If Fisher had his way in 2006, Collins would have been signed before training camp to let Young study under an NFL veteran. Instead, Collins was brought in just before the opener and wound up yielding to Young after an 0-3 start.

Now the only question is whether Young is watching and learning. Collins is the perfect mentor if he is.

In his 14th season, Collins has taken two different teams to NFC championship games, survived a battle with alcoholism and seen everything a defense can show. He's the manager Fisher wants, a guy who knows when to throw away a pass instead of forcing something.

Collins has been intercepted just once and sacked once in three starts. He also makes a group of receivers criticized for their play with Young look very serviceable.

"So many things are just about knowing the situations, knowing when to take your shots and knowing when not to take your shots. ... I know that I have been in every situation possible. Hopefully I make more good decisions in those kinds of situations than bad," Collins said.

He's also having fun because Fisher announced he's sticking with Collins as long as the Titans are winning. No pressure there.

"Bottom line, I'm on a good football team," Collins said. "Are we a great football team yet? No, I don't think so, but finding ways to win and winning ballgames just keeps adding to the confidence, keeps adding to the makeup of your team."

On defense, these Titans are scary with each player afraid to be the weak link in a unit that leads the NFL in scoring defense and takeaways (12). Fisher made a rare in-season starting change last week at middle linebacker, choosing Stephen Tulloch's speed over the hard-hitting Ryan Fowler.

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The time is now for these Titans because All-Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth got them to agree to let him become a free agent if he meets several incentives, and he already has five sacks — one off his career best.

But nobody, not even Haynesworth, is looking ahead yet. Players have bought into Fisher's one-week, one-game mantra and are eager to see how much better they can become.

"They're pros," Fisher said. "It's not a situation where you have to do different things (like) pep talks and team meetings. We're professionals about what we do, and so far it's working."

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