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By Larry Stone January 12, 2003
Head coach Jeff Fisher said the Titans look forward to a rematch with the Raiders next Sunday in the AFC Championship game.
''I know that a lot of the players were disappointed in the outcome of the first matchup and look very much forward to having another opportunity to play them,'' Fisher said.
Oakland beat Tennessee 52-25 September 29 at Network Associates Coliseum as the Raiders built a 21-0 first quarter lead after just one offensive play. The Raiders returned two punt returns and an interception for a touchdown.
Sunday, the Raiders converted three Jets turnovers into points, in route to a 30-10 win.
''They're playing very well,'' Fisher said. ''Health was a concern for a number of weeks but after looking at the game today, they look healthy.''
Cornerback Charles Woodson, who underwent surgery for a cracked bone in his leg Christmas Eve, returned Sunday and helped the Oakland defense force Jets quarterback Chad Pennington into two interceptions.
''In the Raiders losses, the teams that defeated them hung on to the football and probably won time of possession,'' Fisher said.
Offensively, the Titans must contain MVP quarterback Rich Gannon as well as receivers Tim Brown, Jerry Rice and Jerry Porter. Gannon finished Sunday 20 of 30 for 283 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
The Raiders also run the ball effectively with Charlie Garner gaining 93 yards on 21 carries Sunday.
''You're not going to shut their offense down,'' Fisher said. ''I believe we will pay much better than we did in that first game defensively. Our players on defense have a much better understanding of what we're doing.''
''You have to do some things on the other side of the ball too to have a chance to beat them.''
The Titans will return to the practice field Monday afternoon. The team will leave Friday afternoon for Oakland.
''I believe that we're a better team than we were when we went in there.'' Fisher said. ''This is the great part about the National Football League. You've got the two teams in the AFC with the best record with the opportunity to play each other in the conference championship game.''
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