Titans can complete turnaround, make NFL history in playoff bid

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans are so close to making NFL history.

No team has ever started 0-5 and earned a playoff berth. Sure, the Titans must beat the New England Patriots on Sunday in the regular season finale, combined with losses by Cincinnati, Jacksonville and Denver.

Too much to overcome?

In this season, maybe not. A playoff berth after starting 2-7 doesn't seem ridiculous when compared to some of the amazing wins in the Titans' six-game winning streak. The once unthinkable not only seems possible but, oddly, almost likely.

And a franchise that hasn't been able to even think playoffs since its last berth in 2003 is enjoying the moment.

"We're very excited about the position that we're in heading into the final week of the season, having an opportunity to still remain alive for the postseason even though there are a number of things that need to happen," coach Jeff Fisher said Tuesday.

"Considering the fact after Week 2, 3, 4 this year people were doubting whether we'd win a ballgame, being able to get on the run that we have and to put ourselves in this position certainly speaks volumes."

At the very least, the Titans (8-7) have a chance to finish with their first winning season since going 12-4 in 2003. That was a veteran team enjoying its fourth playoff berth in five seasons.

This group features a rookie quarterback in Vince Young who is 8-4 as a starter, and six starters in only their second NFL seasons. There's the uplifting comeback of Travis Henry, who has rushed for 1,109 yards -- nearly twice what he rushed for the past two seasons combined.

Now they've won eight of their last 10, and one of those losses was 27-26 to Baltimore on Nov. 12 when the Ravens blocked Rob Bironas' field goal attempt at the end. Bironas since has kicked three winners, including his 60-yarder against Indianapolis.

Bironas said the turnaround has been exciting with a team doing whatever it takes to win games.

"We're just hoping that things work out, we get the last win and possibly get in the playoffs. Everything's still alive," Bironas said.

Fisher credits this team with having a unique character. He's talked about this often, how the Titans love to practice, work hard and actually like each other. He said Tuesday the coaches encouraged them to keep doing that and take control of the situation.