NFL Playoff Preview: Rematches and The Significance They Bear

So this is how the NFL does a doubleheader.  

This weekend, three games will feature matchups between teams that played each other just a week before.

So it begs the question: Just how is the game planning affected?

A lot of times, it depends on the context and scenario’s from the previous week, the regular season finale.  

Each situation is different.  Some teams had everything locked up, some had everything to play for, and some had fates that fell somewhere in between.

That said, here’s a look at each game and the dynamics surrounding them.

 

Cincinnati Bengals vs. New York Jets

Going into last week’s game, the Bengals essentially had everything wrapped up, postseason-wise.  

The Jets, on the other hand, were fighting for their playoff lives.

So, were the Bengals playing a vanilla scheme, as to not tip their hand for a future playoff meeting?  Or are they in trouble?  

Coach Marvin Lewis has been relatively coy this week, not divulging any information of note, as well he shouldn’t.  But chances are, a better Cincinnati team will take the field this Sunday.  Plus, they’ll now be in their own stadium.

Conventional wisdom says that it’s the Jets who have the most scheming to do, given that it was they, having everything to play for, who showed the Bengals everything they had.  

Granted, Chad Ochochinco and Co. stumbled a bit towards the end of the season.  But on the whole, Cincinnati remains fundamentally sound.  

Throw in the fact that they should be playing emotional, inspired football in the wake of Chris Henry’s death, and this team should be dangerous.   

Pick: Cincinnati

 

Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Last week, with the NFC East title on the line, the Eagles got shellacked by the hungry and resurgent Cowboys.  

While that might initially cue the red flags and warning signs in Philly, there’s actually no need to panic as much as some might think.  

See, the pressure’s on Dallas.  Having to beat a team twice in a year is hard; beating them three times is even more difficult.  Plus, it is they, not the Eagles, who have everything to lose.  

After years of December futility, the Cowboys finally put together a decent winning streak last month.  Can they keep it up?  

Also, their embattled coach, Wade Phillips, must win this game to keep his job, recent success be damned.  At least that’s what most are saying, anyway.  Who really knows what goes on in the mind of the mercurial Jerry Jones.  

So, all of that said, look for Philadelphia to be looser, more hungry and loaded with tricks up their sleeves.  Rest assured the players have been reading the press reports all week that have them getting blown out by the Cowboys.  

Pick: Philadelphia

 

Arizona Cardinals vs. Green Bay Packers

Other than players’ personal statistics, the Cardinals really didn’t have too much to play for last week.  And it almost bit them in the butt, with Anquan Boldin getting injured.

The Packers, on the other hand, are one of the hottest teams in the league right now, peaking at just the right time.  

Then again, Arizona is sporting a better record and winning percentage in the final three games than they did last year, when they went to the Super Bowl.  

Look for the Cardinals to have a few more wrinkles in their scheme than the Packers. Green Bay defensive coordinator, Dom Capers, will no doubt be coming up with a plan to disrupt the timing-dependent Kurt Warner.  

And no doubt Arizona coach Ken Wishenhunt knows this.  With another chance given to them after a heart-breaking loss in the title game last year, they will be on a mission to better their playoff showing.  

This won’t be your same old, inconsistent Cardinals.  The question, however, is whether or not Green Bay can weather the storm.  

At any rate, this game promises to have an intriguing result no matter who wins.  

Why?  The winner will face the Vikings the next week in the divisional round.  Either way you slice it, there’re storylines aplenty; both squads have an interesting history this year with the Minnesota Brett Favres.   

Pick: Cardinals  

 

Perhaps the most interesting thing about this weekend is the fact that no matter their respective division, all teams have the proverbial “knowing each other well” factor going on.  

As we all know, that makes for much better football.  In fact, this could be one of the more interesting and noteworthy wild card weekends in recent memory.  

An honorable mention on this list is the New England vs. Baltimore game.  They, too played each other back in Week Four.  

So, sit back and savor the storylines.

Relish the higher level of intensity.  

Just don’t let anyone tell you this weekend is short on excitement.   

