Injured Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker sits on the bench in the second quarter of an NFL football game between the Titans and the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne) (The Associated Press)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Titans are back at work and trying to use some tunnel vision for their final six games.
The Titans had long weekend off following their second painful division loss in five days. They returned Tuesday for practice and are among six teams tied at 4-6, including Oakland. That puts them behind only the New York Jets and Miami (5-5) for the AFC's final wild-card berth.
Coach Mike Munchak said they discussed the big picture after losing 30-27 to Indianapolis before taking three days off to rest.
"All that matters now is this game on Sunday, so I think they need to focus in on that," Munchak said. "They understand ... the big picture is there. We all understand the situation we're in. We can't worry about what we didn't accomplish to this point. We can't get caught up in what it means if we don't accomplish what we want to accomplish. We just have to concentrate on this window."
The Titans have lost five of their last six, including two straight by a total of five points. Now they start the toughest stretch of the season with four of the final six on the road with this trip to Oakland the start of a three-game road trip that takes them to Indianapolis and Denver.
Munchak said they have been in every game this season but have to find a way to finish with wins. He sees competing for a wild card berth does provide a nice boost of energy.
"It lets you know you at least control what's happening here to some degree," Munchak said. "You run the table, you'll be in the playoffs. That's easier said than done no doubt. That just shows you other teams are going through a lot of the same issues we're going through."
Tight end Delanie Walker said he hopes a lot of teammates followed his lead in studying film during the three-day break. He wasn't breaking down film of the Raiders but of himself and where he can improve. Walker had a game-high 10 catches for 91 yards against the Colts but said he knows he could have done more to help quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
"I feel like we're going to keep getting more and more on the same page," Walker said. "It was more plays out there to be made."
The Titans practiced Tuesday in a session Munchak said was focused on themselves, something they haven't had a chance to do in a while. They worked on tempo and had plenty of issues to address including a run defense that has slumped to a tie for 20th in the league giving up 117.1 yards per game and special teams.
They also started giving new quarterback John Skelton a crash course in the offense. They worked him out last month when Jake Locker sprained his right hip and knee and called him Sunday to add a third quarterback to the roster backing up Fitzpatrick and Rusty Smith.
Receiver Nate Washington said the key is for the Titans is not getting caught up in tracking which games could help them reach the playoffs right now. He said the key is analyzing mistakes and making corrections to avoid coming up short again.
The receiver said part of that is worrying only about the next play and series.
"I know it's only six games left, but there's still an opportunity for us to go out there and be great," Washington said.
Notes: Munchak said LB Moise Fokou practiced Tuesday and hopes he can play Sunday, though Fokou may be limited after missing the past four games with an injured left knee. C Brian Schwenke did some individual drills Tuesday with a sprained ankle, and Munchak said the rookie is better than last week when he missed a game. But Schwenke has to continue improving to have a chance to play. WR and KR Damian Williams is off crutches but isn't expected to do anything this week. That leaves Devon Wylie at returner.
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