OT-Sunday Night Football

by **mikemarrs** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 6:01 am

On the final day of the NFL season, the Tennessee Titans need not monitor any games or watch any scoreboards, except one: their own.

If the Titans beat the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome on Sunday night in the final game of the NFL's regular season, they will clinch the last AFC wild card spot and go to the playoffs for the first time since the 2003 season.

If they lose, they are eliminated, and Cleveland will advance to the postseason, regardless of the result of the Browns' game against San Francisco. Whichever team makes it will play at either San Diego or Pittsburgh in a wild card game next week.

As a result of this game's significance, NBC used its flex option and moved the game to Sunday night.

"This is a playoff game for us, and that's how we have to play," said Tennessee running back LenDale White.

Last season, the Titans (9-6) needed to beat New England in the final game and have three other games go their way in order to advance, but they lost to the Patriots 40-23.

They've put themselves in a more favorable situation this year by winning three of their last four, including a 10-6 win over the Jets last week. They mustered just 273 yards of total offense, but sacked Jets quarterback Chad Pennington six times and allowed just 68 yards rushing, shutting out New York in the second half.

"What we've got to do is just stay focused and play our game," quarterback Vince Young said about facing the Colts. "I really feel like we match up with the guys pretty good. All we've got to do is just not think about what's ahead and just think about that game on Sunday."

Of course, beating the defending Super Bowl champion Colts (13-2) on the road will be no easy task, even though Indianapolis is already locked into the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs and could rest at least some of its starters for parts of the game.

"I think we make a big mistake by thinking we're going to go in there and beat up on some backups," said Tennessee defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, who had three sacks last week, giving him 12 for the season. "Indy's the defending world champs. That says a lot about their depth. They've been banged up for a good part of the year, playing with some backup guys."

Tennessee hasn't won at Indianapolis since 2002, losing four in a row by a combined 133-47. The only close game was last season, when the Titans rushed for 214 yards and held Peyton Manning to a season-low 166 yards passing, but blew a fourth-quarter lead and lost 14-13.

The Titans, however, have given the Colts problems the last three times they've played them overall. They lost 22-20 in Nashville in Week 2 this season, but beat Indianapolis at home last season 20-17 on a 60-yard field goal by Rob Bironas, their only win in the last nine games of the series.

For Tennessee, Young has been erratic all season, and his 69.5 passer rating is second-worst among quarterbacks with at least 10 starts.

But the Titans have won with a solid running game and a stingy defense. They've rushed for at least 127 yards each of the past four games, and their defense has allowed just 16.5 points per game and forced 10 turnovers over that span.

Behind White, who eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards for the season last week, Tennessee has the fifth-best rushing offense in the NFL (134.1 yards per game), while the Titans have the sixth-best rushing defense (95.5 yards per game).

Indianapolis has battled numerous injuries this season, and nothing is at stake for his team, but Colts coach Tony Dungy will finally get receiver Marvin Harrison back on the field. Harrison, who will likely start after practicing this week, has been out since Oct. 22 due to a left knee injury.

Dungy wouldn't commit to how much action the eight-time Pro Bowler will see.

"But he'll start the game and we'll see how it goes," he said.

Offensive tackle Ryan Diem (knee surgery) has been ruled out and wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez (foot), safety Antoine Bethea (knee) and defensive end Robert Mathis (knee) are all questionable.

Despite all the injuries, the Colts enter having won six in a row for the second time this season, after starting 7-0. But they've never been without Manning, whom Dungy will likely rest for at least a half. That means the Browns' playoff hopes could be in the hands of backup Jim Sorgi.

Browns fans may protest, but the Colts also rested a number of players, including Manning, during the final games of the 2004 and 2005 seasons, when their postseason seedings were similarly sealed. They even did so last week, as running back Joseph Addai had just six carries and Manning didn't play in the fourth quarter.

"We've got the same type of situation this week, where the game really doesn't mean much, and we got some rest for some of our regulars at the end of the game," Dungy said. "That's probably what we'll do this week only a little earlier. We do plan to play everybody, we're just not sure how long yet.

"You play for your team, you coach for your team and you can't worry about anyone else."

Statistics don't figure to play a big part in Dungy's decisions, but Manning needs 55 yards passing to reach 4,000 for the eighth time and NFL receiving yards leader Reggie Wayne needs 77 yards for his first 1,500-yard season.

by **NealIsGod** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 6:42 am

Browns are playoff bound.

by **Ms_M** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 6:56 am

Going a little OT here.... My Texans finished the season 8-8!! WOO HOO!!!!! This was ALL I wanted when the season started. I am so excited! OK, you may return to your regularly scheduled football discussion.

by **NealIsGod** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 7:00 am

Ms_M wrote:Going a little OT here.... My Texans finished the season 8-8!! WOO HOO!!!!! This was ALL I wanted when the season started. I am so excited! OK, you may return to your regularly scheduled football discussion.