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To Sit or Not to Sit? NFL’s Competitive Balance Issue Rages On

The playoffs may be upon us, but this year, there is a regular season white elephant in the room that refuses to go away:

Should a playoff-bound team—with its seeding already decided—rest its starters during late season, “meaningless” games?  

Normally, the issue is merely an eye roll-inducing annoyance.  Here’s a typical Sunday conversation in late December:

“Let’s see, what game’s on next? Oh, the Colts and the Browns…um…what time does Family Guy come on, again?”

However, this year, with the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts coming so close to perfection, the argument has been cast into the limelight like never before.  

Throw in the fact that the New England Patriots—a non-perfect team who still had their playoff destiny decided—lost star wide receiver Wes Welker for the year (when he could have sat), and well, there are arguments aplenty from coaches, players and fans alike. 

In a sense, there are two sides to the topic.  

On the one hand, there’s the issue of perfection and whether or not it’s worth risking injury to attain.  

On the other hand, there’s the question of competitive balance and whether or not it’s kosher for the 12-3 teams to lay down for games that don’t affect their big-picture playoff aspirations.  

Here is a look at both sides.  There is no clear cut answer; this article is mainly meant to spark the dialogue and debate. 

 

Perfection

Just how important is a perfect 16-0 regular season record?  

Very, given that it’s only happened twice.  However, the poignancy of the accomplishment is somewhat diminished if the team doesn’t go on to win the Super Bowl. 

When Colts coach Jim Caldwell decided to bench his starters against the Jets a few weeks ago, the folks in Indy were as mad as if he’d have gone 1-15.  

His logic, of course, was that a Lombardi Trophy in February was more important.  

Of course, the poster boys for his argument are the 2007 Patriots.  

At the end of their careers, what do you think that Tom Brady, Tedy Bruschi, and Bill Belichick will cherish more?  

Their three Super Bowl rings?  

Or their 16-0 regular season that ultimately produced no championship hardware of note?  

The answer is obvious.  

Then again, continuity and momentum are potentially sacrificed when the star players are essentially put on a preseason routine.  

Will the Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne of the divisional playoff round be the same crisp guys who ravaged defenses up until Week 15?  Or will there be rust?  

The question is rhetorical; in this case, the answer is not obvious.

 

Competition

Perfection aside—it’s not every year that two teams burst out of the gate at 13-0—there’s also the age-old issue of competitive balance.  

In many ways, this is a very ambiguous concept.  

Most would agree that a team that has locked up their playoff logistics shouldn’t have to play their starters just because the competition committee decided that Joe Sixpack in section 335 deserves good football in December.  

However, it could be argued that he does.  

See, the NFL is not unlike the rock/pop star business model in that it is essentially the fans who make it the grand spectacle that it is.  

Without them, it’s a blase, semi-pro purgatory.

The other side of the argument, however, is perhaps best described by, yet again, those unfortunate Patriots.  

Last week, with their playoff destiny decided, coach Belichick decided to play his starters, regardless.  

The result?  Wes Welker, arguably the MVP of the team, went down for the year with torn ACL’s and MCL’s, greatly weakening their shot at a return trip to the Super Bowl.

A revealing and ironic tidbit should be noted, however.

As mentioned, fans in Indy were up in arms over Caldwells’ decision to bench his stars. However, most fans don’t seem to be that upset of the needless injury to Welker.  

Perhaps there is a noble grain of truth to playing hard all 16 games.  

At any rate, the NFL’s competition committee, as mentioned, review the issue this offseason.  

What will they decide is anyone’s guess. 

 

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The Tennessee Titans’ 2010 Wishlist

They say defense wins championships.

But for next year, the Tennessee Titans would be happy if it merely bred continuity.

Yes, it’s true that coach Jeff Fisher almost always seems to find a way to rally his troops and avoid a losing record.  But most folks in Nashville long for those halcyon days of the early aughts, when year-by-year competitiveness was the norm.

Ever since then, it has been one step forward, two steps back.  

Or, in the case of this season, two steps back and one step forward.  

