Four games in, and the Tennessee Titans are 1-3...after playing three playoff teams from a year ago (KC, Cincy, Indy)...all on the road. And by the way, the Dallas Cowboys (3-1) look like a real contender this year.
A tough road out of the gate to say the least.
The Titans return to the Music City for a two game home stand. Cleveland...who is 2-22 in their last 24 road games, and Jacksonville...who is currently win less (0-4) this season...should be welcomed guests right?
Well...it depends on who you ask.
If you're a Titans fan...of course they are welcomed. This is the first time all season that fans feel good about the match up...so yes, a win...and all of the good feelings that come along with it are expected this week.
Translation...LP Field should be rocking Sunday afternoon.
But for coach Whisenhunt and the players, the last thing you want to see is a losing team come into your house and beat you. Especially with the way the season has unfolded so far. The last three games (losses) were brutal, but as bad as it was...no realistic Titans fan expected them to win. They were just disappointed in the lack of focus and execution.
But these next two games are not just critical, they could be franchise altering.
Let's get the obvious out of the way, a 1-4...or...(gulp)...1-5 start would all but eliminate the Titans from playoff contention this early in the season...and send fans away in droves as coach Whisenhint puts his "look to the future" roster on the field.
A great home schedule would be wasted.
It would also bring the Jake Locker era to an abrupt end. There would be zero incentive to keep a qb out there who you have no intention of bringing back next year. And more importantly, if Locker doesn't get things turned around quick, he may find himself completely out of the league next season. With the steady influx of quality college qb's each year, veteran backups are getting fewer and fewer camp invites.
Just ask Vince Young, Matt Leinart, and Tim Tebow...all out of the league in the prime of their careers.
But I digress.
To their credit, Titans fans have been patient with the rebuilding process...but even the most die hard fan would say that it's time to see some results. The first tangible evidence of an improved team is when they beat the teams they should beat. They may not pull off many upsets...but they do not get upset either.
We saw it with Arizona last year...they beat the teams they were supposed to beat...and just missed the playoffs. This year they are 3-0...with signature wins over the Chargers and 49ers. The foundation was laid last season, and their confidence grew as the wins piled up. If the Titans are really improved, if Whisenhunt is truly an upgrade over Munchak, then we must see evidence of a foundation. Tennessee should beat Cleveland this Sunday.
But the Titans go as qb Jake Locker goes. His entire four year career with the Titans can be summed up in his first four games this season.
Inconsistent and injured.
Good Jake? The Titans go on the road and beat down the Chiefs in their own back yard. Bad/Injured Jake? Well you know..Tennessee is looking to avoid a four game losing skid. Locker is set to return this Sunday, and no one can say with any certainty that they know what to expect. Titans fans just break out their dice...throw them against the wall...then turn on the game.
In two weeks Tennessees can either be 3-3 with three wins over AFC opponents, and right in the playoff mix. Or they could be 2-4...or 1-5...and looking toward the future...before the present ever gained traction.
Shaking my dice. follow @plcolter
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