Titans Beat AFC South Rivals, Improve to 7-0

AP Photo

Anyone still not buying the Tennessee Titans as the AFC’s best team?

Tennessee shut up at least some of its detractors last night by taking down AFC South rival Indianapolis, 31-21. And the team did it on the NFL’s biggest stage - Monday Night Football. (Yes, I’ll continue to call it the “NFL’s biggest stage” - most people have some form of cable now, Kornheiser is getting better, and it’s still Monday Night Football.) And I’m going to go ahead and say now that Jeff Fisher should be the leading candidate for Coach of the Year for taking this team, minus its big-name quarterback, to the top of the league.

The Titans might not put up numbers on offense that compare to, say, the Chargers or Saints, but Tennessee can counter its lack of statistical prowess by keeping the ball on the ground and limiting mistakes. Quarterback Kerry Collins might not throw 20 touchdowns this season, but he probably won’t throw 10 interceptions, either. He’s also good for a third down conversion or two in the clutch. Chris Johnson and LenDale White might be the best running back duo this season, as well, as they perfectly complement each other; White is the up-the-gut runner who will plow his way for a goal line score and Johnson is the perfect change of pace, someone who averages five yards per carry and brings a lot of speed to the offense.

But here’s the big reason the Titans are winning: defense. The Colts might not have the best offense this season, but the Titans tend to force opponents into turnovers (Manning threw a pair of costly interceptions), which leads to fewer, and thus lower, scores. This defense might be the best in the NFL this season and the Titans, despite being only team in the NFL that remains undefeated, might still be underrated.

Undefeated and underrated in the same sentence? One thing is certain: this ain’t your 2007 Patriots.

And there’s nothing wrong with that.