Tennessee Titans – Moustache Magic or Voodoo: You Decide
The 2008 Tennessee Titans have been something of a juggernaut. The stifling defense came out of nowhere for non-fantasy football players and the emergence of Kerry Collins as a *gulp* competent QB has not only raised a lot of eyebrows, its blown most of the AFC south away.
Their 4 game lead on Indianapolis could prove to be something of a shifting of the guard, and Vince Young could prove to be the most unnecessary draft pick this side of Brian Bosworth. Maybe it’s because I am an Oakland fan, but Kerry Collins is starting? And winning? Can anyone please explain this to me?
I believe this can be attributed to three things. The first being a mediocre schedule. Let’s look at a few of the teams they have played. Jacksonville has been a huge disappointment (and If I were a player there I would fear Del Rio, fear him so much that there is a possibility maybe it would distract me from my on-field duties), Cincy has been a lame duck, Kansas City is coached by Herm Edwards (Great press conferences, bad coach), and the Colts are not what they have been the last few years. Their upcoming schedule isn’t much either, as there are only two games (this week against Green Bay and later Pittsburgh) that I can foresee them losing.
The next thing causing their recent success is none other then Vince “I’m taking my gun out for a ride” Young. Whenever a professional sports organization goes through trying times they either pull together or turn into the Raiders. This Titans team has pulled together on the field. Their Defense realizes they have nearly no offensive weapons and, like the Ravens of old, they have decided it is up to them to win
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The final reason they are winning is Jeff Fisher. I don’t know if we can attribute this to his moustache or his realization of the limits of his offense. He has been coaching smart, playing the short pass game, and letting his defense do all the talking. Fisher has capitalized on Kerry Collins by keeping him in a short yardage game and only occasionally letting him unleash that monster of an arm. He, and the rest of the league, have seen what Collins can do now he has decided to allow that to be a decoy for what he is asking Collins to do. They have taken the past of Kerry Collins, the deep ball and the interceptions, and turned that into a short west coast like offense. It almost seems the only reason they ever go deep is to keep defense honest. This strategy has allowed Chris Johnson to run wild. Jeff Fisher has also told LenDale White that he will bake him a pie for every touchdown he scores this season.
Now, I don’t like this anymore then any of you do, but the Titans may be the team to beat this year. Love it or hate it, that’s just the way it has come to pass.
[tags]kerry collins, jeff fisher, tennessee titans, nfl[/tags]
Tags: jeff fisher, kerry collins, NFL, tennessee titans
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Jeff Fisher continues to prove that he is one of the best coaches in the NFL, and that franchises who are patient with solid, proven coaches usually end up reaping the benefits. Tennessee is one of those teams that always seems to exceed their perceived talent level, and you have to give Jeff Fisher credit for that.
Their D has been great this year, and obviously the biggest key to their success, but I think Chris Johnson has been their offensive MVP. He provides a homerun threat that allows LenDale to do what he does best and churn out the tough yards. Kerry Collins is doing a good job of not making the big mistake — and it’s much easier to do when your running game is that potent.
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Tennessee is the worst 9-0 team ever. If they win a playoff game, I will grow a mustache.
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