Tennessee Titans Regular Season Review

NFL 2008 13-3 Tennessee Titans Defeat Steelers for AFC's top seed

The Titans (13-3) Finished the 2008 Regular Season as the AFC's Best Team

The Titans locked up the AFC South in Week 14 of the regular season with a victory over the Cleveland Browns (28-9), capturing their first division crown since 2002 and the ninth in their 49-year history. The Titans earned the AFC's top seed and homefield advantage in the playoffs with their NFL 2008 Week 16 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers (31-14).

This is the sixth time in the last 10 seasons that the Titans have made it to the postseason (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008) and the second time doing so as the AFC's No. 1 seed.

Only two teams -- the Indianapolis Colts (nine) and Philadelphia Eagles (seven) -- have appeared in the postseason more times than the Titans in that time span. The Titans are tied for third with the New York Giants, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Since the start of the 1999 season, the Titans have won three division titles (2000, 2002 and 2008) and have appeared in the playoffs three times as a Wild Card.

Jeff Fisher is in his 14th full season as Head Coach of the Tennessee Titans. Fisher holds the franchise record for wins by a head coach and ranks fifth among active head coaches in career victories (as of the conclusion of the 2008 regular season).

Fisher is the NFL leader in tenure with one team among active coaches. Only nine other head coaches in NFL history have coached one team in more games than Fisher has led the Oilers/Titans.

During the 2008 regular season, Fisher led the Titans to a 13-3 record for the third time (1999, 2000), matching the best record in team history. The win total helped him vault five spots on the NFL's all-time win list, moving past Sid Gillman (123), George Seifert (124), Jim Mora (125), Dick Vermeil (126) and Mike Ditka (127) into 22nd place among head coaches.

The team was 4-1 in games decided by seven points or less and 2-1 in games decided by three points or less.

The 2008 team followed the path of previously successful Fisher squads, finishing in the Top 10 in rushing offense (seventh), yards allowed (seventh), points allowed (second) and third-down defense (sixth).

With the Titans winning the AFC South in 2008, Fisher has guided the franchise to six playoff appearances (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008) within the last 10 seasons (1999-08). Only two teams (Indianapolis and Philadelphia) had more appearances than the Titans in that period (tied with N.Y. Giants, New England, Pittsburgh, Seattle and Tampa Bay). Fisher's playoff accomplishments include three Division titles (2000, 2002 and 2008), two AFC Championship Games (1999, 2002) and one Super Bowl berth (XXXIV). He presided over the most victorious (56 regular season wins and five postseason wins) and successful five-year period in the franchise's history from 1999 to 2003.

No current NFL head coach has more tenure with his team than Fisher (14-plus seasons), and only the NBA's Jerry Sloan (1988-89) and Major League Baseball's Bobby Cox (1990) have more tenure among head coaches/managers in the four major U.S. professional team sports.

The Titans have been among the upper echelon teams in December and January games since Jeff Fisher took over the team. They rank sixth in the NFL in December/January winning percentage since the start of the 1995 season, Fisher's first full season as head coach. In the last three years, the Titans are a combined 10-4 in the final month of the season. They tallied a 4-1 record in December in 2006 and 2007 and went 2-2 in 2008. The Titans went 1-4 in December-January regular season games in both 2004 and 2005. Prior to that, they had just one season since 1995 in which they had a losing record in the final month of the season (1997).

The Titans took sole possession of first place in the AFC South with a Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and maintained their division lead throughout the season. They clinched the division with a Week 13 win against the Cleveland Browns.

In doing so, the Titans became one of four teams that have had sole, wire-to-wire possession of first place in a division since 1978, when the NFL went to a 16-game schedule. The previous teams to accomplish the feat were the 1985 Los Angeles Rams, the 2004 Atlanta Falcons and the 2007 New England Patriots.

The Titans finished the 2008 regular season ranked third in the AFC and seventh in the NFL in total defense.

Their opponents averaged 313.6 yards per game. The Titans were third in the AFC and sixth in the NFL in rushing defense (93.9 yards per game).

In their Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars (9/7), the Titans defense allowed only 33 rushing yards, the lowest rushing total allowed in the NFL on Kickoff Weekend. Also representing the fifth-fewest rushing yards by the Jaguars offense in team history, it was at the time the ninth-lowest total allowed in a game by the franchise in the Titans era (1999-present).

Then, in Week 13 at Detroit (11/27), the Titans limited the Lions to 14 carries for 23 yards, which tied (9/21/03 vs. N.O.) for the second-lowest opponent total in the last 10 years. Since 1970, the Titans have allowed fewer than 23 rushing yards on only four occasions.

Titans were fourth in the AFC and ninth in the NFL in passing defense (199.8).

The Titans completed back-to-back regular seasons in which they ranked in the Top 10 in defense, a feat they had not accomplished since the 1995 and 1996. In 2007, they were ranked fifth in the league in total defense, allowing their opponents an average of 291.6 yards per contest (92.4 rushing, 199.2 passing).

The Titans finished the 2008 regular season ranked second in scoring defense. They allowed opponents an average of 14.6 points per game and kept opponents to 17 points or less in 13 of 16 contests. The Titans defense allowed 25 total touchdowns during the 2008 regular season, an average of 1.6 per game. They trailed only the Pittsburgh Steelers, who allowed 21 touchdowns.

During the 2008 regular season, the Titans collected 44 total sacks. The total ranked second in the AFC and fifth in the NFL. It is the ninth-highest sum in team history and the sixth-best total since sacks became an official NFL statistic in 1982.

Titans defenders who recorded sacks were defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (8.5), defensive end Jacob Ford (7.0), defensive tackle Jason Jones (5.0), defensive end Dave Ball (4.5), defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch (4.5), defensive tackle Tony Brown (4.0), defensive end Jevon Kearse (3.5), defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson (1.5), cornerback Cortland Finnegan (1.0), safety Michael Griffin (1.0), defensive end William Hayes (1.0), safety Chris Hope (1.0), linebacker Stephen Tulloch (1.0) and linebacker Keith Bulluck (0.5).

Overall, the defensive line accounted for 39.5 of the team's 44 sacks.

The only teams to score more than 17 points on the Titans were the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 27 (21) and Dec. 28 (23) and the New York Jets on Nov. 23 (34).

