The Tennessee Titans are so close to making NFL history.
No team has ever started 0-5 and earned a playoff berth. Sure, the Titans must beat the New England Patriots on Sunday in the regular season finale, combined with losses by Cincinnati, Jacksonville and Denver.
Too much to overcome?
In this season, maybe not. A playoff berth after starting 2-7 doesn't seem ridiculous when compared to some of the amazing wins in the Titans' six-game winning streak. The once unthinkable not only seems possible but, oddly, almost likely.
And a franchise that hasn't been able to even think playoffs since its last berth in 2003 is enjoying the moment.
``We're very excited about the position that we're in heading into the final week of the season, having an opportunity to still remain alive for the post-season even though there are a number of things that need to happen,'' coach Jeff Fisher said Tuesday.
``Considering the fact after Week 2, 3, 4 this year people were doubting whether we'd win a ballgame, being able to get on the run that we have and to put ourselves in this position certainly speaks volumes.''
At the very least, the Titans (8-7) have a chance to finish with their first winning season since going 12-4 in 2003. That was a veteran team enjoying its fourth playoff berth in five seasons.
This group features a rookie quarterback in Vince Young who is 8-4 as a starter, and six starters in only their second NFL seasons. There's the uplifting comeback of Travis Henry, who has rushed for 1,109 yards _ nearly twice what he rushed for the past two seasons combined.
Now they've won eight of their last 10, and one of those losses was 27-26 to Baltimore on Nov. 12 when the Ravens blocked Rob Bironas' field goal attempt at the end. Bironas since has kicked three winners, including his 60-yarder against Indianapolis.
Bironas said the turnaround has been exciting with a team doing whatever it takes to win games.
``We're just hoping that things work out, we get the last win and possibly get in the playoffs. Everything's still alive,'' Bironas said.
Fisher credits this team with having a unique character. He's talked about this often, how the Titans love to practise, work hard and actually like each other. He said Tuesday the coaches encouraged them to keep doing that and take control of the situation.
``This team has just continued to surprise itself, amaze itself at how we've won. The bottom line is you take the field for the opening kickoff, they expect to win. Regardless of what the status is with the second half kickoff, they still expect to win. Fortunately we've found some unique ways to do it,'' he said.
Second-year cornerback Reynaldo Hill said having the chance at the playoffs means the world to the Titans.
``We just got our backs against the wall at the beginning of the season. Now we're balling and hoping we can get in the playoffs,'' he said.
The only thing they control will be how they play against New England. Luckily for the Titans, the Patriots have clinched the AFC East. Coach Bill Belichick may decide to rest some key players for the post-season rather than work his starters for a win when the Pats still need an Indianapolis loss to Miami to move up one seed.
If the Titans win and miss out on history, they can comfort themselves with a seven-game winning streak to finish a remarkable season.
They also can think of what might have been if not for a pass deflected in the end zone of the season-opening 23-16 loss to the New York Jets; a penalty that erased a punt return for a touchdown in a 13-10 loss at Miami; and the 14-13 loss at Indianapolis.
``We have no one to blame but ourselves,'' linebacker Peter Sirmon.
But at least they find themselves this close right now.
