Titans at Chargers playoff preview
The Tennessee Titans (10-6) will limp into the playoffs for the first time since the 2003 season. The San Diego Chargers (11-5), the AFC number three seed, will host the Titans Sunday afternoon at 3:30 PM CT.
Next to the Patriots, the Chargers are the hottest team in the league. Last week San Diego beat the Raiders 30-17 for their sixth win a row and tenth in their last twelve games.
Weather may play a huge role in this playoff battle. The forecast calls for rain, heavy at times, from Friday through Sunday. A flash flood watch has been issued and the field conditions may approach those seen in the Monday night mud game in Pittsburgh six weeks ago.
I'm not going to rehash a scouting report on the Chargers, since little has changed for them since the teams met four weeks ago. For reference, please review my preview of that game. The most notable change since then has been the return of RDE Luis Castillo to the starting lineup.
The Titans, on the other hand, have lost two of their top three receivers for the year. Bo Scaife and Roydell Williams are out, which definitely limits Tennessee's offense. To add to the problems, QB Vince Young has reinjured the quad that was hindering him.
Turnovers will be a key in this game. San Diego finished the season leading the NFL in interceptions (30), total takeaways (48) and giveaway-takeaway margin (plus 24). The Titans broke even with 34 giveaways and 34 takeaways.
LaDainian Tomlinson finished with 1,474 rushing yards for back to back rushing titles. Amazingly, he didn't fumble this year. One interesting stat -- the Chargers have lost both playoff games in which Tomlinson has played.