So, what are the ideal scenarios that could unfold over the next few months?  Here is a look at some; from the jackpot idealism to the ho-hum realism. 

 

The Players (Defense)

A few chin-stroking prognosticators point to the offense, but the defense is what seems to be in the most need of help.  

For the most part, that is.  But more on that later.  

No, the biggest difference the Titans can make in the draft and free agency (sort of, given the looming non-capped 2010) is to find leadership to replace Keith Bulluck.  

Whether or not he is actually gone next year or not is incidental—even if he stays, a successor will need to be groomed. 

In addition, a playmaking game changer is sorely needed.  Right now, the stars on the defense are solid and respected leaders, at best.    

However, Tennessee needs an Ed Reed or Dwight Freeney; players who command just as much attention and respect as their more flashy offensive counterparts.  

Let’s face it: not since Jevon Kearse, equipped with his Lawrence Taylor starter kit, have the Titans had that on that side of the ball.

Adam “Pacman” Jones showed flashes of brilliance, but was never able to sustain it.

This story’s picture of Ndamukong Suhh is perhaps wishful thinking.  Chances are, he won’t be around by the time the (in this case, dubiously) resurgent Titans get their low-ish draft choice.  

But one gets the point; a difference maker is needed to compliment the good offense. 

 

The Players (Offense)

For the most part, Tennessee is set here.  

Well…maybe not “set,” but there are not exactly any gaping holes, either.  

Granted, a true number one receiver is what comes to the minds of most when looking at the free agent market.  

But that wouldn’t exactly be the best choice, considering the notorious ego’s of the money receivers and how they would potentially fit in with the Titans’ offense.  

See, as most know, the Titans offense runs through running back Chris Johnson.  The Brandon Marshalls and Terrell Owens’ of the world will most likely not get the 20-21 catch games that they enjoyed elsewhere.

They would simply be proven complements to bolster the offense, not sustain it. 

There is the possibility that a replacement might need to be groomed for the aging center Kevin Mawae or tight end Alge Crumpler.

However, the majority of the positions are solid and have much to build on going into next year.  

 

The Intangibles

Season-to-season momentum is the proverbial unicorn of the NFL, especially in this day and age of unprecedented parity.  

For instance, last year’s 13-3, number one seed success translated into virtually nothing this season for the Titans.  

And that’s with the majority of the starters returning.  

That said, consistency is the the name of the game next season.  Yes, Tennessee’s quasi-inspirational turnaround this year was a sight to see.  

But most people would take a more even-keeled, Baltimore Ravens-esque, playoff-bound season over the one that the Titans had.  

Simply put, players need to play to the level that they’re capable.  It may sound simple enough, but as was witnessed this year, it’s easier said than done.  

Throw in a few key draft picks and free agent pickups, and who knows what could happen next season.  

In a perfect world, there will be less peaks and valleys, and there won’t be two seasons to write about.

 

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Last Call: Titans-Seahawks Battle Could Be Swan Song For Key Veterans

As far as unofficial records go, tomorrow’s matchup between the Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks will probably go down as the most important “meaningless” game in the history of the NFL.

And the reason is obvious: Titans running back Chris Johnson’s pursuit of multiple yardage records has trumped the fact that both teams have virtually nothing to play for. 

Today, both teams will conduct their respective walkthroughs as they prepare for their season finale.  

By this time tomorrow, however, both teams could be experiencing the end of an era. 

For Tennessee, the potential damage is comparatively light when compared to the Seahawks’ looming sea change.  

For starters, linebacker and defensive leader Keith Bulluck is done for the year with a torn ACL. Throw in the fact that he’s 33 and in the final year of his contract, and, well, the Titans could very well have a new identity on defense next year.  

In addition, veterans Nick Harper (also on injured reserve) and Jevon Kearse aren’t exactly on solid footing either, given their ages and pedestrian performances this season.  

One question mark from earlier this year that seems to be resolved, however, is Vince Young. His career resurgence couldn’t have been timed better: it’s good for both him and the franchise.

