NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Titans received key contributions from several players on Sunday. The total team effort added up to a 30-13 victory over the Jaguars at LP Field.
Among the highlights:
- Cornerback Cortland Finnegan returned from injury and made an immediate impact in the game. Finnegan intercepted Jaguars quarterback David Garrard and returned it 35 yards, along with defending two passes and making three tackles. "I'd be foolish not to say that God showed me a lot of things through sitting out. You can never take this for granted. Just to be out there with those guys rallying as a sparkplug with motivation, it was a wonderful to be a part of this team," Finnegan said.
- Rod Hood, a former standout with the Arizona Cardinals, was a recent newcomer to the Titans organization. On Sunday he made five tackles, defended a pass and got an interception. "It's a blessing just to get back out on the field and be a part of this organization, a great organization. I thank God that I have another opportunity and being able to help the team is amazing," Hood said.
- The defensive line got constant pressure on David Garrard with four sacks, five tackles for a loss, seven quarterback hits and helped force the Jaguars quarterback into two interceptions. Defensive tackle and second-year pro Jason Jones said, "We knew Garrard was going to hold the ball so it was going to give us a chance to get back there and get some sacks. We got pressure on him all day and were in his face all day. I think we played great as a defensive line."
- Wide receiver Nate Washington, in his first season with the Titans, hooked up with quarterback Vince Young on a six-yard fade route for Washington's fourth touchdown of the season. Washington, however, was more interested in the future of this team in terms of wins and losses. "It's big, it's something that we needed to get over the hump. We can't be complacent with this one win, we have to keep pushing forward and know that every week we can show up and play ball," Washington said.
- Quarterback Vince Young made his highly anticipated return to the starting lineup, going 15-of-18 for 125 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. He also avoided being sacked and ran for 30 yards on 12 carries. Young was thankful to be on the field, but wanted to give credit to his teammates, saying, "I really feel like the offensive line did a great job of giving me time to throw the ball down the field," he said. "It was a great feeling to be back out there playing with my teammates."
- Running back Chris Johnson broke loose for a career day against the Jaguars, gashing the defense for 228 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. The 228 yards were the most in a single game in franchise history. Johnson glowed after his career day, saying, "It feels really good just to look at some of the guys who have played before me…I'm just very proud of this victory."
