Even perfection can have scratches, dents and smudges.
The 8-0 Tennessee Titans looked less than perfect for most of four quarters Sunday on a fall afternoon that could be described only as perfect.
But when they had to get serious to win the game, they did what they had to do in a 19-16 overtime victory over the Packers.
So as the Bears prepare to play these same Titans on Sunday, they should do so with the confidence that their opponent is mortal.
But they also should have the wide-eyed realization this team might like to paw at its mice before making a meal of them.
“We found another way to win,” said Titans quarterback Kerry Collins, who completed only 49 percent of his passes, threw for only 180 yards and had a passer rating of only 62.9. “I didn’t play my best game. I think a lot of guys here would say the same thing.”
It’s a good thing football does not award points for style because neither team would have won.
Then again, style does not matter to Jeff Fisher. The Titans’ coach now has won 128 games as an NFL head coach, many in similar fashion.
His latest victory moved him into 22nd place in NFL history for victories, ahead of his former coach, Mike Ditka.
For the Packers, the defining plays of the game were Chris Hope’s interception of Aaron Rodgers in the end zone and Rodgers’ lost fumble on consecutive series. For the Titans, the defining plays of the game were Rob Bironas’ 47-yard field-goal attempt that bounced off the right upright at the end of regulation, and Bironas’ 41-yard attempt that ended the game 5 minutes 24 seconds into overtime.
The most significant momentum shift came after the Packers took a 10-6 lead in the second quarter. Two plays later, they allowed LenDale White, known as a threat to buffet lines as much as defenses, a 54-yard run to the Packers’ 20. The Titans subsequently scored on a 3-yard Chris Johnson rush to take a 13-10 lead.
The Titans turned it on only after winning the overtime coin flip. The 10-play, 55-yard drive that followed was their most impressive of the day, as between them, Johnson and White ran seven times for 39 yards.
The Bears probably should thank the Packers for giving them a revealing blueprint on how at least to keep it close against what has been the best team in football for the first half of the season.
Among the points Bears coaches should be making this week, based on the developments Sunday at LP Field:
*Don’t abandon the run.
The Packers had some success running. Ryan Grant averaged 4.3 yards per carry, his third-best average of the season.
“There were some things schematically that we liked against their defense,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. “We like to run it more … we got some checks at the line … based on the defense they gave us.”
*Even though the Titans have good defensive backs, challenge them up top.
The Packers did and Donald Driver caught seven passes for 136 yards while Greg Jennings averaged 26.3 yards per reception.
“We wanted to get the ball to some of our playmakers,” Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said. “We wanted to take some shots on them. They like to sit on some routes.”
*Don’t assume you can’t get to Collins — but don’t expect your pass rushers to do it by themselves. They will need help from the cornerbacks.
The Titans had given up only two sacks before Sunday, but the Packers sacked Collins twice.
“It is the way we play coverage with the ability to take away the primary receiver as much as you can and also rush the passer,” McCarthy explained.
*Take some chances.
The Packers did, going for it on fourth down twice. Unfortunately for them, they converted neither time. If they had, the outcome might have been different.
Of course, the Bears could do all these things — and still lose.
“This is the M.O. of the Titans,” Tennessee center Kevin Mawae says. “It’s not flashy. It’s not pretty. Just get it done.”
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dpompei@tribune.com
