Tennessee Titans "red zone TD efficiency will determine playoff"

After falling to San Diego two weeks ago, Tennessee's playoff plight became more desperate. And this past weekend's 26-17 win over Kansas City wasn't exactly reassuring.At the risk of sounding like a broken record from previous columns, the Titans' inability to score touchdowns after entering the red zone will most Steelers 36 Bettis Jersey
likely rear its ugly head during at least one of the last two games (vs. New York Jets, at Indianapolis).The red zone problem runs deeper than you think: Seven times in three of the past four games, Tennessee has reached the 11-yard line or better and was either sacked, committed a penalty, or simply couldn't convert a fourth-and-short situation. In the Titans' recent 35-6 loss in Cincinnati, the offense got inside the 5-yard line three times and couldn't enter the end zone. Simply put, that is inexcusable.As for last week, Kansas City's defense leads the league in red zone touchdown prevention, as opposing offenses have only scored 37 percent of the time. But the fact is if you can't punch it in when you're inside the 10, you have serious problems. Good offenses score touchdowns with ease when they're that close, and it's clear the Titans' 'O' isn't exactly above average.Tennessee's last two regular-season opponents allow red zone touchdowns about 55 percent of the time, so maybe the Titans have a better shot at converting. To have any shot at making the playoffs, they had better start cashing in their opportunities.NFL football all day every day. Only The national media is focused in on the Tennessee Titans and their dealings with Pacman Jones, but over at the <a > GoTitans.com</a> fan forum, some fans have found a different and perhaps more alluring subject to discuss.Wideout Mike Williams’ <a >weight</a>.According to published reports, which have not necessarily been substantiated, it is rumored that Williams had approached 270 pounds and is now hovering around the 250-pound mark.In any case, this is definitely a forum thread worth reading. It was before their win over Houston back in October that Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher expressed the need to have more balance in his offense. It indeed became more balanced, as Tennessee had 39 running plays (155 yards) and 42 passing plays (267 yards) when it beat the Texans.When Tennessee hosted Houston several weeks later, the balance was there again. The Titans had 29 runs (153 yards) and 31 passes (229 yards), and the outcome was a very solid showing by the offense, which scored a season-high four touchdowns. Therefore, the balance appeared to be working.This past Sunday against San Diego, though, the balance tilted in favor of the running game; in its 20-17 loss to the Chargers, the Titans had 37 rushes against 24 throws.Sure, Vince Young -- 109 yards, two interceptions -- was terrible, but the running game, which Fisher and offensive coordinator Norm Chow insist on leaning toward, didn't exactly make up the difference.The Titans ran more, thinking it would carry the hapless Young to a win. And it did contribute, considering running backs LenDale White and Chris Brown each scored. But if you're bent on a running game and your passing game is below average, you've got to realize that averaging only 3.5 yards a carry isn't going to do the trick.In overtime last week, White pointlessly ran twice for poor yardage in the Titans' now-infamous three-and-out; the team simply isn't winning games by running between the tackles. For the season, White is only averaging 3.6 yards per carry, so he's not overly effective.If Tennessee really wants a running game, it has to land a back with breakaway speed and quickness during the offseason. White cannot bull his way to the huge chunks of 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
yardage needed to make for a truly solid running game. The Titans need a LaDainian Tomlinson of their own, a back who gets at least 4.0 yards per attempt, perhaps even more.Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth said it best after the game."They've got a (number) 21 and we don't," he told the Tennessean.