On Christmas Day, Vince Young and company will welcome the San Diego Chargers into Nashville for what could be one of the most exciting games of the year.

The Chargers are trying to secure their bye week while the Titans are just trying to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Although they don’t control their own destiny, a Titans win would put them above .500 this season. After an 0-6 start, this is an incredible feat.

A good sign for the Titans is the play of Vince Young. He is averaging over 200 yards a game and has 10 touchdowns and 3 interceptions as a starter. This is much better than his 2007 campaign of 170 yards a game, 9 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions.

Another high point for the Titans is running back Chris Johnson. He only needs 376 yards to pass Eric Dickerson and only 270 to break 2,000 yards. A much more attainable record at this point for Johnson, is the all-purpose yards. He only needs 127 yards per game to break that record.

Now focusing on what matters most for the Titans, winning this game. Both the Chargers and the Titans are on a hot streak, and both teams really need a win this week. Can the Titans overcome their injuries to cause the first blemish in the Chargers record in the past 8 weeks. Can the Chargers keep Young and Johnson in check to knock the Titans out of the playoffs?

Here is the keys to victory as how each team will do it:
Tennessee Titans
Keep the game close: In order to win you can’t let the Chargers get more than a two score lead at any time. They are very good at holding on to leads.

Don’t get comfortable: The Chargers are about as good as the Colts at coming back from a deficit. Last week the Titans almost let the Dolphins come back and win and if they give a high powered offense like the Chargers the same opportunity, the Chargers will take advantage.

Knock Rivers down: Make sure you get Phillip Rivers on the ground early and often. Even if its not a sack get pressure on him and don’t let him get comfortable. If Rivers is comfortable, the game is almost impossible to win.

San Diego Chargers
Pick Your Poison: You need to shut down either Chris Johnson or Vince Young. Its nearly impossible to shut them both down, but one is manageable. If you can keep Johnson under 100 yards or keep Vince under 250 all purpose yards, you can win the game.

Get the running game going: Take pressure off Rivers. Don’t get yourself in 3rd and longs, because the pass rush of the Titans is very good when they know you are passing.

Take advantage of their injuries: Their two outside linebackers are out so running a lot of off tackle plays will be very effective. Run right at the young replacements.

Overall this should be a very exciting game. I think the Titans have a shot, but its going to take a lot. If they shoot themselves in the foot like they did against the Colts, they will not win this game.

(Picture Source)



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