PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2) returned home Sunday to take on the Tennessee Titans (3-1) at Heinz Field.

While the Titans came in riding high with three straight wins after a loss in Week 1, the Steelers were able to shake off a tough loss to the Houston Texans in Week 4 to come up with a big 38-17 victory.

The Titans received the opening kick and began their first possession at their own 20 yard line.

Pittsburgh appeared to have stopped the Titans twice, but penalties kept the drive alive.

After Nate Washington dropped a sure touchdown pass, the Steelers’ forced the Titans to settle for a 29-yard field goal by Rob Bironas to take a 3-0 lead.

Antonio Brown set the Steelers up with great field position for their first drive with a kickoff return to the 50 yard line.

On 3rd-and-9 from the Titans’ 49 yard line, Mike Wallace snagged a pass from Ben Roethlisberger for 11 yards. The play was initially ruled incomplete, but head coach Mike Tomlin threw the challenge flag and it was overturned.

That would prove to be critical as the Steelers found the endzone seven plays later. Roethlisberger found Heath Miller for an 8-yard touchdown to cap a 10-play 50-yard drive that put the Steelers up 7-3.

Tennessee was forced to punt on their next possession and were victimized by some trickery by the Steelers.

Pittsburgh was facing a 4th-and-5 from the 50 yard line and sent the punting team onto the field. Daniel Sepulveda faked the punt and found Ryan Mundy wide open downfield for a 33-yard gain.

Two plays later, Roethlisberger hooked up with Hines Ward for a 7-yard touchdown to put Pittsburgh up 14-3 with 11:14 to play in the first half.

Tennessee was forced to punt again after just three plays, which gave the Steelers the ball back at their own 10 yard line with 9:21 to play in the second quarter.

Jonathan Dwyer opened the drive with a 76-yard run up the middle to give Pittsburgh a great opportunity to add to their lead and that’s just what they did.

On 2nd-and-goal from the 1 yard line, Roethlisberger rolled out and found David Johnson for his third touchdown pass of the half to put Pittsburgh up 21-3.

The Steelers were looking like they would add to the lead even more before the half, but some apparent miscommunication ended the drive. With 20 seconds to go and the Steelers at the Titans’ 27 yard line, it appeared as if Roethlisberger was going to spike the ball to stop the clock. However, he attempted a quick pass that his receivers were not ready for and Cortland Finnegan easily picked it off.

The Steelers and Titans traded early possessions in the third quarter until the Steelers put together their fourth touchdown drive of the game.

Roethlisberger hooked up with Ward for a second time, from 8 yards out, to put Pittsburgh up 28-3 with 4:44 to play in the quarter.

Tennessee showed some signs of life as they marched down the field and scored their first touchdown of the game. Chris Johnson’s 1-yard run capped a 9-play 77-yard drive to cut the lead to 28-10.

But a Shaun Suisham 19-yeard field goal increased the Steelers lead to 31-10 early in the fourth quarter.

Late in the fourth quarter, the Titans cut the Steelers lead again, 31-17, with a touchdown pass from Matt Hasselbeck to Damian Williams.

But the Steelers answered right back with a touchdown of their own from Roethlisberger to Wallace to make the score 38-17.

More In Sports

‘);
$(‘#ody-nextstoryslider’).append(‘Read More’);
return;
}
var _art,_right,wpElem;
var _beenzagged=(function(){
var _u = GEL.env.user;
return(_u.state || _u.yob || _u.zip )?true:false;
})();
var _laststate=(function(){
var _t = new GEL.util.Cookie(‘GCIONSN’);
var _closed = _t.getValue(‘lastNextStoryState’);
return _closed;
})();
if(!_beenzagged){
getContent();
var _slidestate=_laststate==’false’?'handle’:”;
_art=$(‘.ody-skin .content-container .ody-article’);
_right=$(‘.ody-skin .ody-aside’);
wpElem=_art.height()>_right.height()?_art:_right;
var slider=GEL.widget.slider(wpElem,’ody-nextstoryslider’,{
close: ‘‘,
closeCallback: function(){
var _t = new GEL.util.Cookie(‘GCIONSN’)
_t.setValue(‘lastNextStoryState’,'false’)
},
direction: ‘right’,
handle: ‘‘,
openCallback: function(){
var _t = new GEL.util.Cookie(‘GCIONSN’)
_t.setValue(‘lastNextStoryState’,'true’)
},
offset: function(){
var offSet=$.waypoints(‘viewportHeight’)-($(‘.ody-skin .content-container .ody-article .ody-article-bodytext’).height()-$(‘.ody-skin .content-container .ody-article .ody-ob-taboola-wrapper’).height());
if(($(‘.ody-skin .content-container .ody-article .ody-article-bodytext’).height()-$(‘.ody-skin .content-container .ody-article .ody-ob-taboola-wrapper’).height())

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Unless the game goes into double overtime, throwing 60 times is never a good sign for an NFL team.

