The Titans Are Not Dead Yet and Other AFC South Must-Reads

When Vick Ballard went spinning toward the pylon, it appeared the Tennessee Titans' playoff hopes were spinning out of orbit.

Just a few weeks later, and lo and behold, they are still tethered to earth.

Today's article of the day comes from David Boclair of the City Paper,who lays out a path to the postseason for the Titans.

The Titans are one of eight teams within two games of the final two playoff spots.

Both of the leaders have serious issues. Indianapolis is not a good team and Pittsburgh is down to its third-string quarterback.

Tennessee has a ways to go, but it's conceivable that eight wins gets into the postseason. Given that the Titans still play Houston and Green Bay, they likely have to sweep the Jaguars, beat the Colts in Indianapolis and take down the New York Jets at home to reach that total.

Even then, it would take a lot of help to get there.

General Interest

Jason Lisk of the Big Lead looks at Mike Mularkey's decision as well as other tough coaching calls.

Bill Barnwell of Grantland looks back at the weekend.

Chase Stuart of Football Perspective looks at the Mularkey call.

Mike Tanier of Sports on Earth has a blow-by-blow of the overtime games.

Peter King of Sports Illustrated calls Andrew Luck the goat of the week.

Peter Goldner of Advanced NFL Stats has harsh words for the Panthers' punts.

Houston Texans

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle says the Texans must let a bad defensive day go.

McClain reports that injuries are mounting.

McClain says a short week makes for a tight schedule.

Indianapolis Colts

Phil B. Wilson of the Indianapolis Star has some straight talk by Dwayne Allen.

Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star breaks down a big interception by Luck.

Wilson says the Colts know they have to move on from the loss.

Tennessee Titans

Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean says Mike Munchak wants the Titans to make a move.

John Glennon of the Tennessean posts a notebook.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com argues the Jaguars have to move on with Chad Henne. He goes on to agree with Mularkey's reasoning.

Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union says the defense was on the field for record number of plays.