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| The Titans and Browns last met on Dec. 7, 2008, a 28-9 Tennessee victory at LP Field. |
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Coming off two consecutive victories at home, the Tennessee Titans (2-1) go on the road this week to face the Cleveland Browns (2-1). Kickoff at Cleveland Browns Stadium (capacity 73,300) is scheduled for noon CDT on Sunday, Oct. 2.
The Titans and Browns, two former AFC Central Division rivals, will meet for the 61st time in the regular season. The Browns hold a 33-27 advantage in the previous 60 contests. Since realignment in 2002, which sent the Titans to the AFC South and the Browns to the AFC North, they have played three times. Most recently, the Titans were able to clinch a division title in Week 14 of the 2008 campaign with a 28-9 defeat of the Browns at LP Field.
THE BROADCAST
This week's game will be televised regionally on CBS, including Nashville affiliate WTVF NewsChannel 5. Marv Albert will handle play-by-play duties, while Rich Gannon will provide analysis.
The Titans Radio Network, including Nashville flagship 104.5 The Zone, will broadcast the game across the Mid-South with the "Voice of the Titans" Mike Keith, analyst Frank Wycheck, sideline reporter Cody Allison and gameday host Larry Stone.
HASSELBECK, DEFENSE LEAD CHARGE
The Titans used 311 passing yards by Matt Hasselbeck in last week's 17-14 win over the Denver Broncos. Hasselbeck completed a pair of touchdown passes, one to wide receiver Nate Washington and another to tight end Daniel Graham. The latter was a four-yard strike that proved to be the game-winning score with less than five minutes to play in the game.
Hasselbeck arguably is off to the best start of his 13-year career. His 932 passing yards make up the highest total of his career through the first three games of a season and also qualify as the third-highest sum in franchise history through the first three weeks of a season, exceeded only by Warren Moon's 989 yards in 1990 and 970 yards in 1992.
The Titans played most of the day against the Broncos without wide receiver Kenny Britt, who sprained his knee in the second quarter and did not return. Nevertheless, Washington led the team and recorded a career-high eight receptions for 92 yards in the victory.
Defensively, the Titans held the Broncos to 231 yards and forced two turnovers. Cornerback Jason McCourty intercepted a pass for the second consecutive game, and linebacker Will Witherspoon sealed the win by picking off a Kyle Orton pass. For the third consecutive week, the defense held the opposing quarterback under 200 passing yards.
The Titans are currently ranked first in the NFL in overall defense, allowing 261.0 yards per game, and they are second in the league in scoring defense, permitting an average of 14.3 points per contest.
THE BROWNS
Like the Titans, the Browns have won two consecutive games entering this week's contest. Last week, they came from behind in the final minute of play to defeat the Miami Dolphins 17-16. Quarterback Colt McCoy led the deciding 80-yard march down the field in front of his home crowd and completed a 14-yard touchdown pass to Mohamed Massaquoi to clinch the win.
The Browns are led by first-year head coach Pat Shurmur. They lost their opener to Cincinnati but recovered to win at Indianapolis and then at home against Miami.
The Browns defense is third in the NFL against the pass (187.3 per game), and they are second in the league with 11 sacks through three weeks.
