To steal a pertinent phrase from the lexicon of Emmitt Smith - fired Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow was a terrific example of an escape-goat for the Tennessee Titans.

We just finished reading here that the Titans fired Chow today, blaming him for their 21st-ranked offense that only managed 6 points in its playoff game versus San Diego. But are the offensive problems really Chow’s fault? We think not.

To us, firing Chow is like an NBA team that with Shaq and Wilt Chamberlain firing its free throw shooting coach.

What did Chow have to work with? We like Vince Young, but he has not exactly been lighting it up since coming to the NFL. This season, Young averaged only 6.7 yards per attempt passing, and threw only 9 touchdowns with 17 interceptions.

But here’s where the real problem lies for the Titans - their receivers. Even Tom Brady would have average numbers with this receiving corp. Check the names: Justin Gae, Roydell Williams, Bo Scaife, Eric Moulds, Brandon Jones. Other than Moulds (who is now 34 years old), have you heard of any of these guys? In a fantasy league draft, would any of them be taken higher than the 10th round?

Honestly, Chow had better wide receivers to work with at USC. Instead of firing Chow, why not look into finding a guy who can draft or acquire a slightly above average wideout? That might be a good starting point.

So, Norm we feel sorry for you. You clearly are the escape-goat in this situation, and that sucks. On the good side, we doubt you will have too much trouble finding another coaching job.

The only guy more upset right now that Chow is probably Bobby Petrino. Why? Because with Chow available, he will have some stiff competition for that possible USC head coaching spot should Pete Carroll take the Atlanta job.