What the NFL's Titans Must Do to Make the Playoffs

The Tennessee Titans are sitting at 6-4. They are so close to the playoffs they can taste. This is a franchise that hasn't made it to the playoffs in several years. They have one of the best defenses in all of football. They have one of the best overall coaches in the NFL. So what do the Titans have to do finish strong and make the playoffs. Here are just a few keys to making this happen:

Continue to get production in the running game. Lendale White at times this year has looked pretty good. He has had a number of 100 yard rushing games. However the last two games he has been uninvolved partially because the Titans have fallen behind. What makes the Titans good is that they have the ability to control the clock by running the ball a lot. The Titans must get production in this area. Running the ball helps to take the pressure off of their young quarterback and helps keep their defense fresh. Chris Brown and Chris Henry will also need to step up and make contributions for the Titans.

Vince Young must get help from his receivers. For all the criticism Vince has received he has continued to improve and show he can throw the football. Unfortunately he hasn't always gotten the help he needs from his receivers. Titans receivers need to step up catch the ball and make some plays. At times this year veterans Eric Moulds and Justin Gage have shown that they can be reliable targets. Young receivers like Branden Jones, and Roydell Williams have the potential as well and need to step their games up. They can't continue the pattern of dropped passes if they want to get to the playoffs.

The Defense must get it back. The Titans defense has looked very suspect the last two weeks. This has been in part because of the absence of defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. Haynesworth is an important part of this defense and he will need to come back healthy soon to help get them back on track. This defense that has looked invincible at times this year must get back on track if Tennessee wants to make it to the post season.

They must not give up the big play. Early in the year the Titans did a good job of limiting big plays. The last couple of weeks they haven't done quite as well. They will need to get it together. Against the Broncos the Titans gave up four scores of more than 40 yards. They won't make the playoffs if this pattern continues.

Get a little help. The Titans have some good teams right in the playoff race with them. They are a game behind the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Cleveland Browns are playing great and are 6-4 just like the Titans. The Titans will need to get some help from other teams if they hope to make the playoffs.

I truly believe you will see the Titans playing in January. I think there defense will get it together and Vince Young and his receivers will get on track. Who knows, once they get in the playoffs, with Vince as their quarterback, anything could happen!