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| Running back Chris Johnson and the Titans last played the Bengals in Week 2 of the 2008 season, a 24-7 Titans victory in Cincinnati. |
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Titans (4-3) reach the midway point in their season and conclude a three-game homestand this week, as they welcome the Cincinnati Bengals (5-2) to LP Field (capacity 69,143) in a late afternoon matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:05 pm CST on Sunday, Nov. 6.
This week's matchup renews a rivalry with one of the Titans' most recurring opponents over the last five decades. The two clubs began their series in 1968 and coexisted in the former AFC Central Division from 1970 through 2001. In total, they have played 72 times, including playoffs, with the Titans holding a 39-32-1 edge. The Pittsburgh Steelers (74 games) are the only team to play the Oilers/Titans with more frequency than the Bengals.
Tennessee has won 10 of the last 13 head-to-head meetings with Cincinnati. Most recently, the Titans won 24-7 in Week 2 of the 2008 campaign.
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.
LAST WEEK
With last week's 27-10 win against the Indianapolis Colts at LP Field, the Titans maintained their second-place standing in the AFC South behind the 5-3 Houston Texans.
In the victory, the Titans notched two interceptions and turned each of them into touchdowns by wide receiver Nate Washington. Safety Michael Griffin picked off a pass in the first half that led to a three-yard rushing touchdown by Washington. In the second half, Matt Hasselbeck completed a 14-yard touchdown pass to Washington following linebacker Barrett Ruud's interception.
Special teams also played a large role in the victory. Patrick Bailey blocked a Colts punt, and Jason McCourty recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. Additionally, Rob Bironas recorded his second career game with two field goals of 50-plus yards (51 and 50).
Meanwhile, the Bengals traveled to Seattle and earned a convincing 34-12 victory over the Seahawks. Contributing to the Bengals victory were two touchdown passes by rookie quarterback Andy Dalton, a punt return for a touchdown by Brandon Tate and an interception return for a touchdown by Reggie Nelson.
Under Marvin Lewis, who set a franchise record last week with his 65th victory as head coach, the Bengals are tied with the Baltimore Ravens for second place in the hotly-contested NFC North, only a half game behind the 6-2 Pittsburgh Steelers.
One of the keys to Cincinnati's success this season has been a new-look offense. It features first-year offensive coordinator Jay Gruden; Dalton, a second-round pick from Texas Christian University; and standout rookie wide receiver A.J. Green, a first-round pick out of Georgia who leads all NFL rookies with 33 receptions and 516 receiving yards.
SECOND HARVEST FOOD 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 around LP Field. Among the most-needed items are canned tuna and chicken, canned vegetables and fruit, peanut butter, rice, chili, and macaroni and cheese.
"SALUTE TO SERVICE" MILITARY APPRECIATION
Also, in keeping with the team's long-standing tradition of honoring America's armed forces, the Titans will participate in the NFL's "Salute to Service" campaign surrounding Veterans Day. Included in the day's festivities will be a pregame swearing in of approximately 20 enlistees in the Tennessee Air National Guard, a flyover by four U.S. Navy F-18s at the end of the National Anthem, a halftime performance by the 101st Airborne Division Band, and an honorary game ball presentation to the 101st Airborne's commanding general.
