Fisher, Young expect Titans to make playoffs in 2007

The season turned around on Oct. 8. They lost their fifth straight 14-13 at Indianapolis but gained much-needed confidence. Then they went on the road and beat Washington 25-22 for their first victory.

But this season will be remembered for the winning streak, which featured a different way to win each week. The highlight was the 24-21 comeback against the New York Giants on Nov. 26 after Tennessee trailed 21-0.

They tied for the second-greatest rally in NFL history in the final 10 minutes with two interceptions by Adam "Pacman" Jones, and Young threw for two TDs and ran for another for 24 unanswered points.

They followed that by beating Indianapolis with Rob Bironas' 60-yard field goal - only the third of that length to win a game in the final minute. Young ran for a 39-yard TD in overtime to beat Houston, and the defense scored on three turnovers to defeat Jacksonville.

Bironas added his fourth winning kick at Buffalo to cap the streak.

"We surprised a lot of people, but we knew we had talent on this team," Henry said. "We knew we could win games. We just had to put it together."

The Titans have plenty of holes to fill.

They need a healthy defensive end opposite Kyle Vanden Bosch, who had 6 1/2 sacks, and more help in secondary. The defense ranked last in the NFL, giving up 369.7 yards per game.

"We're going to pay a lot of attention to the defense, and we're going to have to get better," Fisher said. "Whether it is scheme, personnel - whatever it is - we're going to have to improve in that area."

The Titans have around $40 million under the salary cap to spend on free agents and their own players. Receivers Bobby Wade and Drew Bennett will be free agents along with Smith, and Henry earned a big option that likely will be eased with a revised contract.

The future of general manager Floyd Reese is the biggest unknown. His contract is about up, and Adams said Dec. 17 he didn't think his general manager was going anywhere. Fisher said he couldn't imagine working without Reese.

But the high expectations start with Young. The rookie has shown he's a hard worker who's driven to improve and show up his doubters - and lead his teammates with him.

"We should certainly be a playoff contender next year," Fisher said.