The Titans completed the 2008 regular season ranked second in turnover differential. They collected 20 interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries to give them 31 takeaways. Meanwhile, they committed 17 turnovers (nine interceptions, eight fumbles) to give them a ratio of plus-14, which trailed only the Miami Dolphins (plus-17)

Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was named to his second consecutive Pro Bowl in 2008, his seventh NFL season. During the 2008 regular season, Haynesworth led the Titans and ranked seventh in the AFC with a career high 8.5 sacks. His sack total tied for first in the league with Minnesota's Kevin Williams among defensive tackles. In 14 games (inactive two contests), Haynesworth added 75 tackles, 22 quarterback pressures, seven tackles for loss and a team-high four forced fumbles.

Haynesworth was a key cog in the middle of the lineup in helping the Titans defense finish seventh overall, fifth against the run and second in points allowed in 2008.

Defensive end Jevon Kearse was the team's only defensive lineman to start all 16 games. His statistics included 48 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 19 quarterback pressures, seven tackles for loss, four passes defensed and three forced fumbles.

Linebacker Keith Bulluck, including 2008, he has started every game for seven consecutive seasons and has surpassed 100 tackles in each of those campaigns. During the 2008 regular season, Bulluck led the team with 120 tackles. Additionally, his statistics included a half sack, eight tackles for loss, two quarterback pressures, six passes defensed, one fumble recovery and a blocked punt and recovery for a touchdown.

Left outside linebacker David Thornton started 15 games and tied for third on the team with 93 tackles. He added seven tackles for loss, four passes defensed and three forced fumbles.

Three players in the Titans secondary were near the top of the NFL's leaderboard in interceptions during the 2008 regular season. Safety Michael Griffin paced the team and shared second place in the NFL with seven interceptions. Cornerback Cortland Finnegan tied for sixth place in the league with five interceptions. Safety Chris Hope recorded four interceptions, placing him in a 16-way tie for 14th in the NFL.

Cornerback Cortland Finnegan, selected to his first career Pro Bowl, started all 16 regular season games for the second consecutive year. He was second on the team and tied for sixth in the NFL (tied for fourth in AFC) with a career-high five interceptions, including a franchise-record 99-yard touchdown return against Houston (9/21). He added 79 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss and a team-high 20 passes defensed.

The Titans were 14th in the NFL in scoring (23.4 points per game) and second in the league in opponent scoring (14.6).

In building a 13-3 record in 2008, the Titans outscored their opponents by 141 points, or 8.8 points per game, tying them with the Baltimore Ravens for the best differential in the NFL. The Titans accumulated 375 points while allowing 234, while the Ravens scored 385 and allowed 244.

In 2008, the Titans ranked 22nd in the NFL with a 29:09 average time of possession.

The Titans ranked third in the NFL in red zone efficiency during the regular season. They scored 28 touchdowns in 45 trips inside their opponents' 20-yard line. They also ranked third in overall scoring percentage inside the 20, capitalizing on 42 of 45 chances (93.3 percent). That includes final possessions in consecutive games against Detroit (11/27) and Cleveland (12/7) in which the Titans drove inside the 20 in the final minute of play with a comfortable lead and either knelt on the ball or turned it over on downs.

Running back LenDale White led the way, scoring 14 of his 15 touchdowns in 2008 on carries of six or fewer yards.

LenDale White and Chris Johnson accounted for all of the team's 24 rushing touchdowns. White tied for third in the NFL with 15, while Johnson added nine. Together, the duo accounted for 2,001 yards.

RB CHRIS JOHNSON (1st Round, 24th Overall, East Carolina) ranked third in the AFC and eighth in the NFL with 1,228 rushing yards in the regular season. With an additional 260 receiving yards, his 1,488 yards from scrimmage ranked fifth in the AFC. He tied for seventh in the AFC with 10 total touchdowns (nine rushing, one receiving) and was named to his first Pro Bowl.

LenDale White's 2008 totals included 200 carries for 773 yards. Among non-kickers, White's scoring total (90) tied for first place in the AFC and third in the NFL.

The Titans offensive line -- tackles Michael Roos and David Stewart, guards Eugene Amano and Jake Scott, and center Kevin Mawae -- helped to keep opposing defensive players out of the backfield for much of the 2008 season. The Titans allowed their opponents a total of 12 sacks, which tied the Denver Broncos' total for first in the NFL.

At one point during the season the Titans went five consecutive games without allowing a single sack (9/21 vs. Houston through 10/27 vs. Indianapolis).

Fourteen-year veteran quarterback Kerry Collins is in his third season with the Titans. Collins ranks 14th in NFL history and third among active players (Brett Favre, Peyton Manning) with 37,393 career passing yards. He ranks 11th all-time with 3,160 career completions.

In the 2008 regular season, Collins entered the lineup in relief during a Week 1 win against Jacksonville (9/7) and started the remaining 15 games. His 12 victories tied Steve McNair's franchise record (2000) and also matched his personal high (2000). With 242 completions, 2,676 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions on 415 attempts, his passer rating of 80.2 was the third-highest of his career (2000, 2002). Titans quarterback Kerry Collins ranked fifth in the NFL in 2008 with a 1.7 interception percentage.

Tight end Alge Crumpler is in his first season with the Titans and eighth NFL campaign. During the 2008 regular season, Crumpler ranked sixth on the team with 24 receptions for 257 yards and one touchdown. Tight end Bo Scaife led the Titans and set a career high with 58 receptions for 561 yards and two touchdowns. His reception total ranked fifth in the AFC and seventh in the NFL among tight ends.

Scaife led the team's tight ends in receiving in each of the 2006 and 2007 seasons. In 2007, he set a then-career high with 46 receptions for 421 yards, ranking eighth in the AFC (14th in NFL) in receptions among tight ends.

Wide receiver Justin Gage is in his second season with the Titans and sixth season in the NFL. During the 2008 regular season, Gage played in 12 games and led the Titans with 651 receiving yards and a career-high six touchdown receptions. His 34 receptions ranked fourth on the team and were the second-highest total of his career. Wide receiver Justin McCareins played in 14 games and ranked fifth on the team with 30 receptions for 412 yards.

The Titans finished the 2008 regular season with a 25.4-yard average on kickoff returns, gaining 1,319 yards on 52 attempts. Their average was the highest in the NFL and the fifth-highest in team history. Chris Carr led the squad with 35 returns for 984 yards. His 28.1-yard average ranked fourth in the NFL.

Titans kicker Rob Bironas, the fifth-most accurate kicker in NFL history, has connected on 84.5 of his career field goal attempts (109 made in 129 attempts).

In 2008, Bironas was second in the AFC and seventh in the NFL in scoring. He made 29 out of his 33 field goal attempts and all 40 of his extra point attempts to give him 127 total points, the fourth-highest scoring total in franchise history. He made 16 field goals of 40 or more yards to set a team record.

