The Tennessee Titans (4-6) have been a completely different team ever since Vince Young took over as the starting quarterback, and they will be looking for their fifth straight win this week against the Arizona Cardinals.  I’m expecting Young and the Titans’ running game to continue their success, but the defense is what concerns me for the Titans.  The Cardinals’ offense, led by Kurt Warner, have the ability to put a lot of points on the board.  Warner suffered a concussion last week though, but he will play.  The Cardinals are not a very good running team (only 94 rushing yards per game), so if the Titans can keep Warner from having a big game they should win.  They can’t let Warner and receiver Larry Fitzgerald connect too often, or they will be in trouble.

The Titans offense has been causing problems for every team they have faced ever since Young took over at quarterback.  They have an amazing running attack, which at times looks more like a college style offense than an NFL one.  Young and Chris Johnson should be able to get a lot of yards on the ground, as the Cardinals give up over 100 rushing yards per contest.  Young’s athleticism brings so many options to the Titans offense and defenses are struggling to adjust.  Since the Cardinals don’t have a particularly good defense, especially against the run, I like the Titans in a close game.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Tennessee Titans 24, Arizona Cardinals 21

The Tennessee Titans (3-6) have had their season rejuvenated ever since Vince Young became the starter, and they are looking to continue that success this week in Texas against the Houston Texans (5-4).  Young’s passing numbers are not going to blow you away, but he has been doing a very good job managing the game and taking care of the ball.  Chris Johnson has been the main reason for the Titans success, as Young’s athleticism at quarterback seems to have open things up for the running game.  In the Titans past three games (all wins) Johnson has rushed for at least 132 yards and 2 touchdowns in each game, including a 228 yard effort against the Jaguars.  If the Titans offense can continue this type of play against the Texans, they will have a great shot at winning their fourth straight game.

The Titans defense needs to be ready to slow down Matt Schaub and the Texans’ passing game.  Schaub and the passing game are averaging 284 passing yards per game, and the Titans give up 270 passing yards per game, so it could be a big day for Schaub.  Schaub has thrown 4 interceptions in his past two games though, so the Titans may get some turnovers.  The Titans best defense is their offense though, as their run-first offense can eat up the clock and keep the ball out of Schaub’s hands.  That is why I think the Titans will pull out a close win.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Tennessee Titans 34, Houston Texans 28

Both of these teams are playing better as of late.  The Bills have won two of their last three games while the Titans have won their last two games after starting the season 0-6.  The Bills will turn back to QB Trent Edwards for this season as he returns from a concussion.  Edwards’ return will allow the Bills to possibly attack the Titans’ weakness on defense which is the secondary.  The Titans are allowing 278.4 yards passing per game this season and opposing QBs have a 102.8 rating against them.  But the Bills won’t forget about running the ball with Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson against a Titans’ D that is allowing 111.9 yards rushing per game and 4.4 yards per carry. 

This is a perfect match up for Vince Young and the Titans.  The Bills are allowing 173.6 yards rushing per game and 5.1 yards per carry so far this season.  With that in mind look for Charles Johnson (959 yards rushing, 6.7 ypc, 6TDs), LenDale White and Vince Young to have a lot of room to run the ball.  The Titans must control this game on the ground as Vince Young will likely want to steer clear of passing against the Bills too much as they already have 15 interceptions this season including 7 by rookie safety Jairus Byrd.

PREDICTION:  TITANS 27, BILLS 20

The Tennessee Titans (1-6) finally decided to start Vince Young and they got their first win of the season last week.  Young and the Titans are on the road this week against the San Francisco 49ers (3-4), who have also made a quarterback change recently.  If Young can manage the game and play like he did last weekend, the Titans will have a good shot at winning this one.  Chris Johnson had a huge game last week rushing for 228 yards, and if he is able to repeat anything near that performance the Titans will be in great shape.

The 49ers offense has had a little bit of a resurgence with Alex Smith as their quarterback, but he has thrown two picks in two games.  The Titans are giving up 282 passing yards per game, so Smith may have a big day.  They also give up way too many rushing yards (112 per game) so they need to make sure 49ers’ Frank Gore doesn’t get any big runs.  I think the Titans have a fresh take on the season with Vince Young under center and I think they will get their second win in a row.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Tennessee Titans 28, San Francisco 49ers 24

The Tennessee Titans (0-6) have finally benched Kerry Collins and Vince Young will be starting his first game of the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3).  The Jaguars are coming off a close OT win over the weak St. Louis Rams, so this could be the Titans chance to get their first win of the year.  The Jaguars beat them 37-17 earlier this month, but Young gives the Titans offense a much different look.  His athleticism and running ability will add to the Titans solid running attack led by Chris Johnson.  He had a great game last week, getting 128 yards on 17 carries.

Although in my opinion Young should have been the starter long ago, I don’t think he will make a big enough difference for the Titans to win.  He will be rusty and he still doesn’t have an accurate arm so he may turn the ball over.  Young is a good football player with the physical gifts, so if he can get himself ready mentally then the Titans may have chance. Its a fresh look for the Titans though, so they may be sloppy.  I think they will battle the Jaguars better than they did last game, but the Jags running game led by Maurice Jones Drew will be too much for the Titans to handle, and the Jags should win again.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Jacksonville Jaguars 28, Tennessee Titans 21