NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans (3-5) host the Chicago Bears (6-1) in a regular season game this week for the first time in eight seasons. Kickoff at LP Field (capacity 69,143) is scheduled for noon CT on Sunday, Nov. 4.
The Bears, who currently lead the NFC North Division, made their only previous non-preseason appearance at LP Field on Nov. 14 2004, when they outlasted the Titans in overtime by a final score of 19-17. In 10 total regular-season outings, the series is tied 5-5, including a 21-14 Titans win at Soldier Field in 2008.
THE BROADCAST
This week's game will be televised regionally on FOX, including Nashville affiliate WZTV FOX-17. Thom Brennaman will handle play-by-play duties while Brian Billick provides analysis. Laura Okmin is the sideline reporter.
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, color commentator Frank Wycheck, sideline reporter Cody Allison and gameday host Larry Stone.
LAST WEEK
The Titans had an opportunity to improve their winning percentage to .500 last week at LP Field against the Indianapolis Colts. However, the division-rival Colts thwarted their efforts and left Nashville with a 19-13 overtime victory.
In the loss, running back Chris Johnson rushed for 99 yards on 21 carries, marking the fourth time in five weeks Johnson exceeded 90 rushing yards. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, starting for the fourth straight week due to Jake Locker's left (non-throwing) shoulder injury, was an efficient 22-of-29 for 236 yards, no interceptions and a 23-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Kendall Wright. Hasselbeck's passer rating of 110.7 gave him 20 career regular-season games with a passer rating of 110 or greater.
On defense, the Titans got an interception and a blocked field goal from safety Michael Griffin. Additionally, they sacked Colts quarterback Andrew Luck twice—once by linebacker Akeem Ayers and once on a combined effort by defensive ends Kamerion Wimbley and Derrick Morgan.
However, Luck directed the Colts 80 yards down the field on the first possession of overtime, and his final pass of the day went for a 16-yard touchdown by running back Vick Ballard.
THE BEARS
Led by head coach Lovie Smith, the Bears have the NFL's seventh-ranked defense and the league's top rushing defense. They were tested last week against the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field but earned a last-second 23-22 win. Robbie Gould kicked a 41-yard field goal as time expired in the fourth quarter to give the Bears their sixth win of the season.
The Bears came back from a 19-7 deficit with less than seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Jay Cutler threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Kellen Davis, and then cornerback Tim Jennings returned an interception 25 yards for a score. Gould booted his game-winner after the Panthers briefly reclaimed the lead.
Cutler is scheduled to make his first regular-season appearance in Nashville since leaving Vanderbilt University as the school's all-time leading passer. He set Commodore records in most major passing categories, including touchdown passes (59) and passing yards (8,697). Two of his teammates, wide receiver Earl Bennett and cornerback D.J. Moore, also attended Vanderbilt.
SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK DRIVE
Prior to the game, fans are encouraged to participate in the annual Second Harvest Food Bank food drive by dropping off non-perishable items at one of several collection sites near the entrances of LP Field. Among the most-needed items are canned tuna and chicken, canned vegetables and fruit, peanut butter, pasta, cereal, and canned soups and stews.
