NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans and Cardinals have played just three times since the franchise moved to Nashville and became the 'Titans', so there's not a lot of history between the two teams.
But one of the most memorable games in Titans history came against the Cardinals – during the 2009 season.
Let's take a walk down memory lane, and remember the top 11 game-winning drives in Titans history, using the following criteria: The drive ended with a game-winning touchdown – not a field goal -- in the closing moments, or it was a walk-off, game-winner in overtime.
So, no, The Music City Miracle doesn't count. Otherwise, it would be No.1.
Note: I attended all these games, and first put together the list after last season. It's since been updated prior to this Sunday's Titans-Cardinals game to include another fantastic finish from this season.
Without further ado: How about these 11 finishes? **
QB Vince Young guides an 18-play, 99-yard drive, capping it off with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Britt on fourth down on the game's final play for a 20-17 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 29, 2009. (AP Photos)
Titans 20, Cardinals 17**
When: November 29, 2009
Where:Nashville.
What happened: Trailing 17-13, the Titans took over at their own one-yard line with just 2:37 left. Quarterback Vince Young guided an incredible 18-play, 99-yard drive and capped it off with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Britt on fourth down on the game's final play for the win. Britt went up high in the back of the end zone to snag it before being swarmed by teammates.
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Titans 23, Steelers 20 When:** September 24, 2000
Where: Pittsburgh.
What happened: Steve McNair wasn't supposed to play in this one after suffering a sternum injury the previous week. When Neil O'Donnell was knocked out late, McNair was called on to save the day. With the Titans down 20-16, McNair came off the bench and completed three straight passes, including the game-winning 18-yard toss to tight end Erron Kinney with 1:25 left, to win it in dramatic fashion at Three Rivers Stadium.
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Titans, 27, Texans 24**
When: December 21, 2003
Where: Houston.
What happened: The Titans fell behind 24-20 with just 1:48 left. Then McNair stepped in and drove the Titans 75 yards down the field on eight plays, capping it off with a 23-yard touchdown pass to receiver Drew Bennett with just 17 seconds left. Everyone remembers Bennett hushing the crowd in Houston that day.
Titans 26, Texans 20 When:December 10, 2006 Where: Houston.
What happened: Vince Young returned to his hometown, and delivered a dagger in overtime. On the first possession in overtime, Young engineered a five-play, 57-yard drive and ended it on a walk-off 39-yard touchdown run just 3:46 into overtime. It set off a wild celebration on the field and in the stands in Houston.
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Titans 24, Bengals 20**
When: November 12, 2017.
Where: Nashville.
What happened: After leading throughout, the Titans fell behind when Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton connected with A.J. Green for a 70-yard touchdown with 5:03 left. But Mariota and the Titans didn't flinch. Mariota guided a 12-play, 73-yard drive that was capped off with a seven-yard touchdown pass to running back DeMarco Murray with 36 seconds left for the win. Nearly a month later, I'm still not sure how Murray managed to get in. He had to fight through traffic on the 3rd and goal before diving in. Titans 35, Bills 34
When: October 21, 2012
Where: Buffalo.
What happened: The Titans and Bills staged a shootout at Ralph Wilson Stadium, and the Titans fired the last shot – just in time. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck connected with receiver Nate Washington on a 15-yard touchdown pass on fourth down with just 1:03 left and the Titans pulled it out. It capped off a seven-play, 52-yard drive in 1:54.
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Titans 34, Saints 28 When:November 8, 2015 **Where: New Orleans.
What happened: The Titans rallied to tie the game in the fourth quarter. After winning the toss to start overtime, Mariota engineered a nine-play, 80-yard drive and capped it off with a beautifully designed five-yard touchdown pass to tight end Anthony Fasano to win it.
Titans 16, Lions 15
When: September 18, 2016
Where: Detroit.
What happened: With the game on the line, Mariota – and a veteran receiver -- delivered. Trailing 15-10, the Titans took over at their own 17-yard line with 7:04 left. Mariota drove the Titans 83 yards on 13 plays – in 5:51 – and tossed a nine-yard game-winning touchdown pass to Andre Johnson on fourth down as the Titans pulled it out.
Titans 20, Chargers 17
When: September 22, 2013
Where: Nashville.
What happened: The Titans trailed 17-13 with the ball at their own six-yard line with just 2:05 left. Quarterback Jake Locker engineered a 10-play, 94-yard drive in just 1:50 and capped it off with a 34-yard touchdown pass to receiver Justin Hunter with 15 seconds left to win it.
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Titans 23, Raiders 19**
When: November 24, 2013
Where: Oakland.
What happened: Things weren't looking good for the Titans late in the Black Hole. Then quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick guided a 14-play, 80-yard drive in crunch time. He capped it off with a 10-yard touchdown pass to receiver Kendall Wright on third down with just 10 seconds remaining, and the Titans pulled it out.
Titans 13, Ravens 10 When: October 5, 2008
Where: Baltimore
What happened: The Titans entered the fourth quarter trailing 10-3 before staging a memorable rally. Then came the fantastic finish. The Titans took over at their 20-yard line with 6:07 left. Quarterback Kerry Collins stepped into the huddle and guided the team 80 yards downfield in 11 plays and 4:11, capping it off with an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Alge Crumpler for the game-winner with just 1:56 left.
