Could the 2014 Tennessee Titans be the 2002 Titans in disguise?

I think it is interesting to note that in 2002, the Tennessee Titans were 1-4 heading into a Sunday’s home matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and in 2014, the Titans are 1-4 heading into a home game against the Jaguars this coming Sunday. That season started off similar to that of this one. The Titans opened the season with a 27-24 victory over the Eagles, giving the team and the fan base moment heading into week two. Then, everything fell apart. The Titans lost four consecutive games, including a 52-25 loss to the Raiders. At that point, it seemed inevitable that the season was compute to both the team and the fans. Sound familiar?

Then, out of nowhere, the Titans turned the season around by winning 10 out-of-the 11 remaining games in the 2002 season. The Titans went on to defeat the Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoffs, but fell short in the AFC Championship game against the Raiders, 41-24. The turmoil start to the 2002 season turned out to be an overall success, and was one of the biggest turnaround seasons in franchise history. It’s unbelievable how identical the 2002 season and 2014 season have shaped up to be so far.

However, in 2002, the Titans had Steve McNair at quarterback, and aside from the SuperBowl season, this was one of McNair’s best seasons. McNair threw for a career-high 3,387 yards that season. He completed 301 out of 492 passes, establishing a healthy 61.2 completion percentage. McNair also threw for  a career postseason high 338 yards and two touchdowns in the AFC Divisional Playoff win over the Steelers. We all believe that successful quarterbacks tend to consistently throw around three-hundred yards per game. Jake Locker has only achieved breaking three-hundred passing yards three times in his entire NFL career. So, to compare McNair with Locker is well farfetched from a true comparison.

As far as coaching, in 2002 Jeff Fisher was still within his prime as head coach of the Titans. It was the third season of a stretch where the Titans made it to the playoffs four out of five consecutive years, and Fisher made that all possible. This season, the Titans are led by Ken Whisenhunt, and is in his first season as the Titans head coach. Even Fisher coached a 7-9 season in his first full year as the Oilers/Titans head coach. So, if Whisenhunt were to even pull out a 7, 8, or 9 win season, it would be a miracle of it’s own in the Music City.

Realistically, we are in store a season where we will proudly count the number of wins on one hand. But, isn’t the idea of a turnaround similar to that of the 2002 season intriguing to think about? I mean come on, you’ve at least thought about it, right?