With the start of the NFL playoffs kicking off today, I figured why not take a look back on some old Titans playoff memories. It turns out that twenty-two years ago on this day in 2003, the Titans were victorious over the Pittsburgh Steelers and earned their way to the final four of the NFL! This was three years after the Titans reached the Super Bowl.
I found this truly wonderful video of the game in full, including pre-game shows, post-game shows and all commercials. Truly is an amazing nostalgia bomb for me as a fan. Between last night and today I watched the entire thing in full, fast forwarding only occasionally. Let me tell you, I felt like I entered a time machine with all the sheer vibes, animations, and style of over twenty years ago reaching my eyes and ears after such a long time. I really enjoyed every minute of it. I believe it will help me appreciate today's games in a whole different way even if the Titans aren't in the playoffs.
The video featured countless throwback commercials. Seeing shows like Everybody Loves Raymond and CSI being promoted was nuts. Shanghai Knights with Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson was also about to be released in theaters LOL.
On the field though it was so awesome to watch great Titans like Steve McNair, Eddie George, Frank Wycheck, Derrick Mason, Drew Bennett, Justin McCareins, Keith Bulluck, Albert Heynesworth, Jevon Kearse and so many others all play in their prime again. The Steelers featured well known talent like a scary trio of receivers in Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress and Antwaan Randle El. Familiar faces like Joey Porter and Larry Foote were also playing for the Steelers.
The game itself was insanely physical. The second half of the game was particularly slow because players were getting hurt on every single play. Eddie George even got concussed really badly and was knocked out of the game. Steve McNair was as tough as nails and was in his prime as a passer and was still more than useful with his legs. Legendary Titans tight end Frank Wycheck had arguably his best game as a professional in this game, recording 123 receiving yards on 10 receptions and 1 touchdown. His 123 yards were a career high, and he only reached the one-hundred yard mark one other time throughout his eleven year career. His ten catches also tied a career high (Reg. season + playoffs).
The game was super competitive overall and required like three field goal kicks due to icing, and penalties. Crazy, but the Titans got the job done.
Overall, the McNair-George era Titans reached the playoffs four times and never exited the playoffs in the Wild-Card round. One way or another, the team lost in at least the Divisional Round. They reached the Divisional Round twice, an AFC Championship Game, and a Super Bowl. These teams did not win it all unfortunately but, I think that's a pretty solid fact that says a lot about how good those very late 90's/early 2000's Titans teams were.
I still think it's good to appreciate good teams even if they don't win it all, fun memories were made!
Have fun watching the playoffs, good luck if your squad is in it!