The odds of a third straight trip to the playoffs for the Titans are slim after their 0-3 start; the 1998 Bills were the last team to make the postseason after beginning so slowly. And with games against Indianapolis and at New England before the club’s Week Seven bye, Tennessee’s playoff dreams could take a further hit in the weeks to come.

With the Titans struggling, speculation has turned to whether Titans head coach Jeff Fisher will turn again to QB
Vince Young, who lost his job to Kerry Collins early last season and has played sparingly since. Collins, 36, didn’t complete any of his final 13 throws in the Week Three loss to the Jets, which helped begin the chatter about whether Young might get a second chance in the lineup.

But Fisher, asked in the week leading up to the Week Four game at Jacksonville if he were contemplating a quarterback change, replied: “No.”

And the way we hear it, those waiting for Collins to lose his job to Young might be waiting for a long time, particularly if the Titans continue to be competitive. Note that Tennessee’s first three losses of the season came by a combined 13 points and that they led in all three games. Also, the Titans ranked in the top half of the league in total offense entering Week Four. In short, turning over the offense to Young — who tested the Titans’ patience with his horrible outing in the ’08 season opener — is not regarded a quick fix for the club’s problems. Short of Titans owner Bud Adams, a Young fan, lobbying Fisher for a change at quarterback — which is unlikely, a source close to the club suggests — Collins still looks to have a firm hold on the job.

Even after completing only 15-of-37 passes in the loss to the Jets, Fisher had praise for Collins’ work, and his quote was telling.

“That’s a tough defense to attack and he made some great throws,” he said. “I thought he did a good job as best he could, shifting, redirecting protections. Kerry’s certainly not the reason for the situation that we’re in.”

Whether he starts this season or not, the Titans might have a decision to make on Young in the offseason, particularly if the 2010 league year is under a salary cap, as Young’s cap number is slated to be more than $14 million next year. Collins will be entering the final year of a two-year, $15 million contract. Patrick Ramsey, the No. 3 quarterback, will be a free agent.

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