On kickoffs, Bironas tied for first in the AFC and second in the NFL with 22 touchbacks.

Punter Craig Hentrich punted 87 times for 3,725 yards, a 42.8-yard average with a net of 36.5. He placed 27 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line.

2008 Pro Bowl Selections

On December 16, six Tennessee Titans players were named to the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl: cornerback Cortland Finnegan, defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, safety Chris Hope, running back Chris Johnson, center Kevin Mawae and tackle Michael Roos. Finnegan, Haynesworth and Mawae were named as starters.

Tennessee Titans (13-3) NFL 2008 Regular Season

DateOpponentResult
Sun., Sept. 7JACKSONVILLEW, 17-10
Sun., Sept. 14at CincinnatiW, 24-7
Sun., Sept. 21HOUSTONW, 31-12
Sun., Sept. 28MINNESOTAW, 30-17
Sun., Oct. 5at BaltimoreW, 13-10
Sun., Oct. 12BYEBYE
Sun., Oct. 19at Kansas CityW, 34-10
Mon., Oct. 27INDIANAPOLISW, 31-21
Sun., Nov. 2GREEN BAYW, 19-16 (OT)
Sun., Nov. 9at ChicagoW, 21-14
Sun., Nov. 16at JacksonvilleW, 24-14
Sun., Nov. 23N.Y. JETSL, 13-34
Thu., Nov. 27at DetroitW, 47-10
Sun., Dec. 7CLEVELANDW, 28-9
Sun., Dec. 14at HoustonL, 12-13
Sun., Dec. 21PITTSBURGHW, 31-14
Sun., Dec. 28at IndianapolisL, 0-23

 

NFL 2008 Game 1: Tennessee Titans 17, Jacksonville Jaguars 10

The Titans opened the 2008 regular season with a 17-10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars at LP Field (attendance 69,143).

Running back LenDale White scored what would be the game-winning touchdown on a one-yard run with 3:47 on the clock in the fourth quarter. It concluded a nine-play, 80-yard drive -- Tennessee's longest of the game -- that was highlighted by a career-long 44-yard reception by tight end Bo Scaife.

Scaife set a career high and led all receivers in the game with 105 yards. His 44-yard catch came on a screen pass that was delivered by quarterback Kerry Collins, playing in relief of injured starter Vince Young. Young left the game earlier in the fourth quarter after suffering a knee injury.

The Jaguars responded with a 51-yard kickoff return by Brian Witherspoon, which led to a 27-yard field goal by Josh Scobee that made the score 17-10 with 2:12 remaining in the game.

A Jaguars penalty on Scobee's onside-kick attempt allowed the Titans to take over in Jacksonville territory, and they ran all but 14 seconds off the clock. Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth recorded his second sack of the day as time expired to give the Titans the victory.

Haynesworth's total was part of a defensive effort that produced seven sacks and allowed the Jaguars to rush for only 33 yards. That was the fifth lowest rushing total in Jacksonville's 14-year history.

The Titans also forced three turnovers, including a career-high two interceptions by cornerback Cortland Finnegan. Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch was responsible for a sack, forced fumble and recovery on the same play, helping to repel a Jaguars attack that nine times entered Titans territory and four times made it inside the 20-yard line.

The Titans initially jumped on the board in the first quarter with a 47-yard field goal by Rob Bironas. The Jaguars then took a brief lead in the second quarter, taking advantage of an interception with an eventual one yard touchdown pass from David Garrard to Greg Jones.

Later in the second quarter, a 27-yard reception by Scaife preceded a 20-yard reception by rookie running back Chris Johnson. Johnson, who earlier on the drive recorded an 18-yard rush, capped the drive with a seven yard touchdown reception, the first of his career.

With 93 rushing yards in the game, Johnson led all ball carriers and recorded the highest rushing total by a Titans rookie since Earl Campbell's 137 rushing yards in the 1978 season opener. Johnson added 34 receiving yards to give him 127 total yards in his first contest since coming out of East Carolina.

The Titans held their 10-7 lead until the fourth quarter. They took possession of the ball at the 5:57 mark, setting the stage for White's touchdown and ultimately a narrow win against their divisional rival.

NFL 2008 Game 2: Tennessee Titans 24, Cincinnati Bengals 7

The Titans improved to 2-0 in 2008 with a 24-7 win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium.

Despite winds of 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 60 miles per hour, the Titans managed 295 yards of offense. Meanwhile, they limited the Bengals to 215 total yards and forced two interceptions against Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer.

The Titans were led by quarterback Kerry Collins, who received the start in place of Vince Young. Young was injured the previous week with a knee injury. Collins completed 14 of 21 pass attempts against the Bengals for 128 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions for a passer rating of 98.9.

Early in the fourth quarter, linebacker Keith Bulluck provided the final score of the afternoon with a blocked punt and recovery in the end zone.

After that point, the Titans kept the ball on the ground and controlled the clock for most of the fourth quarter. They rushed 16 times for 55 yards while attempting one pass in the final period.

The game opened with a scoreless first quarter, one in which there was only 75 total yards between the two teams (28 by the Titans, 47 by the Bengals). Early in the second quarter, the Titans completed an 11-play, 61-yard drive as running back LenDale White scored on a one-yard carry. Prior to White's touchdown, Collins completed four of six passes on the drive for 45 yards, including a 19-yard strike to Brandon Jones.

Later in the second quarter, the Bengals took advantage of a deflected Titans punt and evened the score. Craig Hentrich's punt went 25 yards to the Cincinnati 37 after it was tipped by Kyries Hebert. The Bengals then marched 63 yards on 11 plays and scored on a fourth-and-one from the Titans 13-yard line when running back Chris Perry found a lane to the end zone. It was the longest run of the day for Perry, who finished with 64 yards on 21 carries.

The Titans took the ensuing kickoff, and with less than two minutes remaining in the half, rookie running back Chris Johnson bolted 51 yards to Cincinnati's 20-yard line. On the next play, Johnson ran for nine yards, and then Collins found wide receiver Justin Gage for an 11-yard touchdown pass and a 14-7 lead.

The Titans avoided trouble early in the second half. Hentrich could not handle a snap that was affected by the wind, and the Bengals received the ball at the Tennessee 36. However, the defense held, and Bengals kicker Shayne Graham hit the right upright with a 37-yard field goal attempt. Rob Bironas nailed a 34-yard field goal to conclude the next Titans drive.

Late in the third quarter, Hentrich recorded a 70-yard punt to pin the Bengals on their two-yard line. Four plays later, in the first minute of the fourth quarter, Kyle Larson attempted to punt from the back of the end zone, but Bulluck blocked the attempt and immediately recovered.

