Tennessee Titans Win Their Way into AFC Playoffs, Kerry Collins Subs for Vince Young

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Both the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts did what they had to do. With nothing to gain in terms of playoff positioning, Indy rested their starters for most of last night’s season finale and the Tennessee Titans relied on backup quarterback Kerry Collins, subbing for the injured Vince Young, to get the team to the AFC Wild Card Weekend. It turned out to be a competitive football game, but Tennessee hung on for a hard-fought 16-10 win.

The Titans are a scrappy bunch and here’s why I like them in the AFC playoffs (until they play New England, that is). They run the ball and play defense. It’s always a recipe for success, especially in the playoffs. The Titans are 5th in overall defense and 5th in overall rushing offense. They get a “hat on a hat” — so to speak — and will play hard-nosed, physical football for all four quarters. Tennessee is a team to fear, even by the Patriots, but I won’t go so far as to predict that kind of an upset.

First thing’s first, though. They’ll need the threat of Vince Young’s running ability to advance. Of course I like the veteran savvy Kerry Collins brings to the team, but he’s an elder statesman now — a statue in the pocket — and at only 18.8 ppg, they’ll need every scoring threat they can find. What Vince Young lacks in experience he gives them with some additional offensive firepower. They will be an interesting team in the playoffs.