A disappointing diagnosis for the Titans.(Brief Article)

Of all the surprises at this early juncture in the NFL season, none is bigger than the 0-2 record of the ailing Titans. Losing a regular-season game at Adelphia Coliseum for just the second time in its three-year existence was disturbing. But then they went and lost a second straight game, which this franchise has not done since it was the Oilers.

Maybe Tennessee isn't the Super Bowl-caliber team that many projected it to be.

Of course, injuries have had something to do with the early struggles.

Quarterback Steve McNair's shoulder injury forced him to the sideline. And while Neil O'Donnell is a high-quality backup, the Titans rely on McNair's knack for making big plays with both his arm and his legs to compensate for marginal weapons in the passing game. O'Donnell can't do that.

Running back Eddie George clearly is bothered by a toe that was surgically repaired in the offseason. In the first two games, George's burst to the hole and cutting ability were most affected. And his conditioning is not up to par.

The team's off-week came at a good time for McNair and George, and eventually they should regain their level of productivity.

What's most troubling and impossible to solve during the season is the team's lack of talent at critical positions on both sides of the ball.