Thursday, November 6, 2008

Bears game likely to be one of the Titans’ biggest challenges so far

This week, the Tennessee Titans go to Chicago to play the Bears in an attempt to go 9-0. Chicago is a notorious place to play as Titans' coach Jeff Fisher knows first hand because he played for the Bears.

The Bears are coming off a sloppy win against winless Detroit. For the last few years, the team has been known for a stout defense and a limp noodle offense. In recent weeks, the offense has come to life behind quarterback Kyle Orton, but that all became muddled last week when Orton injured his ankle.

Initial reports said he would be out for several weeks, but some recent media reports indicate he could play Sunday. If he doesn't play, Rex Grossman will get the start. Of course, Grossman quarterbacked the Bears to the Super Bowl a couple of years ago, but he has shown a gift for making huge mistakes at the worst possible time.

As for the Titans, the road is getting tougher. Five of the remaining eight regular season games are on the road, starting with this game. They can be forgiven for playing sloppy last week against the Packers because they were obviously tired after playing on Monday night the previous week. However, both the offense and defense will need to take it up a notch this week.

As we know, all streaks must end. I think that is the case with the Titans this week. I can't quite put my finger on the reason. It's more of a gut feeling.

Besides, defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is on the cover of Sport's Illustrated this week. Will he become another victim of the SI cover jinx? The article about him is good though.

The pick: Chicago 23 Tennessee 21

Other NFL picks: Arizona over San Francisco, Pittsburgh over Indianapolis, Miami over Seattle, Minnesota over Green Bay, Carolina over Oakland

Last week: 5-2 (.714), Overall: 33-20 (.623)

3 comments:

Chris Martin said...

ESPN has reported that Kyle Orton is doubtful for the game, and that Rex Grossman will get the start. Of course, with ESPN, you never know whether to trust them or not.

Chris Martin said...

Titans 21 Bears 14. Even though the Titans couldn't run it a lick, they still found a way to win in the cold and snow. Great job.

Mister Jimmy said...

What a game. The Titans this year are like the "no-name" team. In all the talk of MVPs and Coaches-of-the-Year, I haven't heard Collins' or Fisher's name mentioned. I guess TN just isn't glam enough or something. They've got my attention and I haven't been very loyal even though they are the home team, just couldn't get very excited about them as a team.
Their schedule doesn't get any easier either. I don't think they have a "gimme" game ahead of them.
Dare one hope that we could find ourselves at the SB this year? One week at a time I guess.