But at least we have one question answered

In the lagging index six of the seven components fell inDecember, pushing that index down 0.4 percent after it wasunchanged in November. The ratio of consumer installment creditto personal income was the lagging index's only positivecomponent for the month while the change in the Consumer PriceIndex for services was the largest drag (Reporting by Lisa Lambert, Editing by Chizu Nomiyama). ) Someone charge the paddles, stat. The Titans' organization appears dead and in severe need ofresuscitation.But at least we have one question answered. But if the Titans go 0-6 or rather, when against NewEngland next week, it may as well be.For all you Vince Young Kool-Aid drinkers out there, I don't think I am being overly harsh and judgmental about your savior. He keeps dropping balls and he is going to be persona non grata in Nashville.It's not the interceptions, although Collins is minus-one on touchdowns vs.

interceptions this year (but if you count the one he ran in, and I do, he is dead even).It's not the running game, although Dash sure could use the Smash from last year. Through the first five weeks they averaged 23 points per game, this year a mere 16.8 So that must be the problem, right Collins and Co. can't punch it into the end zone!Not so fast, partner.Let's look a little deeper. While the Titans obviously scored more points last year than this year, there is a glaring omission in the comparison: the points differential.Last year the Titans scored 115 points through their first five games while holding their opponents to 56.That's a positive differential of 59 points.This yearThe Titans have scored 84 points, while their opponents have scored are you ready for this 139.I'll let that sink in for a minute.Okay, have you caught your breath yet Yes, that is a negative differential of 55 points, almost the exact number of points that they held opponents to last year.Even more appalling, they have given up 83 more points this year than last year, almost the exact number of points they have scored themselves this year.It's almost eerie how it is working out, ain't itThis is not, I repeat, NOT a Kerry Collins problem. True, he has had receivers drop more passes than nearly every other quarterback in the league this year.In fact, after the game against Indy, he probably leads all quarterbacks in the "receivers dropping perfect passes" department.This is not a Chris Johnson problem Young Mr. Johnson is showing no signs of a sophomore slump, even having such a stellar game against the Texans that his shoes from the game have been enshrined in Canton.This is not a Mike Heimerdinger problem. Coach Dinger is the same guy who ran the offense during the Titans miracle season in 1999; he is the same guy who ran the offense last year when the Titans went 13-3 (only to leave the playoffs early partly due to an Alge Crumpler fumble ahem and unflappable Baltimore quarterback in Joe Flacco).Hmmm...You know where this is going.

You all are smart enough to see it, but you are so enamored with the idea of Vince Young saving this organization you refuse to allow yourselves to admit it.This is a defense problem.Remember those numbers we went over a few paragraphs ago Well, let me add some more for good measure.In 2008, the Titans numbers were stellar: 293 yards per game overall, seventh in the NFL in total defense, 93.5 yards on the ground and 199.8 yards through the air per game. In 16 games last year they gave up 300 yards passing only twice once to Aaron Rodgers and once to Ben Roethlisberger both in games that they won.This year, four of the five quarterbacks they have faced have gone for over 300 yards.Do I have to remind you of their recordYes, I know they had two rookie cornerbacks. They also had two veteran cornerbacks and two veteran safeties through the first three games this year.Again, do I need to remind you of their recordLast year, the Titans were ranked seventh overall on defense. This year they are a dismal 22nd, ranked just behind the Detroit Lions for yards given up per game.The Lions have a ready excuse; they are the Detroit Lions, and lost all their games last year.