Yeah, way to go into the playoffs on an up note, Jacksonville. FRAUDS. Hear me, Deano? :lol:

by **mikemarrs** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 9:28 am

gonna be a good one.this is the last colt game ever at RCA DOME.

by **Enigma869** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 9:34 am

NealIsGod wrote:Yeah, way to go into the playoffs on an up note, Jacksonville. FRAUDS. Hear me, Deano?

Dean's not the only one on the Jacksonville bandwagon. Many media types are. Tom Jackson on ESPN says they'll beat the Patriots or Colts, but then again, he's the same jackass who said every player on the Patriots hated Bellichick, before they won their three championships. I think Jacksonville hs a good team, but they're nowhere near a great team. They play good, physical football, and Garrad doesn't make a ton of mistakes. That said, San Diego and the Colts scare me FAR more than Jacksonville does. Also, they have ZERO chance at beating the Colts. They've already lost to the Colts, twice this season, so that tells me they have zero clue on how to beat that team! Not to mention, Jacksonville simply can't score enough points to keep up with the Patriots, Colts, and probably even San Diego!

John from Boston

by **X factor** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 10:49 am

NealIsGod wrote:Browns are playoff bound.

NOT SO FAST, Sparky! I think my Titans can pull this one out!

And John, I promise not to whine about any bad calls this week...MAYBE :lol:

by **X factor** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 10:51 am

Ms_M wrote:Going a little OT here.... My Texans finished the season 8-8!! WOO HOO!!!!! This was ALL I wanted when the season started. I am so excited! OK, you may return to your regularly scheduled football discussion.

Yep- AFC South, baby!! It's the best overall division in the league.

by **Rockindeano** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 11:59 am

NealIsGod wrote:
Ms_M wrote:Going a little OT here.... My Texans finished the season 8-8!! WOO HOO!!!!! This was ALL I wanted when the season started. I am so excited! OK, you may return to your regularly scheduled football discussion.

Yeah, way to go into the playoffs on an up note, Jacksonville. FRAUDS. Hear me, Deano?

Nice run by your beloved Ravens.

I still very much like JAX and for the record Enigma, you have any idea how hard it is to beat the same team three times in a season?

JAX v SEA in Super Bowl.

by **X factor** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:11 pm

Rockindeano wrote:
NealIsGod wrote:
Ms_M wrote:Going a little OT here.... My Texans finished the season 8-8!! WOO HOO!!!!! This was ALL I wanted when the season started. I am so excited! OK, you may return to your regularly scheduled football discussion.

Yeah, way to go into the playoffs on an up note, Jacksonville. FRAUDS. Hear me, Deano?

Nice run by your beloved Ravens.

I still very much like JAX and for the record Enigma, you have any idea how hard it is to beat the same team three times in a season?

JAX v SEA in Super Bowl.

TN did it to JAX back during their Super Bowl run...

I like the Jags this year too, but I don't think they get past the Pats...

And are you serious about Seatle??? :shock:

by **Rockindeano** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:25 pm

I absolutely believe SEA is a better club flat out than GB, and think they run enough on Dallas to open up the pass, which they can do as good as anyone in the league.

by **larryfromnextdoor** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:50 pm

Washington smeared the Cowboys by 21 points..

Sean Taylors number was #21... :shock:

Keith Olbermann just said , "the Cowboys played so bad that Jessica Simpson is going to ask out Todd Collins.." :lol:

by **Enigma869** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:50 pm

Rockindeano wrote:Nice run by your beloved Ravens.

I still very much like JAX and for the record Enigma, you have any idea how hard it is to beat the same team three times in a season?

JAX v SEA in Super Bowl.

I think you're the one hitting the bottle this evening, Dean, with that Super Bowl pick! What is it you love about Seattle so much (aside from the fact that it's a great city)? Listen...Matt Hasselbeck is a native Boston boy, who went to Boston College. Hell, I remember when his dad played Tight End for the Patriots! That said, I think he's the only player on that team who I think is VERY good! Bobby Engram is a good receiver, and after Engram, they have NOTHING! Shaun Alexander has been a BUST this season, and Seattle's defense is just a middle of the road defense. I guess the NFC is wide open, so I wouldn't be shocked by any one team advancing. As for your point about how difficult it is to beat the same team three times in a season...I agree with you. I still think that Jacksonville isn't good enough to beat the Colts (in spite of already losing to them twice) or the Patriots. They simply don't have the offense to compete with NE or Indy!

I'll take New England versus Tampa in the Super Bowl!

John from Boston

by **X factor** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:51 pm

Rockindeano wrote:I absolutely believe SEA is a better club flat out than GB, and think they run enough on Dallas to open up the pass, which they can do as good as anyone in the league.

I don't doubt you. I'm totally not sold on DAL (Sorry, Liam!) I guess I just haven't seen the Seahawks play enough this year.

