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It's time to punch the tickets, the Tennessee Titans are playoff bound. For the first time since 1993, the Oilers/Titans have earned a spot in the NFL's post-season party. To say the least, this moment has been a long time coming for both this team and its devoted fan base. The Titans (11-3, 7-1) extended their home unbeaten streak to seven games with a 30-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons (3-11) at Adelphia Coliseum on Sunday afternoon. As head coach Jeff Fisher said it, 'We got our foot in the door.' After securing a 20-14 halftime lead, Atlanta's turnover problems (six total) pointed to a relatively comfortable second half. The Falcon's, however, eliminated that possibility with a eight play, 59-yard opening drive capped off by a 32-yard Morten Andersen field goal. Trailing by only three points, Atlanta found an opening. The game's turning point came on the Falcon's subsequent drive when starting quarterback Danny Kanell was forced to leave the game after sustaining a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee. Replacement signal caller Tony Graziani was quickly welcomed into the game by a Jevon Kearse sack. The rookie defensive end tallied two sacks on his way to becoming the NFL's all-time rookie leader in that category with 13.5. 'I love it,' Kearse said. 'I just want the guys to know they can depend on me.' While the Tennessee defense held Atlanta's weakened offense in check with only 135 yards in the second half, the Titans' attack responded. Following Kearse's sack, Titans quarterback Steve McNair finished a clock-eating drive with a three-year touchdown run. Tennessee's 27-17 lead was enough to close the door on the troublesome Falcons. McNair's touchdown came after a gutsy fourth down call on which the five-year veteran scampered 38 yards for the first down. 'We just wanted to get the passing game started to balance the running attack,' said McNair. McNair completed 15-of-29 pass attempts for 216 yards and one touchdown, his first since returning from back surgery six games ago. Titans wide receiver Chris Sanders was the recipient of five passes for 100 total yards and one touchdown. Running back Eddie George chipped in with 55 yards on 19 carries. When the game ended both teams shook hands and customarily headed for their respective locker rooms. Fisher, however, led his team back onto the field to continue the celebration in front of the fans. 'We felt it was an important tribute to the people who support us,' said Fisher. The 66,196 fans in attendance, also known as the 'Twelfth Man', were treated to a party the likes of which Nashville will not see until Dec. 31. The Titans are not taking their playoff birth for granted, however. With Jacksonville and Pittsburgh looming on the horizon, all is not perfect. 'We've got a lot of work to do this week,' Fisher said. 'We're not finished yet.'
'We just want to continue our winning streak against the best team in the NFL (Jacksonville),' added George.
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