NFL 2008 Game 3: Tennessee Titans 31, Houston Texans 12

The Titans won their third consecutive game to open the 2008 season, defeating the Houston Texans 31-12 at LP Field.

With a minute remaining in the game, cornerback Cortland Finnegan intercepted a Matt Schaub pass at the one-yard line and raced 99 yards for a touchdown. The longest interception return in franchise history capped a day for the defense in which it forced three turnovers, recorded three sacks and had key stops inside the 20-yard line.

The offense, with Kerry Collins under center, built a lead in the first half and sustained it with its rushing attack. Running backs LenDale White and Chris Johnson each recorded 16 rushing attempts, and the team totaled 154 yards on the ground.

Although the Texans intercepted a pass from Collins on Tennessee's first offensive play, the Titans defense forced the Texans to kick a field goal. It was the first of six trips inside the 20-yard line for the Texans, and they came out of those trips with one touchdown and 12 total points.

On the next series by the Titans, they drove 77 yards on 11 plays and scored on a two-yard touchdown run by White. The touchdown was set up by a career-long 21-yard reception by receiver Chris Davis.

On the ensuing Texans possession, Titans safety Michael Griffin tallied his first of two interceptions. However, two plays later the Texans forced a fumble to regain control of the ball. They drove 66 yards and pulled within one point with a 24-yard field goal by Kris Brown, his second field goal of the game.

A 17-yard run by Collins on third-and-one extended the next Titans drive. Two plays into the second quarter, Collins found tight end Bo Scaie for a nine-yard touchdown pass.

The Texans answered with a six-yard touchdown run by rookie running back Steve Slaton. On the extra point attempt, Matt Turk was unable to handle the snap, and the Titans clung to a 14-12 lead.

The Titans then marched 74 yards on seven plays on their second consecutive scoring drive. Collins found wide receiver Justin McCareins for a 37-yard gain, and three plays later White scored again, taking the ball across the goal line for a one-yard touchdown. They took a 21-12 lead into the second half.

In the third quarter, a 32-yard reception gave McCareins 90 yards in the game and led to a 44-yard field goal by Rob Bironas.

The score remained 24-12 into the fourth quarter. The Texans, who earlier in the third quarter failed on a fourth-and-four at the Tennessee 10, faced a fourth-and-goal at the two-yard line seven minutes into the final period. But David Thornton and Tony Brown teamed up to stop Slaton short of the goal line.

On Houston's next two drives, the team's fourth-down passing attempts were intercepted, first by Griffin and then by Finnegan. The Texans converted just two of six fourth down attempts and three of 15 third down attempts in the game.

NFL 2008 Game 4: Tennessee Titans 30, Minnesota Vikings 17

The Titans forced four turnovers and rushed for three touchdowns in a 30-17 defeat of the Minnesota Vikings at LP Field.

The final takeaway by the Titans, an interception by cornerback Nick Harper, put the Titans in position to score on a touchdown run by rookie running back Chris Johnson with under four minutes remaining in the game.

The touchdown was Johnson's second of the game. He matched Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, whose game totals included 18 carries for 80 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

The Titans opened the game with an 11-play, 74-yard drive that ended with a 20-yard field goal by Rob Bironas.

On the third play of Minnesota's first possession, quarterback Gus Frerotte hit fullback Naufahu Tahi for a short gain. David Thornton pursued the play and knocked the ball loose. It was recovered by Stephen Tulloch for the first of three Titans fumble recoveries.

The Titans took over at the Minnesota 33-yard line. After driving to the three-yard line, LenDale White fumbled the ball, and the Vikings recovered in the end zone for a touchback. However, the play was challenged by head coach Jeff Fisher and reversed upon the ruling that White was down at the one-yard line before fumbling. On the next play, Johnson sprinted into the end zone for a touchdown.

The Vikings scored their initial points on the first play of the second quarter. Peterson sprinted for a 28-yard touchdown to pull his team within three points.

The Titans responded on the ensuing series with their third consecutive scoring drive to start the game. Quarterback Kerry Collins, who passed for 199 yards in the game, completed passes of 28 and 25 yards to Justin Gage to help set up a 32-yard field goal by Bironas. Gage led the Titans with five receptions for 92 yards on the day.

Later in the second quarter, defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch caused Peterson to lose control of the ball. It was picked up by defensive tackle Tony Brown at the Minnesota 16. After the Titans offense took control, they faced a fourth-and-two on the three-yard line. Collins passed to Gage for a first down, but the Vikings challenged the spot of the ball. Referee Peter Morelli upheld the call on the field, and on the next play White crossed the goal line for his fifth touchdown of the season.

The Titans took a 23-10 lead into the fourth quarter after Bironas booted a 49-yard field goal in the third period. With six minutes remaining on the clock, Peterson scored his second touchdown of the game on a three-yard run to make the score 23-17.

Chris Carr returned the ensuing kickoff 52 yards. The Titans converted one first down, and then Craig Hentrich punted to the Minnesota two-yard line. That set the stage for a third-down play in which Brown pressured Frerotte in the end zone, resulting in the errant pass that was corralled by Harper.

Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth added a late sack to give him two of the team's four sacks.

NFL 2008 Game 5: Tennesee Titans 13, Baltimore Ravens 10

The Titans rallied for 10 points in the fourth quarter to defeat the Baltimore Ravens 13-10 on the road.

Trailing 10-6 with six minutes remaining on the clock, Titans quarterback Kerry Collins directed an 11-play, 80-yard drive that culminated with a game-winning 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Alge Crumpler. The drive required a pair of third-down conversions -- a 10-yard reception by Chris Davis and a 15-yard grab by Bo Scaife -- as well as a 15-yard roughing-the-passer penalty on Baltimore three plays into the series. Scaife's catch, his third of the drive and team-high seventh of the game, gave the Titans a first-and-10 at the Baltimore 11 at the two-minute warning. On the next play, Collins found Crumpler in the end zone.

On the second play of the ensuing Ravens possession, cornerback Nick Harper recorded Tennessee's second interception of the game off Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco. A three-and-out by the Titans produced one final opportunity for the Ravens, but the clock expired with the Ravens on their own 34-yard line.

The eventful closing minutes ended a defensive struggle that featured 21 total penalties, including 11 by the Titans. The Titans and Ravens combined for 495 yards of total offense (Titans 210, Ravens 285), and there were two interceptions by each team. Baltimore's 132 rushing yards on 38 carries helped them achieve a time of possession of 34:28, compared to 25:32 for the Titans.

