Titans tight end Bo Scaife (80) celebrates another touchdown. AP Photo/Bill Waugh View and ORDER more photos.

Titans' unlikely success has fans excited

Date published: 11/13/2008

THROUGH THE EYES of a Tennessee Titans fan, this football season is already one to remember.

Ten weeks into the NFL season, the Titans remain undefeated with a 9-o record. Our "Cinderella" team is atop the league and leaves us wanting more every Sunday.

Titans fans haven't seen anything like this since 1999's magical 13-3 season, which led to one of the greatest Super Bowls of all time. Are we the next '72 Dolphins--the only team ever to enjoy a perfect season--or the '07 Patriots? Or is our success so far due only to what some would call a "scheduling fluke"?

True, our recent opponents have a lousy combined record of 25-40, but I can't agree with that claim. We've completely dominated almost every game and usually have won by a fair margin.

So, what is it that makes the team so successful? We no longer possess our big-name play-makers such as Steve McNair, Eddie George and Derrick Mason--names that used to be the face of this organization. But what we do have is a group of no-namers willing to go above and beyond expected standards.

Possibly one of the best moves of the season came after starting quarterback Vince Young was removed from injured reserve. Despite Young's talent and reputation, 13-year head coach Jeff Fisher decided to keep backup Kerry Collins in as the starter, due to his solid performance while Young was out. Collins, whose career was all but dead prior to the season, has become a leader at the quarterback position in a way that Young was never able to.

Much of the team's success also comes from its newfound running game, centered on second-year running back LenDale White and rookie Chris Johnson. Combined, the two gain nearly 150 yards a game and add a competitive alternative to the passing game. Johnson--the Titans' first-round draft pick out of East Carolina University--has turned out to be one of the NFL's top rushers with his compelling speed and agility. His quickness provides a perfect complement to White's tackle-breaking power.

Date published: 11/13/2008