ShutdownCorner21.com Pick 6 For Titans Vs Bengals

Titans vs Bengals

1. What is wrong with Carson Palmer?
There are several possible answers to this. A lack of running game, his broken nose, the weather, playing strong defenses, and overall chemistry problems in Cincinnati are all very plausible reasons. One could argue Palmer is on the downside of his career already; I believe he will rebound this season and finish strong. He is still a franchise quarterback and just needs the team and organization around him to be more stable.

2. Can Chris Johnson keep this up?
A rookie running back that can step in and deliver an average of 125 total yards a game is very rare in the NFL. Johnson has done just that, as well as giving Tennessee two plays over twenty yards and a 51 yard run in two games. While it remains to be seen if he can carry that much of a load the whole season, Johnson should be the home run threat the team has been lacking for some time.

3. Is there a more underrated defense than the Titans'?
Not even close. The lack of star power keeps this unit off of the Sportscenter highlight reels, but they sure get the job done. Many casual fans can not name more than three defenders. But Cortland Finnegan is blossoming into a great cornerback, Albert Haynesworth is a dominant defensive tackle, and Keith Bulluck is easily a top ten linebacker in the NFL. Add in the little bits and pieces of the defensive line rotation and this group could carry Tennessee to the postseason again this year.

4. Can Kerry Collins guide this team to the playoffs playing like this?
I doubt it. While he looked efficient against Cincy, the team is going to need big plays out of the offense eventually. Can Collins deliver that? He still has the arm strength, but can he move in the pocket? Can he avoid the big mistake? In order for Kerry to guide this team, he is going to need a strong running game, and a reliable go-to guy. Whether it is Alge Crumpler, Justin Gage, or someone else, Collins needs to find a formidable target.

5. Is Marvin Lewis on the hot seat?
There is no doubt here. The leeway Lewis gained with his playoff berth in 2005 is now completely gone. The team needs to show marked improvement and discipline, and they need to show it soon. It was easier to let all of the off-the-field transgressions slide when the team was playing well, but now everything is blowing up in his face. Lewis and all of the thugs he has brought in may be gone after this season, if not earlier.

6. At 2-0, is Tennessee for real?
I think so. Jeff Fisher is a great coach, arguably the best in the league. He has his style of team, a strong running team that minimizes turnovers and plays great defense. The only problem could be the Vince Young situation, which would go hand-in-hand with the quarterback situation. As long as the running game continues to thrive and the defense stays dominant, this team could be headed for another postseason run.