Collins completed 17 of 32 passes for 163 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. His first interception of the game, a pass batted at the line and then caught by defensive lineman Justin Bannan, ended a promising initial offensive series in the first quarter. The Ravens, acquiring the ball at their own 34-yard line, progressed down the field. Aided by five Titans penalties on the drive, the Ravens went in front 3-0 on a 38-yard field goal by Matt Stover.

In the second quarter, Titans safety Michael Griffin intercepted a Flacco pass and returned it to the Baltimore 32-yard line. Kicker Rob Bironas eventually booted a 35-yard field goal to tie the game.

The Ravens had a chance to take the lead at the end of the first half, but a 45-yard attempt by Stover sailed wide right.

The Ravens did, however, take the lead early in the third quarter. On the opening series of the half, they went 71 yards on 11 plays and scored on a one-yard touchdown run by running back Le'Ron McClain.

The score remained 10-3 until early in the fourth quarter. Titans receiver Brandon Jones totaled three receptions for 54 yards on a drive that stalled at the Baltimore eight yard line. Bironas then kicked 26-yard field goal.

After a Baltimore punt, the Titans took over with 6:07 on the clock at their own 20-yard line, and the stage was set for Collins' late-game heroics.

NFL 2008 Game 6: Tennessee Titans 34, Kansas City Chiefs 10

The Titans set a franchise record with 332 rushing yards, and LenDale White scored three touchdowns in a 34-10 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.

White accounted for 149 yards on 17 carries (8.8 avg.), including an 80-yard touchdown that tied for the third-longest run in franchise history. His teammate, running back Chris Johnson, led the club with 168 yards on 18 carries (9.3 avg.), including a 66-yard touchdown with four minutes remaining in the game that gave Tennessee its final score of the day. It was the first time for the franchise since Nov. 27, 1977 (Rob Carpenter, Ronnie Coleman) in which two rushers gained 100 yards in the same game.

Quarterback Kerry Collins directed the team in the passing game, connecting on 11 of 18 passes for 123 yards and no interceptions.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs were limited to 58 yards on the ground and 235 yards through the air. Starting quarterback Brodie Croyle passed for 63 yards before leaving the game in the second quarter with a knee injury. His replacement, Damon Huard, exited in the fourth quarter with an injury, giving way to third-stringer Tyler Thigpen.

With the Titans enjoying a shutout through three quarters, Thigpen led the Chiefs on a pair of scoring drives. Nick Novak made a 26-yard field goal to end a drive, and Thigpen scrambled for a 14-yard touchdown with less than three minutes remaining.

The Titans gained control of the game early. On their opening possession, they went 49 yards on 10 plays and scored their first points on a 49-yard field goal by Rob Bironas. Then, on their second drive, they needed six plays to go 53 yards and find the end zone. After a 28-yard pass from Collins to tight end Alge Crumpler, White delivered his first score of the game on a six-yard carry.

The score remained 10-0 until late in the second quarter. The Titans received the ball at their 20-yard line with 5:37 on the clock. During a drive that featured eight rushing attempts and one pass, Johnson gained 24 yards on one carry to set up White's second touchdown, a two-yard score with 1:23 to play in the half.

Bironas kicked a 46-yard field goal late in the third quarter to put the Titans ahead 20-0.

At the nine-minute mark of the fourth quarter, Tennessee had the ball on their nine-yard line ahead 20-0. White rushed for four and seven yards consecutively, and then, on first down, he took a handoff and raced up the middle untouched for an 80-yard score. It tied for the third-longest rushing play in team history and gave White a career-high three touchdowns in the game. He became the first player for the team since Eddie George in 2000 to record three rushing touchdowns in the same game.

Two plays into their next series, Johnson took his final carry of the game 66 yards up the left sideline, giving him the highest rushing total by a franchise rookie since Earl Campbell's 199 yards against Miami in 1977.

NFL 2008 Game 7: Tennessee Titans 31, Indianapolis Colts 21

In an AFC South showdown on Monday Night Football, the Tennessee Titans scored 25 consecutive points in the second half to defeat the Indianapolis Colts 31-21 at LP Field.

After falling behind 14-6, quarterback Kerry Collins directed scoring drives on each of Tennessee's first four possessions in the second half. On the team's fifth possession of the half, following a failed Indianapolis onside kick, Collins knelt twice to end the game, completing an evening in which he completed 24 of 37 passes for 193 yards and no interceptions.

Tennessee's running back combo of LenDale White and Chris Johnson delivered the team's three touchdowns. White scored on a pair of one yard runs, and Johnson galloped into the end zone for a 16-yard score that sealed the victory late in the game. White (10 carries for 13 yards) and Johnson (19 for 77) combined for 90 rushing yards.

The Colts had a 317 to 281 advantage in total yards, but the Titans defense countered that with a pair of interceptions by safety Chris Hope and two key stops on fourth down in the second half.

Helped by a 42-yard return by Chris Carr on the opening kickoff, the Titans jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first quarter. They drove 40 yards on 11 plays and scored on a 34-yard field goal by Rob Bironas.

The Colts then took the lead later in the first quarter. After gaining control on the Tennessee 37, it took only four plays to score a touchdown on a 10-yard pass from Peyton Manning to Dallas Clark.

In the second quarter, Bironas added a 34-yard field goal for the Titans, his 20th consecutive made field goal, to tie a franchise record set by Al Del Greco from 1998 to 1999. Bironas later missed a 43-yard attempt to end the streak. He made three of four attempts in the game.

The score remained 7-6 until the Colts extended their lead to 14-6 early in the third quarter. They drove 64 yards on nine plays, including a 19-yard touchdown pass from Manning to Clark once again.

The Titans methodically wrestled momentum back to their side with a 14-play, 80-yard drive that consumed seven minutes and 45 seconds before White scored his first touchdown. During the possession, they converted three third-down attempts, which included a 23-yard reception by Justin McCareins and a 15-yard catch by Brandon Jones.

Then, on the ensuing drive by the Colts, they faced a fourth-and-one at their own 49-yard line. Dominic Rhodes took a handoff but was met in the backfield by linebacker Stephen Tulloch for a one-yard loss.

The Colts encountered a similar scenario on their next drive. But on a fourth-and-two from the Tennessee 34, cornerback Nick Harper broke up a pass intended for Marvin Harrison to again give the ball back to the Titans with 11:28 on the clock in the fourth quarter. White scored his second touchdown of the day 13 plays later.

With the Titans ahead 24-14, Hope returned his second interception 39 yards to the Indianapolis 16. On the next play, Johnson took a carry to the end zone for the team's final score of the evening.

