Titans Head Coach Jeff Fisher press conference 12-3-08

(On Chris Johnson)- “We saw things pre-draft that we felt like he was going to be able to come in and contribute. We’re not surprised by anything that he’s done, we saw those kinds of things on tape and we’re pleased right now. His teammates around him have helped him off to a great start as a rookie running back in this league. He’ll block, he’ll catch, he’s productive without the ball and then when we get the ball in his hand, he’s got tremendous speed to make big plays.”

(On any lingering effects after the Titans’ first loss of the season)- “Well we lost at home on Sunday at about 3:15 and had to come back and play Thursday. We put it in perspective, we didn’t play well in the area and we didn’t coach well and we put it in perspective and just moved on. We’ve been taking a one-week approach all year and you take that same approach regardless of the outcome on Sunday. I was very pleased and proud of their ability to get re-focused and prepared mentally more so than physically and go out and find a way to beat Detroit three days later.”

(On the importance of home field advantage in the playoffs)- “Clearly home field advantage is huge, I would say it’s very important. Again, this is a one-week approach and we’re focused purely on the Cleveland Browns, we have very good respect for their talent level, their effort and everything that they’ve done. We realize that is going to be a very tough game from a challenging standpoint from all areas. We’re focused on Cleveland and they tell us if we’re fortunate enough to win this game, we win the division. That’s all that the team worries about or cares about right now.”

(On the Browns offense)- “Talking with the defensive staff and watching tape, the staff is very impressed with the offense, the creativity, the execution and everything they do from week to week. Believe me, they stress your preparation time because of everything they do with the different packages and the motions and the unbalanced lines and everything. You have to make sure you’ve got everything covered then of course you have to adjust. Our players are starting to get a sense for that right now as we speak.”

(On Ken Dorsey’s last start being against Tennessee)- “He’s a mobile quarterback and he’s a smart quarterback who knows where to deliver the football, how to and where to. He’s going to have a full weeks worth of preparation and he understands the offense clearly because he’s been there. He can win, quarterbacks can be successful if they have some experience in this league and some good people around them and know what they’re doing. He’s got experience, he’s got really good people around him and he clearly knows what he’s doing. He’s got a good defense backing him up and that will give him more opportunities.”

(On comparing Albert Haynesworth and Shaun Rogers)- “What I’m going to do is put Albert at left guard this week, so we’ll see how that matchup is and we’ll be able to settle this once and for all…No I’m just kidding. They’re both clearly, and not with disregarding other players in this league, but they are very good players. They do a lot of the same things, they’re very disruptive, they’re strong, and they’re frequently making tackles for losses. They press the quarterback well and they’re two of the best at the position in the league.”

(On if he will rest starters against the Colts if he has first place clinched by week 17)- “It’s too early to discuss that. I live week-to-week and I haven’t considered that and I wouldn’t consider that until I get into week 17.”

(On the ownership showing faith in him when the team was 4-12 and 5-11)- “We had some success prior to that and Mr. (Bud) Adams was fully aware that there are circumstances that can lead to a difficult season, namely injuries to specific positions and salary cap difficulties. We had an opportunity to endure both of them and we knew that it was going to be a matter of time before we could put things back together again.”

(On building this years team)- “It was what we’ve done in the previous years and developed the young players. The Cortland Finnegan’s and the Michael Roos’ and the Dave Stewart’s and the Eugene Amano’s, those players were here and they’ve got extremely valuable playing time. They got playoff experience last year and they continued to work hard through the offseason and they’ve continued to develop.”

(On the preseason win/loss record factoring in as a playoff tiebreaker)- “This is a very complex issue. I am a member of the competition committee and we have discussed and will discuss this and fully understand the commissioner and the league interest in improving the quality. To comment at this point would be inappropriate but we’re going to continue to look at the various options.”

Titans QB Kerry Collins press conference 12-3-08

(On Shaun Rogers and Albert Haynesworth)- “Obviously their size, agility and quickness for people their size is unique. Both are very disruptive forces, (Shaun) is playing at a high level and we know we’re going to have out work cut for him to try to block him this weekend.”

(On how much longer he wants to be in the league and with the Titans)- “I still feel like I’ve got a lot of good football. Physically I feel good, but I’ll address all that and worry about that when the season ends. I’d love to be here in Tennessee if it works out but we’re focused on, and I’m focused on what we’re trying to accomplish this year.”

(On the Browns corners)- “I think they’re both very good players. Very good cover skills, smart players that seem to be able to read things well and it’s going to be a challenge for our receivers this weekend. They’re a very good tandem.”

(On Chris Johnson)- “I think he’s helped us a lot. He gives us a lot of speed coming out of the backfield, obviously gives us a big play threat knowing that he’s able to break long runs with his speed. He definitely adds some punch to our offense.”

(On getting home field advantage in for the playoffs)- “Obviously we have a chance to wrap up the division this weekend and we know it’s going to be a big test and a big challenge. I thought the Browns defense played really well last weekend and it has been playing really well. We’ve got to keep the same approach that we’ve been taking which is focusing on our next opponent, trying to prepare well and trying to play winning football.”