December 17, 2002
 

TITANS DEFEAT PATRIOTS FOR EIGHTH WIN IN PAST NINE

The Tennesse Titans, behind a gutsy effort from injured QB STEVE MC NAIR and a 100-yard rushing performance by RB EDDIE GEORGE, defeated the New England Patriots 24-7 Monday night to remain in the race for the top seed in the AFC playoffs.

McNair completed only 11 passes for 136 yards after missing most of the week’s practice with sore ribs.  However, the mobile quarterback added 49 yards rushing and scored two touchdowns on the ground, the second one coming 32 seconds before the half to give the Titans a 14-0 halftime lead.  George recorded his third 100-yard rushing game of the season, carrying 31 times for 101 yards.

New England cut the Titans’ advantage in half early in the third quarter when TOM BRADY ran 10 yards on a quarterback sneak to make the score 14-7.  However, on the Patriots’ next possession, Brady’s pass was deflected into the arms of Titans S RICH COADY, who returned the interception 24 yards for a touchdown to turn the momentum back in the Titans’ favor.

Tennessee is now tied with Indianapolis, Miami, and Oakland for the best record in the AFC at 9-5.  New England stands at 8-6.