On the other side of the field, however, things are looking to be a bit more ominous. The Seahawks recently forced out their general manager, Tim Ruskell, after years of ill-advised trades and draft picks.  

Most folks in Seattle are welcoming the front office change, given that Ruskell stubbornly kept trying to reload the burnt out, past-its-prime 2005 Super Bowl nucleus. Given the rash of losing seasons, conventional wisdom said that he should have been  rebuilding instead.  

With a new sheriff coming to town, and a rash of expensive, aging, injury-prone, and under-performing players littering the roster…well, suffice it to say that the ho-hum status quo will be overhauled in the Emerald City.

Deon Branch, Walter Jones, and yes, even Matt Hasselbeck are some of the more prominent question marks as Seattle finishes up yet another disappointing season.

So, Seahawks and Titans fans alike should savor this game.  

Yes, there is a chance that Chris Johnson will make history. 

Yes, there is a chance that Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher, the longest tenured coach in the NFL, will get his first win against Seattle. But, keep in mind, there will be a nostalgic pall over the game as well.

In spite of both teams’ recent losing ways, they have had banner, record-setting decades with great players; players who you might not see again in your favorite uniform.  

 

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Titans-Seahawks: Why Chris Johnson’s Not a Lock for the Record Books

At first glance, it appears that Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson will have an easy time waltzing into the record books this Sunday at Qwest Field. 

His team, eliminated from playoff contention on Christmas by the San Diego Chargers, has only his rushing and yardage records to play for.  Considering that the only thing in their way is the hapless Seattle Seahawks, well…it could get ugly, quick.

But, not so fast.  

The Seahawks, led by the fiery Jim Mora Jr., have something to play for as well: pride.  In a season marred by gross underachievement, they will look to go out swinging.  

Theoretically, anyway.  

Of course, it all depends on who has or hasn’t given up on the season.  But rest assured that the Seattle players and coaches are reading all of the headlines and hearing all of the talk about how Johnson might as well be running against cardboard cutouts.  

It’s the classic bulletin board material that teams—even those with nothing left to play for—seem to rally around.  

Another factor going against Johnson is Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher’s flirtation with indifference.  

Yes, it’s been a stated team goal to get Johnson his yards.  But, earlier this week, Fisher said that he wasn’t going to be counting his carries or yards in the game.  Of course, that could just be coyness on his part.  

As a rule, it’s not cool in this league for coaches to focus on numbers and stats.  They’re paid to worry about winning, and winning only.  

However, intangibles aside, there’s also the issue of numbers.  There are three records and milestones that Johnson is chasing in this game.  

The first, and the most reachable one, is Marshall Faulk’s total yards from scrimmage record of 2,429, set in 1999.  Johnson only needs 74 yards to break it.  

The second one is the 2,000-yard plateau.  If he succeeds, Johnson will become only the sixth player to accomplish that feat.  Considering that he only needs 128 yards, this mark is within striking distance.  Currently, he averages 124 yards per game.  

The third, most coveted record is the single season rushing mark of 2,105 yards that Eric Dickerson set in 1984.  Johnson would need to play one of his best games to get there.  

It wouldn’t necessarily be a “career game” because he’s come close this season, rushing for 228 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

However, as mentioned, the Seahawks are a proud franchise that is better against the run than they are the pass.  Given Vince Young’s sub-par play as of late, they will also be keying on Johnson with eight-man fronts.  

So, after Sunday, will Johnson be able to open the record books and etch his name in triplicate?  

He has a good chance, all things considered.  No one’s contesting that.   

But he’s going to have to earn it.

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Titans-Chargers: Throwaway Game No More, Christmas Battle Should Be Intense

When the Tennessee Titans and San Diego Chargers were 0-5 and 2-3, respectively, few would have thought their Christmas day matchup would be interesting.

At best, it would serve as white noise on the television for you to pretend to pay attention to as the overcooked ham made its way towards your plate.

However, since those dark days of October, both teams are a combined 16-1.  

Both have also changed their initially dour playoff prognoses dramatically.  

San Diego, on the one hand, is in the playoffs. At this point, they’re fighting to lock up the No. 2 seed in the AFC.  

