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Surprising Titans seek to extend five-game winning streak

Dec 24, 2006 - 5:48 PM Tennessee (7-7) at Buffalo (7-7) Sunday 1:00 pm EST

ORCHARD PARK, New York (Ticker) -- Jeff Fisher showed his value as a coach this season. Dick Jauron has proven to be a good choice for the Buffalo Bills.

The surprising Tennessee Titans seek to extend their five-game winning streak when they visit the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Both teams have slim playoff hopes heading into the Week 16 matchup. That was probably the furthest thing from Fisher's mind when the Titans were 2-7. Jauron could not have been thinking about the postseason when his team was 3-6.

Tennessee will likely pick up the $5.3 million option on Fisher's contract for next season. Owner Bud Adams probably should lock up Fisher to a long-term deal.

The Titans have reeled off consecutive wins over Philadelphia, the New York Giants, Indianapolis, Houston and Jacksonville. It's possible that as many as four of those teams will make the playoffs.

Tennessee is also 7-4 since rookie Vince Young, the third overall pick in the draft, has taken over as the starting quarterback.

Last week, the Titans returned three turnovers for touchdowns in a 24-17 victory over Jacksonville. Cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones and safety Chris Hope scored on interceptions of 83 and 61 yards, respectively, and rookie Cortland Finnegan returned a fumble 92 yards for a touchdown.

Many criticized Bills general manager Marv Levy for naming Jauron to succeed Mike Mularkey as coach in the offseason. But the Bills have steadily improved and enter Sunday's contest with four wins in their last five games.

J.P. Losman threw three touchdown passes in blustery conditions and the Bills flustered Joey Harrington in a 21-0 victory over the Miami Dolphins last week.

A first-round pick in 2004, Losman is the AFC's fifth-rated quarterback (88.5), completing 63 percent of his passes for 2,548 yards and 17 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.

This game should have extra significance for Travis Henry, who was acquired by the Titans from Buffalo for a draft pick in 2005. Henry has rushed for 974 yards and seven touchdowns this season.

Bills defensive end Aaron Schobel leads the NFL with 13 1/2 sacks and was rewarded with his first Pro Bowl selection on Tuesday. Punter Brian Moorman of Buffalo was also named to the Pro Bowl.

Despite their five-game winning streak, the Titans did not have a Pro Bowl selection.