Right now I'm just sweating bullets to see if TN can pull it out against the juggernaut that IS Jim Sorgi!!!!

by **X factor** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 2:30 pm

I think I speak for al TN fans when I say...

"WHEW!"

by **Rockindeano** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 2:32 pm

Love how Indy "competed" there the last 40 seconds. Call the timeout. At least force TEN to punt the fucker or run a play. That sucks.

by **Maui Tom** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 2:43 pm

Rockindeano wrote:Love how Indy "competed" there the last 40 seconds. Call the timeout. At least force TEN to punt the fucker or run a play. That sucks.

Beat the shitty Bengals the week before Cleveland....

by **Rockindeano** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 2:55 pm

Is it me, or does every male here wait anxiously for X factors avatar to unwrap that dress and shove her tits in my face? Goddammit, that gets the underwear a movin.

by **Ms_M** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 3:21 pm

larryfromnextdoor wrote:Washington smeared the Cowboys by 21 points..

Sean Taylors number was #21...

Keith Olbermann just said , "the Cowboys played so bad that Jessica Simpson is going to ask out Todd Collins.."

I freakin' love Olbermann - funny as hell! Great comment about Jessica. :lol:

by **Maui Tom** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 3:25 pm

Rockindeano wrote:Is it me, or does every male here wait anxiously for X factors avatar to unwrap that dress and shove her tits in my face? Goddammit, that gets the underwear a movin.

This may be my age showing but who IS that dame in the av?

by **larryfromnextdoor** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 3:26 pm

Ms_M wrote:
larryfromnextdoor wrote:Washington smeared the Cowboys by 21 points..

Sean Taylors number was #21...

Keith Olbermann just said , "the Cowboys played so bad that Jessica Simpson is going to ask out Todd Collins.."

I freakin' love Olbermann - funny as hell! Great comment about Jessica.

ok now.. it wasnt THAT funny.. :wink:

by **Ms_M** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 3:29 pm

It was to me - just because I laugh at most things Olbermann says. I'm currently reading his first book. Great stuff.

by **Rockindeano** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 3:32 pm

Ms_M wrote:It was to me - just because I laugh at most things Olbermann says. I'm currently reading his first book. Great stuff.

Guy is a genius. Very sharp and very smart. Watch his MSNBC show constantly. Love how he and Dan Abrams expose "Bill O" and Faux News.

by **X factor** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 3:33 pm

Rockindeano wrote:Is it me, or does every male here wait anxiously for X factors avatar to unwrap that dress and shove her tits in my face? Goddammit, that gets the underwear a movin.

Deano, I've been waiting for just that thing...only it's my face...sorry.

And for the fellow who asked, it's the lovely Catherine Bell of JAG fame.

Insert your own JAG jokes at will.

by **Rockindeano** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 3:34 pm

X factor wrote:
Rockindeano wrote:Is it me, or does every male here wait anxiously for X factors avatar to unwrap that dress and shove her tits in my face? Goddammit, that gets the underwear a movin.

Deano, I've been waiting for just that thing...only it's my face...sorry.

And for the fellow who asked, it's the lovely Catherine Bell of JAG fame.

Insert your own JAG jokes at will.

Is that the chick who played Will Farrell's old lady's friend in Old School?

MMmmm, tits in Daddy Deanos face. MMmm

by **Ms_M** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 3:38 pm

Rockindeano wrote:
Ms_M wrote:It was to me - just because I laugh at most things Olbermann says. I'm currently reading his first book. Great stuff.

Guy is a genius. Very sharp and very smart. Watch his MSNBC show constantly. Love how he and Dan Abrams expose "Bill O" and Faux News.

If you love his Worst Persons in the World - his first book is for you. Fantastic stuff!! I hope to pick up his latest very soon, too.

by **X factor** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 3:43 pm

Rockindeano wrote:
X factor wrote:
Rockindeano wrote:Is it me, or does every male here wait anxiously for X factors avatar to unwrap that dress and shove her tits in my face? Goddammit, that gets the underwear a movin.

Deano, I've been waiting for just that thing...only it's my face...sorry.

And for the fellow who asked, it's the lovely Catherine Bell of JAG fame.

Insert your own JAG jokes at will.

Is that the chick who played Will Farrell's old lady's friend in Old School?

Nope, that was Leah Remini from KING OF QUEENS fame (alas, a looker in her own right)
Bell did do a fine scene or two with Jim Carrey in BRUCE ALMIGHTY. If you wanna her in the flesh, she was Isabella Rosellini's body double in DEATH BECOMES HER...

by **Rockindeano** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 3:44 pm

X factor wrote:
Nope, that was Leah Remini from KING OF QUEENS fame (alas, a looker in her own right)
Bell did do a fine scene or two with Jim Carrey in BRUCE ALMIGHTY. If you wanna her in the flesh, she was Isabella Rosellini's body double in DEATH BECOMES HER...

Going to rent now. Thank you. Daddy likes flesh :lol:

MR

OT-Sunday Night Football

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