Tennessee, on the other hand, is trying to finish up an improbable in-season comeback and make the playoffs after a miserable 0-6 start.  

So, yes, the specifics of their battles and goals may be different.

But both have much to play for, and you can count on a playoff-like intensity.  

Here’s a gander at some of the key areas to watch tomorrow.

 

Chris Johnson’s Relentless Pursuit

It’s no secret that all of the Titans want to get Chris Johnson to 2,000 yards and beyond. This is always potentially bad news, considering that you’re essentially telling the opposing team what you’re going to be doing.  

However, defenses have been keying on Johnson all year, to no avail. The Chargers rank 21st against the run and have looked vulnerable at times.  

For instance, the Dallas Cowboys moved the ball with ease against them on the ground a few weeks ago.  

Of course, we now know that it was actually getting it in the end zone that proved to be problematic, but that’s more of an indictment of the Cowboys than it is a compliment for the Chargers.

Expect CJ to get his 100-plus yards. However, don’t look for him to shatter any records. Why? Because the smart money says that the Titans will have to move to the pass later in the game, because…

 

Tennessee’s Linebacker Woes

Simply put, San Diego is scary good on offense. Their receivers are tall, athletic, fast, tall, smart, tall…

Did I mention they were tall? Oh, and they also have great hands.

Throw in the fact that linebacking stalwarts Keith Bulluck and David Thornton are now out for the season, and things begin to look bad for the Tennessee defense. However, the secondary has been getting better and better this season. In fact, they almost look like the Pro Bowl unit that they were last year. So all is not lost.

The key here will be whether or not the Titans can get pressure on Philip Rivers. But if he has time to find his receivers, then the Titans actually might need Johnson to have that career day.

 

Vince Young’s Confidence

Much is made of Young’s resurgence this season. From his running to his composure to his arm, he’s by all counts the Vince Young that the Titans’ front office, coaches, and fans thought he’d be.  

But the one thing that has impressed the most in his mini-comeback has been his accuracy. He has been able to put the ball wherever he wants to as of late.  

As long as he stays healthy and his previous two injuries (knee, hamstring) don’t affect him, he should give the San Diego defense fits.  

In addition, that newfound confidence will be crucial if Rivers and Co. have their way with the Tennessee defense. I’m not exactly sure if the Titans can keep pace in a shootout, but a smart, creative, and heady Young will be key to them having a shot to begin with.

 

So, who wins? Pound for pound, I think this is an even matchup. However, Tennessee absolutely has to win the turnover battle. They’re simply not strong enough to overcome mistakes against a team of the Chargers’ caliber.  

But if the Titans play their game (think the first half last week against Miami), then they should come out victorious.  

If they shoot themselves in the foot, though, then rest assured that San Diego is good enough to make them pay.

At any rate, who knew, back in October, that there would be this much to talk about regarding this matchup?

These two sure keep it interesting, indeed.  

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Titans-Chargers: Throwaway Game No More, Christmas Battle Should Be Intense

When the Tennessee Titans and San Diego Chargers were 0-5 and 2-3, respectively, few would have thought their Christmas day matchup would be interesting.

At best, it would serve as white noise on the television for you to pretend to pay attention to as the overcooked ham made its way towards your plate.

However, since those dark days of October, both teams are a combined 16-1.  

Both have also changed their initially dour playoff prognoses dramatically.  

San Diego, on the one hand, is in the playoffs. At this point, they’re fighting to lock up the No. 2 seed in the AFC.  

Tennessee, on the other hand, is trying to finish up an improbable in-season comeback and make the playoffs after a miserable 0-6 start.  

So, yes, the specifics of their battles and goals may be different.

But both have much to play for, and you can count on a playoff-like intensity.  

Here’s a gander at some of the key areas to watch tomorrow.

 

Chris Johnson’s Relentless Pursuit

It’s no secret that all of the Titans want to get Chris Johnson to 2,000 yards and beyond. This is always potentially bad news, considering that you’re essentially telling the opposing team what you’re going to be doing.  

