NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Here’s a look at the first half of the season for the Tennessee Titans (4-5) and a preview of what to expect in the second half:

Grade: C+. This team is a solid notch better than it was a year ago, with burgeoning confidence on both sides. The physical and tough-minded team GM Jon Robinson and coach Mike Mularkey wanted has shown up after just one offseason of personnel updating.

Midseason MVP: Running back DeMarco Murray is one of the top rushers in the NFL and has given the Titans' offense an identity. He has been a workhorse, gaining significant yards, ranking as one of the team's top pass-catchers and doing great work as a leader.

Best moment: The Titans rolled to a 27-0 lead against the Jaguars on Thursday night football on Oct. 27, asserting complete control over an AFC South foe. It was a dominant offensive performance in the first half, when just about everything worked.

Worst moment: The Titans were in position to score late and force overtime against Oakland on Sept. 25 at Nissan Stadium. Then left tackle Taylor Lewan flew onto a pile late and drew an unnecessary roughness call that made it too hard for the Titans to get the tying touchdown. Lewan has been excellent, but this was a low moment for him and the team.

Player to watch: Derrick Henry. The rookie running back has been patient behind Murray, though he had his biggest workload for the Titans in their Week 8 Thursday night win against Jacksonville. Murray suffered a toe injury that game. Though the Titans maintain flow will determine the running back carry distribution, they might need to look to Henry more as Murray's work mounts. The trouble is, he suffered a left calf strain in warm-ups Sunday in San Diego, and didn't play and could miss a couple weeks.

Second-half outlook: The Titans could wind up in a spot where their season finale against the Texans at home is for the division crown. But they have to take care of bad teams like the Colts, Bears and Jaguars to get in range. The Packers, Broncos and a road trip to Kansas City will be monster challenges.