Wycheck opened his bag of tricks

Halftime Update: Titans 20, Atlanta 14

Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair's holiday wish for his first touchdown pass since returning from back surgery six games ago was answered early in the first quarter. The Titans continued the practice of getting on the scoreboard early as McNair connected with wide receiver Chris Sanders for a 48-yard score on a slant pass.

The opening possession strike set the tone for the remainder of the half, which concluded with the Titans (10-3, 7-1) opening up a 20-14 lead over the Atlanta Falcons (3-10) on Sunday afternoon at Adelphia Coliseum .

Atlanta quarterback Danny Kanell energized the struggling Falcons in the first period, though, by completing seven-of-12 pass attempts for 124 yards and one 16-yard touchdown pass to wideout Jammi German.

Atlanta's offensive attack, however, was clearly hampered by four crucial turnovers. Running backs Ken Oxendine and Winslow Oliver each fumbled once, while Kanell fired two interceptions to Tennessee cornerback Dainon Sidney.

Although the Titans were only able to capitalize on one of these turnovers, with an Al Del Greco 38-yard field goal at the 10:54 mark of the second quarter, offensive fireworks came from unexpected places. Case in point, the first pass of tight end Frank Wycheck's career was a 61-yard touchdown bomb to receiver Issac Byrd on a flea flicker.

Atlanta also added a late touchdown as Kanell connected with German for the second time on a 6-yard touchdown pass.

Following the Falcons' touchdown, McNair completed key passes to Sanders and running back Rodney Thomas, which set up a 27-yard Del Greco three-pointer.

The most exciting play of the half came with only 11 seconds remaining. Kanell tossed a final pass attempt deep in his own territory that was picked off by Sidney near the west sideline. The clock expired and confusion ensued as a series of errant pitches by the Titans' defense closed the quarter, without a subsequent score.

Tennessee standouts in the first half included McNair (seven-of-13 attempts for 139 yards and one TD) and Sanders (two catches for 67 yards and one TD).