However, defenses have been keying on Johnson all year, to no avail. The Chargers rank 21st against the run and have looked vulnerable at times.  

For instance, the Dallas Cowboys moved the ball with ease against them on the ground a few weeks ago.  

Of course, we now know that it was actually getting it in the end zone that proved to be problematic, but that’s more of an indictment of the Cowboys than it is a compliment for the Chargers.

Expect CJ to get his 100-plus yards. However, don’t look for him to shatter any records. Why? Because the smart money says that the Titans will have to move to the pass later in the game, because…

 

Tennessee’s Linebacker Woes

Simply put, San Diego is scary good on offense. Their receivers are tall, athletic, fast, tall, smart, tall…

Did I mention they were tall? Oh, and they also have great hands.

Throw in the fact that linebacking stalwarts Keith Bulluck and David Thornton are now out for the season, and things begin to look bad for the Tennessee defense. However, the secondary has been getting better and better this season. In fact, they almost look like the Pro Bowl unit that they were last year. So all is not lost.

The key here will be whether or not the Titans can get pressure on Philip Rivers. But if he has time to find his receivers, then the Titans actually might need Johnson to have that career day.

 

Vince Young’s Confidence

Much is made of Young’s resurgence this season. From his running to his composure to his arm, he’s by all counts the Vince Young that the Titans’ front office, coaches, and fans thought he’d be.  

But the one thing that has impressed the most in his mini-comeback has been his accuracy. He has been able to put the ball wherever he wants to as of late.  

As long as he stays healthy and his previous two injuries (knee, hamstring) don’t affect him, he should give the San Diego defense fits.  

In addition, that newfound confidence will be crucial if Rivers and Co. have their way with the Tennessee defense. I’m not exactly sure if the Titans can keep pace in a shootout, but a smart, creative, and heady Young will be key to them having a shot to begin with.

 

So, who wins? Pound for pound, I think this is an even matchup. However, Tennessee absolutely has to win the turnover battle. They’re simply not strong enough to overcome mistakes against a team of the Chargers’ caliber.  

But if the Titans play their game (think the first half last week against Miami), then they should come out victorious.  

If they shoot themselves in the foot, though, then rest assured that San Diego is good enough to make them pay.

At any rate, who knew, back in October, that there would be this much to talk about regarding this matchup?

These two sure keep it interesting, indeed.  

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Why the New Orleans Saints are in Better Shape Than the Indianapolis Colts

Let me cut to the chase and state the obvious.  

Regular season superiority does not necessarily translate into postseason glory. 

Sure, any given team needs to be some semblance of good during the 16 game schedule. Otherwise, they wouldn’t make the playoffs.  But, more often than not, the studs of the regular season come up short.  

Over the past couple of years, it has not been the 13 to 14 game winners who have triumphed in February, it was the 11-12 win teams that prevailed.  

So, in many ways, I’m glad the New Orleans Saints got their first loss out of the way. While it’s nice to be atop the power rankings in December, what ultimately matters the most is who comes out on top two months later.  

In many ways, the first loss is a cathartic gut check.  Now, the pressure is gone. Time to adjust, tweak and learn from your mistakes.  

Perhaps the best cautionary tale of all is the 2007 New England Patriots, who, as we all know, ran the table on their regular season, only to lose to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl.  

Do you think the players from that team really care that they share the undefeated regular season record with the 1972 Miami Dolphins?  

Probably not, considering that they came up short in the end.  Most players from that team, while proud of the offensive records, see it as a failure.  

Now, these opinions are not meant to be an indictment on the 2009 Indianapolis Colts. They very well could go on to win it all.  

But, chances are, they won’t.  No doubt, folks in Indy are touting their team’s superiority over the “paper tiger” Saints.  But, then again, the Colts are essentially the Utah Jazz of the NFL—they’re good every year, but almost always come up short (their 2006 title notwithstanding, of course).  

In essence, too much significance is put on an undefeated season.  Yes, it’s history. And yes, the prevailing counter argument goes something like this:

“Quick, who won Super Bowl XIX?”

