Tennessee Titans Report: Week 12

It was a tough day to be a Tennessee Titans fan. Needing a win to remain in the final wild card spot in the AFC, the Titans were destroyed by the Cincinnati Bengals by a score of 35-6 . The Titans drop to 6-5 and are now 1 game behind Cleveland for the last AFC playoff spot. Here are the key points in this game:

Rudi Johnson scores a touchdown on a 5 yard run.

Rob Bironas kicks a 28 yard field goal to make it 7-3.

Chad Johnson catches his first of 3 TD passes on the day. He also gets a 15 yard penalty for a celebration at the end.

Rob Bironas hit a 23 yard field goal.

Kenny Watson runs for a 6 yard TD for the Bengals.

What a disappointing day for the Titans. The NFL's 4th best defense gave up more than 30 points for the second week in a row. It's quite obvious that this defense misses Albert Haynesworth. The defensive tackle is so big and powerful that he demands teams to double team him up front. He was listed as a game time decision in today's game but was unable to go. With his absence the opposing teams are able to run the ball right up the middle against Tennessee. Let's hope he will return soon to the Titans defense.

The Titans did have a few opportunities to score early in this game. After a huge pass from Vince Young to Justin Gage, the Titans fumble the ball on the next play and come away with no points. After a interception for Kevin Lowery, the Titans come away with only 3 points. Sure they were not able to stop the Bengals all day, but only scoring 6 points doesn't help.

The only positive you could come away from this game for the Titans, the continued improvement of Vince Young. Unfortunately he hasn't gotten a lot of help. He looks better throwing the ball though, and if the rest of the team can get back on track, they could be a team to be reckoned with.

It's definitely gut check time for the Titans. With 5 games remaining, I think they need to win at least 4 of those games to have a realistic chance of getting to the playoffs. They can do this, but we've got to see a turn around immediately. Fortunately next week they are at home against the Houston Texans. Hopefully they will get back on track next week.