NFL 2008 Game 8: Tennessee Titans 19, Green Bay Packers 16 OT

Rob Bironas' 41-yard field goal in overtime gave the Titans a 19-16 win over the Green Bay Packers at LP Field

The game-winner was the fourth field goal of the game for Bironas, who had an opportunity close the game at the end of regulation. However, the 47-yard attempt ricocheted off the right upright, sending the contest to an extra period.

Tennessee won the overtime coin toss, and after the kickoff they took over at their own 22-yard line. With running backs Chris Johnson and LenDale White accounting for every yard on the drive, they marched 55 yards before Bironas' field goal.

Johnson, who gained 29 rushing yards and 16 receiving yards on the final drive, finished the day with a game-high 161 yards from scrimmage. He led the team with 89 rushing yards and scored the club's only touchdown of the game.

White totaled 77 yards on eight carries, including the game's longest run of 54 yards.

The Tennessee defense, meanwhile, surrendered a season-high 390 yards to the Packers. However, they created two turnovers, totaled four sacks and denied the Packers on two key fourth-down attempts to limit Green Bay's scoring opportunities.

The Titans took the lead early in the game when they scored on their opening possession. An 11-play, 53-yard drive resulted in a 31-yard field goal by Bironas.

Near the start of the second quarter, Bironas added a 25-yard field goal.

The Packers immediately responded with a 52-yard completion from quarterback Aaron Rodgers to Greg Jennings. That set up a 23-yard field goal by Mason Crosby to cut the Titans' lead in half.

On Green Bay's next drive, they moved the ball 71 yards on 12 plays. Rodgers found Donald Driver at the goal line for a five-yard touchdown pass, putting the Packers ahead 10-6. Driver was the game's leading receiver with seven catches for 136 yards.

On the ensuing Titans drive, White registered the second-longest run of his career, taking a handoff 54 yards. Then, after Johnson caught a 17-yard pass from Kerry Collins, the rookie running back finished the drive with a three-yard touchdown run.

Bironas (22 yards) and Crosby (25 yards) exchanged field goals for the only points in the third quarter.

With the Packers trailing 16-13 with less than nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, a 29-yard reception by Driver helped put them in position to tie the score on a 38-yard field goal by Crosby.

The Titans nearly ended the game in regulation. Beginning a drive at their own eight-yard line with 1:49 on the clock, Collins moved the team down the field with short and intermediate passing plays, including a 20-yard strike to Justin McCareins. With four seconds remaining, Bironas lined up for a 47-yarder, but it struck the right upright, setting the stage for the game winning drive in overtime.

NFL 2008 Game 9: Tennessee Titans 21, Chicago Bears 14

Despite a limited rushing attack that forced the Titans to rely heavily on their passing game, running back LenDale White's one-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference in a 21-14 victory over the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.

While the Titans were limited to 20 rushing yards on 29 carries, Collins' accuracy helped the offense move the ball. He completed 30 passes on 41 attempts, including a string of 12 consecutive completions from the second to the third quarter. With 289 passing yards, a pair of touchdowns and no interceptions, he finished the day with a passer rating of 108.7.

Bo Scaife was on the receiving end of 10 Collins passes, setting a new career high for the tight end and leading all receivers in the game. Wideout Brandon Jones also set a career high, grabbing eight passes for a game high 82 yards.

However, on a third-and-goal from the Chicago two-yard line with 12 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Titans called on White, who stretched across the goal line to put the Titans up 21-7.

Defensive tackle Jason Jones blocked a field goal on the ensuing Bears possession. Then, after a three-and-out by the Titans, Bears quarterback Rex Grossman capped a 68-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run, bringing the Bears within seven points with less than five minutes remaining. But the Bears failed to even the score on their last drive of the game, as Cortland Finnegan broke up a pass on fourth down. Scaife's final reception with two minutes on the clock gave the Titans a first down and the ability to kneel on the ball to end the contest.

In a battle of field position, the Titans spent much of the day in Bears territory. Their average starting field position was their 43-yard line, while the Bears average drive began on their 21. The Titans limited returner Devin Hester to 13 yards on two punt returns and a 24.8-yard average on four kickoff returns.

In the first quarter, the Bears went on the board first with a 14-play, 75-yard drive that ended when Grossman found Matt Forte at the goal line for a five-yard touchdown pass.

The Titans had an opportunity to tie the game near the end of the first quarter. Safety Chris Hope intercepted a pass in Bears territory that was initially tipped by Finnegan, and the Titans later faced a fourth-and-goal at the one-yard line. When fullback Ahmard Hall fumbled a handoff, the ball was recovered by Bears defensive back Corey Graham.

In the second quarter, on their third of four drives in the game that started in Bears territory, the Titans finally were able to knot the score. Chris Carr's 29-yard punt return and a 14-yard reception by Jones helped position Collins to complete a 10-yard touchdown pass to Scaife.

The score remained 7-7 until the third quarter. On their opening possession of the half, the Titans drove 56 yards on six plays to take the lead. Collins completed all five attempts on the drive, including a 12-yard touchdown to Justin Gage, completing the scoring until White's touchdown run.

NFL 2008 Game 10: Tennessee Titans 24, Jacksonville Jaguars 14

The Tennessee Titans scored 21 unanswered points in the second half to erase a 14-3 halftime deficit in Jacksonville and defeat the Jaguars by a final score of 24-14.

The Tennessee Titans, the NFLs only remaining undefeated team (10-0), head home after consecutive road wins to take on the New York Jets.

However, the victory did not come easy for the Titans and in the first half, at least, it appeared that the Titans were on their way to their first defeat of the NFL 2008 season to their division rival.

The Titans got off to a quick start when Kerry Collins connected with Justin Gage for a 47- yard reception on the Titans first play from scrimmage. However, Jaguars safety Reggie Nelson intercepted a pass at the two-yard line on ensuing play to end the Titans drive.

The Titans struck first as they took a 3-0 lead on a 32-yard field goal by Rob Bironas to cap an eight-play, 57-yard drive.

In the second quarter, the Jaguars drove 74 yards on 11 plays on a drive that consumed over six minutes. Maurice Jones-Drew scored on a two-yard run to give the Jaguars a 7-3 lead. The Jaguars extended their lead late in the second quarter. A 31-yard punt return put the Jaguars in Titans territory, and five plays later, Jones-Drew scored his second touchdown of the game on a one-yard touchdown run with 14 seconds remaining in the half.

In the first half, the Jaguars outgained the Titans 173 yards to 128 to take a 14-3 lead as the Jacksonville Jaguars offense dominated the first half outpacing the Titans by a 14 to 4 in first downs.