“…”

“I thought so!  But look, we played in the most memorable playoff game in history!!”

The above argument is from Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts.  He was referring to his Chargers’ heroic effort in the Jan. 1982 playoff battle with the Dolphins.  

But, do you really think that his ringless hands—the void that will always be there—are any less disappointing?  

Nope.  

So yes, history is in favor of the Saints.  They’re a superior team who stumbled, as 42 other Super Bowl winners have at one time or another.  

The Colts?  Good luck, guys.  

I’d lose one if I were you.   

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The Tennessee Titans’ Decade to Remember

As the decade draws to a close, the inevitable retrospectives seem to pop up everywhere, and with every subject.
In sports, it’s not only a time for reflection, but a time to look forward as well.
“This is where we’ve been, now where are we going?”
For the Tennessee Titans, the past ten years have been nothing short of exciting, if not dramatic.
Suffice it to say, most fans’ fingernails are chewed to the core with all of the ups and downs that this franchise seems to go through.
The criteria for this ranking is subjective and opinion-based; short of Super Bowl wins, there are no hard and fast numeric formulas to accurately gauge importance.
Some moments are bigger to some than others.
At any rate, here is a look at some of the more poignant moments of the 2000’s.
From the ridiculous to the sublime, all played a part in shaping the “Decade that Was” for this semi-charmed franchise.

Begin Slideshow

Titans Rolling, But for How Long?

Momentum, it’s a funny thing. 

Carrying it over from play to play—or even game to game—isn’t all that hard to do.  

But to sustain it from one season to the next? Well, that’s a little bit harder in this parity-laden era of free agency.  

Any good fortune a team might have usually comes in the form of an exploding offer. Don’t count on it happening next season.  

With that in mind, just what will be the ultimate short to mid-term fate for the Tennessee Titans?  

In some ways, their recent winning streak is just as much of a curse as it is a blessing. At the end of the day, they’re bad enough to miss the playoffs, but good enough to ensure only a “so-so” draft pick.

Call it a modern interpretation of pro-football purgatory.    

Of course, this is still technically theoretical. At this time, the Titans still harbor a shred of playoff hope. In addition, a lot can happen between now and draft day.

But regarding the migraine-inducing “what next?” questions, well, Tennessee has a bunch.  

There’s the quarterback issue, for starters. Vince Young, who’s played well since his reinsertion into the starting lineup, went down with a hamstring injury yesterday (after the longest run of his career, no less).  

While we don’t yet know the extent of the injury, will missed playing time affect his status for next year? Or has he already done enough to cement his resurgence?  

In addition, several key players on defense, such as Nick Harper and Keith Bulluck, are nearing the twilight of their careers. But given the youthful talent on the rest of that side of the ball, the smart money is on reloading, not rebuilding.  

So, just how do the Titans gear up for next year? Do they seek out free agents, or do they rely solely on the draft?  

Granted, there’s still plenty of football to be played, and a veritable smorgasbord of scenario’s that could play out. The hypothetical questions posed by this story are not meant to be a premature, year-end judgment.    

But, in light of the other fringe playoff teams playing well, such as the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, and Miami Dolphins, it looks more and more like Tennessee will miss the playoffs.    

If that is indeed the case, then it’s worth noting that there’s still much to play for.

Chris Johnson’s quest for 2,000 yards and Vince Young’s case for Comeback Player of the Year come to mind (presumably, the Titans would have to make a deep playoff run for Johnson and coach Jeff Fisher to legitimately contend for MVP and Coach of the Year honors, respectively).   

It’s ironic, really. For Tennessee, the more they win, the more questions that are posed about their immediate, murky future. For instance, if they would have continued in their underachieving, losing ways, then next season’s agenda would be a no-brainer.

Draft a quarterback, speed-dial Mike Shanahan.  

But, rest assured, they will find a way to indefinitely contend, no matter how the rest of this season plays out.  

Jeff Fisher, who’s essentially the Jerry Sloan of the NFL, always finds a way to get the most out of the players he has.

At this point, however, we’ll just have to wait and see just exactly who those players will be.   

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

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