The Titans (8-6) push for the playoffs continues this week as they face off against the putrid Jets (3-11). With only two games remaining, the Titans entry into the postseason hinges on their ability to win out and to receive some much needed assistance from Cleveland and Pittsburghs remaining opponents.
Therefore, in addition to rooting for the home team, Titans fans will also be cheering for the likes of the Bengals and the Ravens to stick a fork in the playoff aspirations of the Browns and the Steelers.
The playoff dreams of the 2007 New York Jets ended a long time ago. Coming off of a surprise playoff birth in 2006, the Jets have performed miserably this season. It will be interesting to see how the Jets fare against the Titans, as they are faced with the conundrum of deciding whether to finish the year out on a positive note by winning or to lose and enhance their chances of landing a top three selection in next years draft.
Titans Keys to victory
Dominate the Jets poor run defense
Running the football has not been a problem for the Titans this season. Through 14 games, the Titans rushing attack is currently the leagues 4th best unit, averaging 134.6 yards per game.
This week, the Titans go up against the Jets 30th ranked run defense. The Jets have been especially bad at preventing opposing teams from attaining first downs on the ground. New York has allowed a whopping 118 first downs on the ground, which is the second highest total in the league. LenDale White, Chris Brown and recently- reinstated Chris Henry should be licking their chops as they prepare to face the Jets horrible run defense.
Win the time of possession battle
A direct result of New Yorks inability to prevent opposing teams from attaining rushing first downs has been their inability to get off of the field on third downs. The Jet defense is the leagues third worst unit in opponent time of possession (32:23).
Allowing an opponent to convert first downs on a consistent basis inevitably leads to a fatigued defense. The Titans will attempt to be the latest opponent to wear down the Jet defense through the means of converting first downs and keeping them on the field.
Get Roydell Williams the football
Roydell Williams has been a consistent source of big plays over the last three games. During that timeframe, Williams has caught 12 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns. On the year, Williams is tied for the team lead with 45 receptions, while leading the team in receiving yards (606), average per catch (13.5) and touchdown receptions (4).
Running the football against one of the leagues poorest defenses will be the Titans main goal on offense. However, considering Williams play as of late, expect the Titans to take a few shots down the field as well.
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