NFL: Titans Hope For Big Game From George

With the 9-4 Ravens idle this week, Eddie George and the 9-3 Titans are hoping to gain more distance from them in the AFC Central. This week they will face the Eagles, who are hot right now but still susceptible to the run. That's just what Jeff Fisher and the Titans want. Currently, George ranks third in the AFC in rushing yards, with 1066, his fifth 1000-yard season in as many years.

One thing the Eagles are going to have to do is hold the ball and sustain long drives to keep the ball out of the Titans' hands. Tennessee leads the league in time of possession, due mostly to George's durability. Although he doesn't have a very high rushing average, the Titans stick to the run and the defense eventually gets worn down.

An example of this was their 9-7 win over the Steelers in Week 9. George had 98 yards on 34 carries, wearing down the defense, which gave them the opportunity to kick a game-winning field goal.

Over the Eagles' four-game winning streak, McNabb has thrown for 795 yards, five touchdowns, four interceptions, and also rushed for 239 rushing yards and two scores. They're not exactly Pro Bowl numbers, but it shows why good defense and special teams have been winning the games. Hugh Douglas and rookie Corey Simon have boosted the pass rush, getting a combined 21½ sacks, and David Akers has converted 24-of-27 field goals and kicked two game-winners in overtime.

If the Eagles can keep the game close, the play of Titans kicker Al Del Greco could be critical. He missed a few key field goals and extra points, contributing to two losses in the last three weeks. There isn't much doubt that if Del Greco continues his kicking woes, head coach Jeff Fisher won't hesitate to take a look at some other kickers.

The bottom line for the Titans is that they have to run the ball effectively with George, their main weapon, and control the game. Giving the Eagles chances to capitalize off of mistakes like turnovers could cost them the game. This will be the Titans' last tough game of the year, so it would be good to have some confidence finishing off the season.

After this game, they will face three teams with combined records of 9-28 (Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Dallas). Winning three of the final four would get them to the playoffs, possibly as AFC Central champs, or even a wildcard spot if the Ravens keep up.