NFL 2002 Titans Riding 4-Game Win Streak

The grave of former U.S. President ANDREW JACKSON resides 12 miles from The Coliseum in Nashville, home of the Tennessee Titans. Jackson was renowned for propelling himself from penniless orphan to national leader.

The Titans experienced humble beginnings to the season with a 1-4 start.

However, like the former president who called Tennessee home for more than 40 years, head coach JEFF FISHER’s team also has since become leaders -- or at least co-leaders -- of the AFC South.

Tennessee has won four consecutive games to tie the Indianapolis Colts (5-4) for a share of the AFC South’s front seat. A win-column figure matching the size of their name is what the Titans have been accustomed to in recent years. Since Week 1 of 1999, only the St. Louis Rams (41-16, .719) have tasted victory more often than Tennessee (38-19, .667). The team aims for its third playoff berth in four years.

"Four in a row -- we have momentum," said Titans running back EDDIE GEORGE. "Guys are making plays. Our young guys and some of our free agents are realizing the importance of winning around here and what it takes to do it. It takes a great deal of sacrifice and a great deal of dedication."

No player has more rushing yards than George since 1996 (8,431), and soon, no player in franchise history will have as many for a career. George needs 144 rushing yards to surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer and fellow Heisman Trophy winner EARL CAMPBELL (8,574).

As George strides past the legendary Campbell, quarterback STEVE MC NAIR is throwing past another team icon in former quarterback WARREN MOON. McNair owns the longest active streak in the NFL with a touchdown pass in 22 consecutive games (2001-02), besting Moon’s team record of 21 (1990-91). The eight-year veteran from Alcorn State also is widening the gap between himself (58.9 pct.) and Moon (57.9 pct.) for the club’s career pass completion percentage record.

Tennessee’s 6-2, 229-pound quarterback also excels in the category which matters most -- winning. Only Green Bay’s BRETT FAVRE (55-27, .670) has a better divisional winning percentage than McNair (32-18, .640). In addition, no AFC quarterback has a better career winning percentage with a minimum of 45 games than McNair’s 53-35 record (.602).

"I am a Steve McNair fan and he doesn’t get the credit that he deserves for the way he has been playing the past couple of years," says the Titans’ Fisher. "If we continue to improve and win games, then maybe that will be the case."

McNair and George both benefit from a stellar offensive line, which in addition to opening holes for a ground game, is second in the AFC in surrendering the fewest sacks at 14.0, behind only San Diego’s 11.0.

When the Pittsburgh Steelers cross the state line Sunday to play the Titans, Tennessee’s defense will attempt to extend its streak of 18 consecutive home games without allowing a 100-yard rusher. Among such active streaks, it is the second longest of its kind (Denver, 21). In addition, Tennessee is the only NFL team to finish in the league’s top 10 against the run in each of the past seven years. The club currently ranks No. 11 -- a move up the charts from No. 16, where it was after Week 8.

"A couple of weeks ago, we couldn’t get it done," says Titans safety LANCE SCHULTERS, who is tied for the team lead in interceptions (three) with cornerback ANDRE DYSON. "There is no ‘ugly’ win. We’re on top of the division now and we’re going to stay on top."

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NFL 2002 Week 11
Titans Riding 4-Game Win Streak, Eye Playoffs for 3rd Time in 4 Years