However, the second half belonged to the Titans as they gained 216 yards on the ground while their defense only allowed 84. The Titans had nine first downs and allowed three. The Jaguars with their eight possessions in the second half wound up punting six times, throwing one interception and lost the ball on downs.

In the second half, the Titans wasted little time as on their first offensive possession of the second half, the Titans marched 55 yards on seven plays to score their first touchdown of the game on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Collins to Brandon Jones.

After forcing the Jaguars to punt after a three-and-out on the ensuing possession, the Titans scored again. On a third-and-three from their own 44, Kerry Collins connected with a streaking Justin Gage down the sideline for a 56-yard touchdown pass. It was the only successful third-down conversion for the Titans, who were one-for-12 in the game (Jaguars were three-for-15 on third downs).

The fourth quarter started with a 17-14 Titans lead. The teams kept exchanging punts until, with less than six minutes remaining in the game, Jaguars quarterback David Garrard was hit by Albert Haynesworth on a pass attempt. The floating ball was intercepted by Titans cornerback Chris Carr.

The Titans converted Carr's interception into a touchdown with 3:57 left in the game, when Titans quarterback Kerry Collins connected on a 38-yard touchdown pass to Justin Gage with 3:57 left in the game to secure the 24-14 victory as the Titans remain undefeated at 10-0.

Titans quarterback Kerry Collins completed 13 of 23 pass attempts for 230 yards, a season-high three touchdowns and no interceptions for a passer rating of 112.3. Wide receiver Justin Gage accumulated a career-high 147 yards on four receptions.

The Titans defensive shutout in the first quarter marks the sixth time in 10 games this NFL 2008 season that the Tennessee Titans defense has held an opponent scoreless in the first quarter. After falling behind 14-3 in the first half, the Titans defense allowed just three first downs, 84 total yards and no points in the second half. The Titans have held their opponent scoreless in the second half three times in 2008.

NFL 2008 Game 11: New York Jets 31, Tennessee Titans 13

The New York Jets handed the Titans their first loss of the season, delivering a 34-13 defeat at LP Field.

The Jets totaled 409 yards and controlled the ball for more than 40 minutes in the game. Directing their efforts was quarterback Brett Favre, who completed 25 of 32 passes for 224 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

The New York rushing attack also paid dividends. Thomas Jones led all ball carriers in the contest with 96 yards on 27 attempts. Leon Washington added 82 yards and a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns on eight carries.

Meanwhile, the Titans struggled to run the ball and sustain drives, particularly in the first half, during which they totaled five first downs and 88 yards on offense. They finished the game with only 11 rushing attempts, including 10 carries by Chris Johnson for 46 yards.

Titans quarterback Kerry Collins completed 21 of 39 passes for 243 yards and one touchdown. He found nine different teammates for completions, but that was not enough to overcome a Jets team that never trailed in its fifth consecutive win.

In the first quarter, the Jets drove 76 yards on their opening possession to take a 7-0 lead. Favre completed all six of his pass attempts on the drive, including a 10-yard touchdown pass to Jones.

The Titans had a pair of opportunities in the first half to match the Jets but were unable to capitalize. On the last play of the first quarter, Titans defensive end Jevon Kearse stripped the ball from Washington, and defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson recovered it. However, the Titans went three-and-out on the ensuing possession. They quickly forced another turnover, as cornerback Cortland Finnegan intercepted a pass intended for Laveranues Coles. But again, the Jets defense forced a three-and-out, and when their offense got the ball back they marched downfield for a 20-yard field goal by Jay Feely to go up 10-0.

The Titans finally got on the scoreboard with less than a minute remaining in the second quarter when Rob Bironas connected on a 43-yard field goal attempt.

The Jets scored on all four of their second-half possessions, beginning with a 30-yard field goal by Feely to cap their opening drive in the third quarter.

On Tennessee's first play from scrimmage in the half, Johnson gained 11 yards before Abram Elam forced a fumble that was recovered by Bryan Thomas. Eight plays later, Coles was in the end zone with a two-yard touchdown reception from Favre.

A 49-yard field goal by Bironas pulled the Titans within 14 points of the Jets early in the fourth quarter, but Washington then took a handoff 61 yards for a touchdown.

Collins completed a six-yard touchdown pass to fullback Ahmard Hall to make the score 27-13, but Washington ended the scoring with a four-yard touchdown run to close a 12-play, 75-yard drive that used over seven minutes and left the Titans with two minutes remaining on the clock.

NFL 2008 Game 12: Tennessee Titans 47, Detroit Lions 10

NFL 2008 Game 13: Tennessee Titans 28, Cleveland Browns 9

The Titans outrushed the Cleveland Browns by 200 yards and pulled away for a 28-9 victory at LP Field. The win clinched the AFC South title for the Titans.

Running backs Chris Johnson and LenDale White accounted for all of Tennessee's 235 rushing yards. Johnson carried 19 times for 136 yards, while White gained 99 yards on 24 carries. Each player scored a touchdown. Meanwhile, the Browns were limited to 35 rushing yards on 19 attempts, including seven carries for seven yards by starting tailback Jamal Lewis.

Browns quarterback Ken Dorsey, making his first start since 2005, completed 22 of 43 passes for 150 yards and one interception. He was consistently knocked down by a Titans defense that allowed 12 first downs and 178 total yards.

The Browns opened the game with a scoring drive that resulted in a 47-yard field goal by Phil Dawson. Later in the first quarter, they took advantage of an interception by D'Qwell Jackson and scored again when Dawson booted a 41-yard field goal.

On the ensuing possession, the Titans engineered their first scoring drive of the game. Starting on their own 32, they advanced to the Cleveland 28, where they faced a fourth-and-one. Quarterback Kerry Collins rolled left and found a streaking Ahmard Hall, who took the pass 28 yards for a touchdown.

Later in the second quarter, the Titans engineered their longest drive of the season and added to their lead. Beginning on their own seven-yard line, they marched 93 yards and scored on a three-yard carry by White on third-and-goal. The series featured consecutive 20-yard passes from Collins to tight end Alge Crumpler and wide receiver Justin McCareins.

On the day, Collins completed 14 of 23 passes for 155 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for a 73.6 passer rating. With the Titans leading 14-6 at the start the third quarter, safety Michael Griffin intercepted a pass and returned the ball 36 yards to the Cleveland 22. A personal foul penalty gave the Titans a first down at the 11-yard line. Two plays later, Collins found Gage in the back of the end zone for a nine yard touchdown.

