**
|
The Colts and Titans, the only teams to have won the AFC South since its formation in 2002, have split their last six matchups. However, the Colts have won the most recent two games, including the first meeting of 2009.
The Titans hosted the Colts on Oct. 11 in a Sunday night contest and were defeated 31-9. Colts quarterback Peyton Manning passed for 309 yards and three touchdowns in the win, while the Titans were able to manage only three field goals by Rob Bironas (49, 43 and 46 yards). Defensively, the Titans forced two turnovers, including linebacker Keith Bulluck's 17th career interception. However, those takeaways were largely offset by two turnovers (one fumble, one interception) on offense by the Titans. The Colts limited current NFL rushing leader Chris Johnson to a season-low 34 yards.
THE BROADCAST
This Sunday's game will be televised regionally on CBS, including Nashville affiliate WTVF NewsChannel 5. Ian Eagle will handle play-by-play duties, while Rich Gannon will provide color commentary.
The Titans Radio Network, including Nashville flagship 103.3-WKDF, 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 produced a dramatic 20-17 victory last week at LP Field over the Arizona Cardinals. Quarterback Vince Young led an 18-play, 99-yard drive that culminated with a 10-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Kenny Britt as time expired. Between Young (387 passing yards), Britt (128 receiving yards) and Chris Johnson (154 rushing yards), the Titans produced their first 300-100-100 trio since Sept. 6, 1992 (vs. Pittsburgh).
The win made the Titans the first team in NFL history with five consecutive victories after an 0-6 start to the season. Young has directed each victory and has a nine-game winning streak as a starter in the regular season dating back to 2007.
Johnson leads the NFL in rushing with 1,396 yards through 11 games. He became the only player in franchise history other than Earl Campbell to post six consecutive 100-yard performances, and Johnson is the third player in NFL history with six consecutive games of 125 or more rushing yards, joining Campbell (1980) and Eric Dickerson (1984). In November, Johnson produced 800 rushing yards, more than any other player in any month since 1970.
THE COLTS
With their win last week at Houston and Jacksonville's loss at San Francisco, the Colts clinched their sixth AFC South crown in the last eight years. They now have won 20 consecutive regular season games, one short of New England's NFL record (2006-08). The Titans were the last team to beat the Colts in the regular season, a 31-21 victory at LP Field on Oct. 27, 2008.
Quarterback Peyton Manning ranks first in the NFL with 3,415 passing yards and 24 touchdown passes (tied). Against the Texans he passed for 244 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. His primary receiver, Reggie Wayne, leads the league with 987 yards.
