Parker: Researching the final draft to success

Chris Johnson (28) and LenDale White celebrate a Titans touchdown. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge]

Well, the Tennessee Titans finished up their works cited page by taking down the Cleveland Browns 28-9 to clinch the AFC South Division title on Sunday.

"Obviously, we're all pleased, we're all happy that we won the division but we know there's a lot of things left that we want to accomplish," said Titans quarterback Kerry Collins, who threw for 155 yards and two touchdowns. "Today was a good first step to accomplish one of our goals, but we've got a lot of work ahead of us."

They outlined their postseason run with their 12th victory by clinching a home game and an opening round bye in the playoffs.

"It's a rewarding feeling," coach Jeff Fisher said. "Our goal was to, when we left the playoff game in San Diego the day we came back, was to have a home playoff game this year.

"We've now guaranteed that. Now, we move on to the next step."

Defensive tackle Tony Brown puts some heat on Browns quarterback Ken Dorsey. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge]

Tennessee knows they have plenty of work to do before even completing a rough draft en route to their ultimate goal.

"We've still got an ultimate goal out there that we're trying to get to. We don't want to get caught up in this moment or that year. We've still go a lot of football left," receiver Justin Gage said.

"You can't look too far ahead into the future. That will set you back for the present. So, right now we're just trying to take it day-by-day and play-by-play."

Donning the divisional crown hats after the game was a welcome site for the entire team, including mainstays like Keith Bulluck, who has been through the tough times in recent years where the Indianapolis Colts were kings of the South.

"When I first got here, we kind of were on top of the division and about 2004 or 2005 everything shifted to Indianapolis. This year that we've put together so far and to win the division has been great for our team, our organization and for the guys that have been here for a few years that have been through the tough times."

The Titans get their chance to put the staples on a successful regular season when they head to Indy on Dec. 28.

"The Colts have had a great run, and the Colts are still going to be there in the end. I think the difference was our start. We've had slow starts in the past and came close but could never catch them," Fisher said.

Tennessee linebacker David Thornton comes up to put a hit on Cleveland running back Jamal Lewis. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge]

The game plan to stop the Browns was simple: slow down running back Jamal Lewis and put the pressure on third-string quarterback Ken Dorsey.

Lewis was held to 7 yards on seven carries. Dorsey was forced to throw 43 times, completing only 22 for 150 yards.

That defensive effort helped the Titans overcome 131 penalty yards and three turnovers.

Offensively, the home team controlled the ground battle, racking up 235 yards on 43 carries. Rookie Chris Johnson scampered for 136 yards and a score.

"He's doing what we drafted him to do and that's make plays and add another dimension to our offense," Fisher said.

However, as the old saying goes, defense wins championships. When you can hold teams like the Browns to 178 total yards, the final draft is right around the corner.