A 39-yard field goal by Dawson made the score 21-9 a minute and a half into the fourth quarter, and penalties and turnovers by the Titans helped keep the Browns alive. The Titans were flagged for a season-high 13 infractions for 131 yards. They turned the ball over three times, leaving them with a turnover deficit for the first time in 2008.

However, the Titans eventually added their fourth and final touchdown to put the contest out of reach. Chris Carr provided a career-long 44-yard punt return for the Titans. That set up a 25-yard touchdown run by Johnson on the next play, ending the scoring for the day.

NFL 2008 Game 14: Houston Texans 13, Tennessee Titans 12

The Titans suffered their second loss of the season last week at Houston. Four field goals by Rob Bironas were all the Titans could muster in a 13-12 loss. It was the first time this season the Titans did not score a touchdown in a game.

The loss ended the Titans franchise-record string of eight consecutive regular season road wins.

The Titans were unable to capitalize on an opportunity to take the lead late in the fourth quarter. Trailing by one point with 3:55 on the clock in the fourth quarter, they took possession at their own 17-yard line.

Quarterback Kerry Collins connected with Justin Gage for a 34-yard reception to push the ball past midfield. After another first down, Brandon Jones' eight-yard reception left the Titans with a fourth-and-three at the Houston 32.

The Titans elected not to attempt a field goal into the wind. Instead, Collins tried to connect on a pass with Justin McCareins as the receiver streaked down the left sideline. The pass was long, however, and fell incomplete on the first play after the two-minute warning.

Although left with three timeouts, the Titans failed to get the ball back, as Texans rookie running back Steve Slaton tacked on 48 yards and two first downs. Slaton ended the day with 100 yards on 24 carries.

NFL 2008 Game 15: Tennessee Titans 31, Pittsburgh Steelers 14

Tennessee struck both early and late, erasing a 14-10 third quarter deficit to defeat the Steelers 31-14. The loss ended Pittsburgh's winning streak at five games. Pittsburgh did clinch the second seed in the AFC playoffs, and the accompanying first-round bye that goes with it.

Tennessee scored 10 points within the first 3:01 of the second quarter to jump out to a 10-0 advantage. Titans K Rob Bironas hit a 42-yard field goal and QB Kerry Collins found WR Justin Gage deep over the middle for a 34-yard touchdown reception.

Pittsburgh answered the Gage score by taking the ensuing kickoff 80 yards in 10 plays, with QB Ben Roethlisberger finding WR Santonio Holmes down the right sideline for a 31-yard touchdown reception, Roethlisberger's 100th career scoring toss. K Jeff Reed had a chance to send the game into the half all-squared up, but he missed a 33-yard field goal attempt wide to the left.

The Steelers would take their only lead of the afternoon on their second possession of the third quarter when Roethlisberger hit WR Hines Ward on a 21-yard scoring play to make it 14-10.

Tennessee regained the lead on their following possession, as RB Chris Johnson took a pitch on fourth-and-one and went 21 yards untouched to allow the Titans to retake a 17-14 lead. RB LenDale White stretched that lead to 10 when he plunged one-yard for a score on the first play of the fourth quarter.

Titans S Michael Griffin finished the scoring when he recorded his second interception of the day, and went 83 yards for the score, and a 31-14 final.

  • - TEN 2 14:13 Bironas 42 FG 5-17; 2:18 0-3
  • - TEN 2 11:59 Gage 34 pass from Collins (Bironas kick) 3-39; 0:51 0-10
  • - PIT 2 5:40 Holmes 31 pass from Roethlisberger (Reed kick) 10-80; 6:19 7-10
  • - PIT 3 9:41 Ward 21 pass from Roethlisberger (Reed kick) 4-62; 1:47 14-10
  • - TEN 3 5:05 Johnson 21 run (Bironas kick) 11-79; 4:36 14-17
  • - TEN 4 14:57 White 1 run (Bironas kick) 9-37; 3:27 14-24
  • - TEN 4 0:16 Griffin 83 interception return (Bironas kick) —; — 14-31

NFL 2008 Game 16: Indianapolis Colts 23, Tennessee Titans 0

In the final week of the regular season, the Titans were shut out for the first time since 1999, losing 23-0 to the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Titans, who closed out the season with a 13-3 record and the AFC South Division title, had many regular contributors sitting out in a game with no playoff implications. The inactive list included defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, linebacker David Thornton, cornerback Nick Harper, center Kevin Mawae, wide receiver Justin Gage and running back Chris Johnson.

Likewise, the Colts previously wrapped up a Wild Card playoff berth and against the Titans held back the following starters: safety Bob Sanders, linebacker Gary Brackett and defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.

With 273 passing yards and an additional 121 yards on the ground, the Colts outgained the Titans 390 yards to 125. The Titans had eight total first downs in the game and were 3-of-10 on third down. They controlled the ball for 21 minutes and 40 seconds, compared with 38:20 for the Colts.

Of the regular starters that did play, many exited the contest early, including both starting quarterbacks. Kerry Collins quarterbacked the Titans for only three plays and no first downs before giving way to backup Vince Young. Collins' counterpart, Peyton Manning, also played one series but enjoyed success in his limited action.

In the game's opening drive, Manning helped the Colts march 90 yards. He completed all seven pass attempts for 95 total yards, including a 55-yard touchdown pass to running back Joseph Addai.

Manning then turned over the reins to Jim Sorgi, who turned in an efficient 22-of-30 performance in the remainder of the contest. Sorgi passed for 178 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.

On the Colts' second series, Sorgi directed the team 70 yards on 14 plays, and the Colts took a 10-0 lead when Adam Vinatieri connected on a 28-yard field goal.

On the ensuing kickoff, Vinatieri attempted a surprise onside kick. Philip Wheeler recovered the ball for the Colts, who then proceeded to go 51 yards on 10 plays. They extended their lead to 13-0 on a 21-yard field goal.

Vinatieri added a 38-yard field goal later in the second quarter, completing Indianapolis' fourth consecutive drive to open the game with a score. They took a 16-0 lead into halftime with 274 offensive yards, while the Titans had accumulated 30 yards at the break.

The Titans had perhaps their best scoring opportunity early in the third quarter. They drove from their own 29-yard line to the Indianapolis 30 -- their best penetration of the day. However, the drive stalled there, and Rob Bironas' 48-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right.

In the fourth quarter, the Colts posted the game's final score when offensive lineman Jamey Richard recovered a Lance Ball fumble in the end zone.

Young finished the game with nine completions on 13 attempts for 55 yards. Third-stringer Chris Simms played the final series at quarterback for the Titans.

Related

Tennessee Titans Regular Season Review - NFL 2008