There have been the usual suspects, such as defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, rookie running back Chris Johnson and even the resurgence of journeyman quarterback Kerry Collins that have gotten plenty of headlines.

But the Titans would not be where they are most likely without key contributions from a handful of unknowns, backups and role players, who have stepped into the lineup when called upon and not missed a beat.

When Pro Bowl defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch suffered a groin injury on Oct. 5 at Baltimore, it was expected that the Titans would experience a setback without the emotional leader of the defense.

But the likes of Dave Ball and Jacob Ford have stepped in and combined for 7.5 sacks. How stunning is that for that duo? Neither player had a single sack entering this season. Ford was a sixth-round pick in 2007, who tore his Achilles tendon and missed the entire year, while Ball had bounced from the Chargers to the Jets, playing 21 games, and was out of football altogether last year.

"I couldn't have (walked into a better situation). And this was like my only situation I could have walked in to. So it's funny how stuff happens," said Ball, noting that no other teams wanted to sign him this off-season.

While Ford and Ball have been contributing for several games, another role player stepped up in the secondary as well in Sunday's 24-14 victory over Jacksonville.

Chris Carr, normally the Titans return man, was forced to play cornerback after Nick Harper was inactive and Eric King broke his forearm. He responded with an interception and two key pass breakups in the victory.

"I knew special teams was going to be my niche on this team, but I knew my capabilities, and if I got into a game (on defense), it wasn't going to be a surprise," Carr said. "I was like, 'OK, this is my time and I'm going to have to go in and make some plays for us to win,' and fortunately I did."

Titans coach Jeff Fisher said developing depth at a number of positions was a point of emphasis for his staff from the start of camp for just such situations.

"The staff has done a great job developing players," Fisher said. "We expected to see it happen. It's not a surprise to us that Jacob Ford and David Ball, and obviously the rookies, but those two in particular are playing well or filling in.

"We've been fortunate from that standpoint. That was an exceptional effort by Chris with the load that we continued to place on him throughout the game. It's one thing to play corner in the National Football League, but it's another to continue with your special teams responsibilities, and that was an exceptional effort."