For the Tennessee Titans it is extremely simple.
Beat Indianapolis, and the Titans make the playoffs.
The Titans were sitting at 5-6 this season and had to know that a 7th loss would be devastating.
In the next four games the Titans proved they were going to finish this 2018-19 season strongly as they possibly could.
I mentioned in a previous post during the time they were 5-6 that looking at their schedule it would be POSSIBLE to run the table and go 10-6.
Right know they are 9-6, 80 percent finished with that goal I'm sure the team set forth to complete, of winning out the rest of the season. I believe I remember watching LB Wesley Woodyard in an interview mention that.
I have been busy with work and the holidays I regretfully never got a chance to write about the Titans past two wins versus the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins. With those wins the Titans completed the sweep of the entire NFC East in 2018. Pretty good accomplishment I suppose but it's just a bit extra sweet since I live in Philadelphia Eagle territory.
In those wins what stands out for me as a fan is RB Derrick Henry really heating up, and the defense playing VERY well.
Thanks to the Steelers losing to the Saints, the entire playoff outlook positively changed for the Titans.
Here is the current playoff clinching outlook for the Titans entering Week 17:
Now I will admit with my extreme excitement I will say I have a lot of nerves coming into this one. I don't want to sound pessimistic but there are definitely things I can't ignore and so I can't help but be nervous.
The Titans constantly seem to lose to Colts QB Andrew Luck AND we lost bad to them last time AND Titans QB Marcus Mariota is questionable to even play.
Now I am also quite positive and always will be when it comes to my team.
Titans backup Quarterback Blaine Gabbert has shown a decent ability to run the offense this season during times Mariota has been banged up. He actually started and helped beat the Houston Texans early this season. He also was good during the second half in the win versus the Washington Redskins.
The Titans have proven to be solid at game planning and proven to be pretty well coached. They are smart and have proven me wrong this season several times.
I don't really envision the Titans getting beat so badly as they did last time, no way. I believe that last loss will motivate them.
The game is in Nashville. With EVERYTHING on the line.
With all of these odds attacked together perhaps the underdog situation will help the Titans prevail. Nick Foles really showed people just how advantageous a competent, capable backup QB can be for a team. I hope Blaine Gabbert can do what Nick did, obviously.
Of course I REALLY want Mariota to play. But this is my team and I will support whoever is on the field Sunday Night.
I believe the keys to victory for the Titans will be Derrick Henry and the defense playing well.
Some teams had their seasons end weeks ago, I'm at least happy the Titans were good enough to have every game count. Essentially this is an unofficial playoff game. It's win and in for the Colts too.
I am going to be working 10:30AM -7PM and I was upset I was going to miss the game which was originally slated for 1. But the NFL and fate blessed me and they re-scheduled the game for 8:25 I am soooooooo happy about this change of events.
GOSH I WANT THE TITANS TO WIN THIS SUNDAY.
Football is brutal, this is stressful.
Win or lose it's Titans for LIFE. #titanup