on primetime games; another indication the Titans could play very well. This is only his second game playing in Houston. Last year, he was the backup. In 2007, he missed the game due to a hamstring injury. But in his 2006 rookie year, VY did exactly what he is known for. It is tough to forget his 39 yard scramble up the middle of the field, evading a few Texans along the way, en route to a game winning overtime touchdown. I won't mind if this Monday's game is as dramatic, just as long as it shares the same end result on the scoreboard.
Titans win 34-24