FOR USE AS DESIRED

            NFL-67             10/25/01

 

TITANS-STEELERS: “INTENSE” MONDAY NIGHT MATCHUP

 

It could be a night to remember when the Tennessee Titans visit the Steelers this Monday in Pittsburgh.  Why?

 

·         The brand-new Heinz Field hosts its first-ever Monday Night Football game.

 

·         Both clubs are on winning streaks -- Pittsburgh has won four in a row, Tennessee two.  And the Titans have beaten the Steelers seven times in a row.

 

·         Both clubs are on Monday night winning streaks – Pittsburgh has won eight consecutive MNF home games, Tennessee its past three Monday-nighters.

 

And that’s before considering the fact that these teams are AFC Central Division rivals.  The Steelers have a 4-1 record – tying Oakland for best in the AFC.  Tennessee is 2-3 and the defending division champion.

''They are a division rival, an intense rival,'' Titans running back EDDIE GEORGE says. ''It's Pittsburgh week.  You know what to expect.  It's always been like that around here.”

George’s coach agrees.  “It is a different week,” Titans head coach JEFF FISHER says. ''It's one of the weeks where our trainers clean up the training room a little bit because they know it is going to be full of guys after the ball game.  It is a physical, physical contest.”

The Steelers are geared up as well.  “We have Eddie George and Tennessee,” says Pittsburgh defensive tackle KENDRICK CLANCY.  “That's what we have to get ready for."

Steelers linebacker JOEY PORTER, the AFC Defensive Player of Week 6 after his four-sack performance against Tampa Bay, is looking forward to the matchup…especially on familiar turf.  “We don't plan to lose at home, to anybody," says Porter. 

And prime-time television only adds to the game’s allure. 

“Monday Night Football is special because it gives your team an opportunity to be featured on national television,” says Steelers running back JEROME BETTIS.  “Everybody in the country is watching on Monday nights.  Not only your peers but also your fans.  It’s a great opportunity to showcase what you can do.”

Both teams are seeking to extend winning streaks.  The Steelers look to become the fourth team to win nine MNF home games in a row, while the Titans aim for their eighth consecutive victory against Pittsburgh, which would tie the league’s longest active streak against a division opponent:

 

MOST CONSECUTIVE MNF HOME VICTORIES

 

Team, Years	Consec. MNF home wins			Team, Years	Consec. MNF home wins
Oakland/LA Raiders, 1970-85	12			Pittsburgh, 1992-present	8
Miami, 1980-86	9			San Francisco, 1987-93	8
Philadelphia, 1980-94	9			Washington, 1972-79	8
Denver, 1975-87	8

 

LONGEST ACTIVE WINNING STREAK VS. DIVISION OPPONENT