Titans look to become first team to playoffs after 0-5 start

Fisher also administered a dose of discipline to a team that has had its share of drama this season.

After going 4-12 in 2005, Fisher announced a zero-tolerance policy. He enforced it in the preseason by benching rookie LenDale White for spitting on a teammate in practice and defensive tackle Randy Starks after an argument with his then-fiancee for a game each.

He threatened not to welcome back defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth from his five-game NFL suspension for stomping on the unprotected head of Dallas center Andre Gurode, and made anger management counseling a key to the tackle's return.

Fisher then suspended cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones for one game after he was charged with misdemeanor assault for spitting on a woman at a nightclub.

But during the 0-5 start, Fisher made only two key roster moves. He replaced Chris Brown with Travis Henry as his starting running back and started Young in the fourth game.

And he kept pointing out how his Titans continued to improve.

Running the ball was Fisher's approach when he had George, the team's all-time leading rusher, and that approach has helped the Titans most in this streak. They are averaging 163.5 yards rushing, third in the NFL, in the past 12 games.

Fisher, co-chairman of the league's competition committee, also isn't afraid to gamble. That's what linebacker David Thornton, one of the six veteran free agents signed this offseason, liked most when he left Indianapolis.

"A lot of coaches probably wouldn't make some of the decisions he makes," Thornton said.

The coach has worked Jones into a variety of offensive plays to get a key playmaker on the field, and he tricked Colts coach Tony Dungy into using his last timeout by threatening to punt before letting Rob Bironas attempt a 60-yard field goal that beat Indy 20-17 on Dec. 3.

Fisher personally rates this season pretty high overall.

"The nucleus on this team is going to be the nucleus of this team for years to come. We'll be able to look back and say we've pulled through some tough times," he said. "If we're ever staring tough times again in the face we'll be able to refer to it and hopefully pull ourselves through it again."