Titans Stumble In Playoffs; The Search For Answers Begins

The reality of last Saturday's playoff loss is slowly settling in with the Tennessee Titans faithful. With the benefits of a first-round bye and home-field advantage squandered, fans left stunned, numb and not quite sure what had happened.

I listened as Coach Fisher clicked off some stats. "We gained 391 yards, more than any team in two and a half years again the Ravens. They were second in rushing, yet gained 50 yards on 30 carries. Baltimore had a total of nine first downs."

Did the offense need help? Well, yes and no. The Titans gained a lot of yards, but when Chris Johnson left the game, so did their speed. Did the defense need help? It held a playoff team to 211 total yards, mostly gained on two plays. The game turned on turnovers and penalties.

Looking forward, the Titans will have to address needs and deal with their own free agents.

The most pressing question is whether they can keep Albert Haynesworth. He is dominant, but the Titans are not known for throwing money around. My guess, he leaves.

Kerry Collins will work out some type of two-year deal because he knows he'll never find a better offensive line. Vince Young will wait a little longer in the wings. Field-goal kicker Rob Bironas has been a heck of a find. There are several kickers up for free agency as well, so look for him to be back.

Free agents Bo Scaife and Brandon Jones are a toss-up. They are the Titans' best receivers. Best in Titan world means average at best. Do you keep average guys or go shopping? Can you say T.J. Houshmandzadeh? 

When Chris Johnson left the game last week, Chris Henry should have been able to step in. He didn't and he should be gone next year. Look for the Titans to draft a defensive lineman if Big Albert leaves. 

If Haynesworth stays, Tennessee drafts speed. The Titans need speed at receiver, speed at running back to back up Johnson and White, and speed at cornerback to replace Nick Harper, who looked like he was on Baltimore's payroll last Saturday.

Finally, they'll grab a linebacker to back up an aging group.

Looking back on the Titans' year, it's obvious that defense wins games, and they had a great defensive team. Have four dominate lineman so you don't have to blitz, and you'll be more successful than not.

Collins will continue to be better than average behind a line that gave up only nine sacks. A great offensive line makes average quarterbacks good, and a good quarterback great.

Coach Fisher will always have a blue-collar team in Nashville. That's just how it is. Flash doesn't work down here.

The Titans should be back with a solid team next year because so few will be leaving. If Albert stays, the playoffs are a good bet. If Albert hits the road, Coach Fisher will have a challenge, but one that he can handle.