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Raiders vs. Titans

AFC Title 2003: David vs. Goliath?

By Mike Oseroff

This year’s AFC title game may seem like a snoozer, but it might just surprise you.

The stage is Oaktown, home of some of the loudest fans in football, and a game atmosphere unlike any other. Competing are two hungry teams vying for a shot at the Super Bowl. The first, is the underdog Tennessee Titans, a team that feels it has been disrespected, and just might be primed for an upset. The other is the veteran Oakland Raiders, a team that has been haunted by playoff failures of years past, and whose older players are praying for one last taste of glory.

While the Raiders have seemed all year like one of the most dominant teams in football, and have a roster stocked full of future Hall of Famers, the Titans definitely have a chip on their shoulder headed into Sunday’s game. Despite winning 11 of their past 12 games, and being tied for the best record in the AFC, not one Titan was named to the Pro Bowl this season, unheard of for a team that is now in the league’s final four. Led by their mobile QB Steve McNair, Tennessee feels like they are being overlooked, as last week almost all of the media picked the winner of the Raiders-Jets game to advance to the Super Bowl. The Titans, who were slaughtered in a 52-25 Raiders romp in their last trip to Oakland, are eager to get another shot at the boys in black. They feel they have a whole new team, and that the underdog factor will play in their favor.

The Raiders on the other hand feel like they are the team of destiny this season. After suffering two major disappointments in the playoffs the past two years, their squad has never looked so in sync. Fresh off a stomping of the red hot Jets, Oakland’s super offense is showing no signs of faltering, while their defense has come on strong as well. MVP Quarterback Rich Gannon has had one of the greatest offensive seasons in decades while Hall of Fame shoo-in Jerry Rice and Tim Brown have continued to flourish past their prime, even at ages 40 and 36 respectively.

Mike's Keys to the Game:

For the Titans to Win

1. Quarterback Steve McNair Must Have a Great Game
The dark horse MVP candidate has led his team all year, throwing to a less than stellar cast of receivers. He also must run the football to keep the Raider pass rushers off balance.

2. Big Game by Joe Nedney
He missed two game winning FG’s against the Steelers last week. Points against this Raider defense will not be easy to come by, and this former Raider kicker cannot miss gimme field goals.

3. Get to Gannon
The Raiders have one of the best, if not the best offensive lines in football. Titans pass rushers Jevon Kearse and Kevin Carter must find a way to get the Raider’s QB out of his rhythm.

4. Silence the Nuts in the Black Hole
The Raiders feed off the intensity of their crowd. Hushing them up early could be a huge factor.

5. Test Those Metal Plates
The Raiders two cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Tory James both had surgery to repair broken legs and have plates in their legs. They played well against the Jets receivers, however the Jets don’t have one wideout over six feet tall. Seeing how those two fare having to jump a little more, remains to be seen.

For the Raiders to Win

1. Young Guns Must Step Up
Last week the Jets held the Raiders ancient receiver tandem to average games. That means third wideout Jerry Porter must have another good game, and tight end Doug Jolley must step up as well.

2. No Dumb Penalties
The Raiders are notorious for giving away yards to their opponents and still haven’t shaken that reputation. They must make the Titans work for their yardage.

3. Keep Seabass Sober
Sebastian Janikowski missed a chip shot FG against the Jets Sunday. Return men Phillip Buchannon and Terry Kirby who both returned kicks for touchdowns in these teams first meeting, are out with injuries. This means the Raiders kicker must be the star for the special teams this week.

4. Finally, Play Like They are Capable
This could be the Raiders last chance with their aging roster to win another Super Bowl for a long time. Make this year count.

Don’t forget, the underdog Patriots won it all last year and the road team was won the past three AFC title games. These stats play well in the Titans favor. Should be a good one Sunday in the Black Hole.

— Mike Oseroff is a diehard Raiders fan already trying to score Superbowl tickets to see his Boys in Black win it all.