Titans Keys to Victory Over the Colts

Win and your in. That is the motivation for the Tennessee Titans this year. Heading into the final game of the 2007 season the Titans simply need to win their last game and they will make the 2007 playoffs. The only problem is their playing the defending champion Indianapolis Colts. The Colts have a great team and with the second seed in the AFC, they are already on their way to winning another Super Bowl. Can the Titans beat the Colts? Here is a look at the keys to victory for Tennessee.

Offensively the Titans have become known as a run first, pass second team. Running the ball against the Colts will be an important key for Tennessee. The Titans will rely heavily on LenDale White to carry the rushing load. White had his first 1,000 yard rushing season this year. He is a big guy who takes multiple players to bring down. The Titans will also use Chris Brown who brings a nice change of pace to the Titan backfield. Running the ball will be key against the Colts. If the Titans can run the ball effectively it will keep Peyton Manning and his explosive offensive off the field and it will make the Colt defense tired.

Tony Dungy has a history of resting his starters in meaningless late season games. With the Colts locked into the number two seed in the AFC, it would be hard to see him do something different in this game. Dungy has already gone on record as saying that his quarterback Manning, will play no more than one half. In previous years Manning has played less than a quarter in similar situations. With the number of injuries the Colts have had this season you might expect them to rest other key starters like Joseph Addai, Dallas Clark and Bob Sanders. If the Colts rest such key players it could be just the break the Titans need to win this game and get into the playoffs.

In his second year in the NFL, Vince Young has had his ups and downs. Despite some noticeable improvement he has taken a lot of criticism for his numbers in particular his interceptions. One thing Young has done is play well in Primetime games. That's exactly what he will get as the Titans head to the RCA dome for a 7:00pm matchup on Sunday Night Football. Something about being on the big stage seems to bring out the best in Vince. His play will be key for Tennessee. If Young can take care of the football and give Tennessee some big plays down the field it will make this team that much tougher to stop. Also if Young can use his legs to make some plays it will help the Titans immensely.

Tennessee's defense has been tough all season. Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vandenbosch have both had amazing seasons and been voted to the pro bowl. Look for these two to have amazing games against the Colts this week. The Titans will look to put lots of pressure on Peyton and get him out of the game early.

All signs point to the Titans winning this game. With the Colts possibly resting starters and with Tennessee moated by the potential playoffs, you would expect them to win this one. We shall see.