The Titans are fortunate to have Bironas

I didn’t always feel good about Rob Bironas. I recall watching him and Ola Kimrin battle it out in training camp several years ago, and while Bironas clearly won the job, he wasn’t particularly impressive doing so.
Bironas had a decent but unspectacular rookie campaign. Several things from that season caused me concern. The only clutch kick he made that year was a chip shot, so he was still, in my mind, untested under pressure. He also missed two PATs that season.
The 2006 season was much better, highlighted by his 60-yard game-winner against the Colts, all the more impressive considering the poor field conditions. That was his second game-winning kick in as many weeks to beat teams quarterbacked by someone named Manning. The first one was a mere 49-yard routine effort.
Bironas’ 2006 season convinced me, and I certainly changed my mind about him. Now he’s in the NFL record books for his perfect 8-for-8 performance Sunday. One of his PATs was partially blocked but still went through, a good portent. It was nice to see him get some national recognition after the game, even if Terry Bradshaw mispronounced his name.
Another part of Bironas’ game which doesn’t receive enough credit is his kickoff ability. It’s nice to see those deep ones which result in touchbacks or poor starting field position for the opposition.
Bironas will be a restricted free agent next year and I’d like to see Mike Reinfeldt ink him to a four-year deal, rather than simply tendering him.
Odds and ends: Jeff Fisher said on his TV show last night the penalty on Albert Haynesworth should not have been called, that Albert’s helmet was to the side of Matt Schaub’s and not a helmet-to-helmet hit. Despite that, I doubt if any official in the league will give Albert the benefit of the doubt on any close call.
Fisher also reported that Ahmard Hall will be out four to six weeks after surgery on his broken arm. He said Brandon Jones is progressing well after having his knee scoped last week. Vince Young will probably start at quarterback against the Raiders Sunday.
Three Titans made the NFL’s weekly top five lists. Bironas was first in scoring (26 points), Roydell Williams was fourth in receiving (124 yards) and LenDale White was fifth in rushing (104 yards). Kerry Collins’ 280 passing yards were ten shy of being tied for fourth.
Titans Radio’s color analyst Frank Wycheck had the line of the week, which he delivered prior to the Texans’ fourth quarter comeback:

“The only thing that looks good about the Texans are their cheerleaders.”