On a cold, wet, windy day, Colt McCoy chucked 61 passes and completed 40 against the Tennessee Titans. Both figures were Browns records. Yippee. Most were of the maddening, dink-and-dunk variety as the Titans built a big lead and cruised to a 31-13 win in Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Both teams were 2-1 under first-year head coaches and talked of being similar in style. That sure wasn’t the case on the field. The Titans left town looking like a surprise playoff contender.

“I told the team this was a team loss,” coach Pat Shurmur said.

The defense couldn’t apply pressure on quick-thinking quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and uncharacteristically gave up big plays.

Tight end Jared Cook beat linebacker Scott Fujita for a 15-yard catch, then turned it into an 80-yard touchdown when safety Usama Young couldn’t push him out of bounds.

Later, receiver Nate Washington exploited a pick play for 57 yards when cornerback Dimitri Patterson was blocked by receiver Damian Williams off the line of scrimmage. Cornerback Joe Haden ran down Washington at the 4 and sprained his knee on the tackle. Williams caught a fade behind Sheldon Brown for the TD on the next play.

The offense chipped in with its own big play allowed. With a chance to get within 11 points late in the third quarter, McCoy’s ill-fated throw over the middle on the run was intercepted at the Titans’ 3 and returned 97 yards for a touchdown by safety Jordan Babineaux.

“I saw Peyton [Hillis] and we were just on a different page,” said McCoy, who lay trapped on the ground as Babineaux ran the length of the field.

In his return from last week’s bout with strep throat, Hillis had 15 touches (10 runs for 46 yards, five catches for 23 yards) and Montario Hardesty had 12 (seven for 22 yards rushing, five catches for 49 yards). Hardesty’s four drops didn’t help his case for more playing time.

“I need to make those plays and get upfield. Those are the things that I’m going to do and focus on,” Hardesty said.

Sensing an inquisition about some obvious curiosities in this one, Shurmur said in his opening remarks, “You can talk about usage of players and plays, but the end of the day, we lost.”

Besides the burgeoning Hillis-Hardesty issue, Shurmur dialed up a few controversial play calls that didn’t work.

With Tennessee ahead, 14-6, in the second quarter, the Browns had third-and-1 at the Titans’ 41. Hillis and Hardesty shared the backfield in a close split set. Hillis got the quick handoff with no lead block and was stopped for no gain.

“He was the fullback. It was a dive play. We were trying to surprise them. There’s a lot of ways to run the ball on third-and-1,” Shurmur said.

Then on fourth-and-1, rookie Armond Smith was sent in to join Hillis. The backs were in split formation. McCoy pitched out left to Smith. Safety Michael Griffin shot in to stop him for no gain.

“I think there’s a place to be aggressive,” Shurmur said. “I was trying to give us a little bit of a bump there. He’s a fast guy, the fastest guy we’ve got, and we felt like if we got him to the perimeter it was a chance for a big play.”

Earlier in the first quarter, the Browns had third-and-6 from the Titans’ 24. Receiver Josh Cribbs, lined up wide right, came in motion toward McCoy, took a pitchout from the quarterback, reversed his field and rolled out to pass. Cribbs was sacked for a 7-yard loss. The Browns kicked a field goal and added another in the second quarter when McCoy lost a snap at the Titans’ 33 on second down and then threw an incompletion on third down.

“We kind of moved [the ball], but when you get from the 30 (yard line) to the 30, you can’t afford to kill yourself,” McCoy said.

The Browns possessed the ball over 19 minutes the first half and 36:53 overall. The second-half possession time was due to McCoy’s relentless short passing.

“When you’re down that much, they drop guys back [into coverage],” McCoy said. “It’s hard to get a ball downfield. You just hope your guys can make some plays.”

The longest play for the Browns was a 27-yard reception made by Hardesty — on another daring third-and-1 call in the first quarter.

Hillis said of his usage, “That is something for the coaches to decide. I have no control over that. It needs to be handled by the coaches.”

Hasselbeck was the best quarterback so far faced by the young Browns’ defense. He was so good in the first half (8 of 12, 194 yards, three TD, 149.3 rating) that he just needed to hand off to Chris Johnson in the second half. The slump-ridden Johnson finished with 101 yards rushing on 23 attempts.

Hasselbeck exploited Fujita on the play that Cook broke for a touchdown and D’Qwell Jackson on a 12-yard TD to tight end Craig Stevens.

“He knows when to get rid of the rock and when to dump it short,” said defensive end Jabaal Sheard.

“It’s almost like he throws it to blind spots,” said Fujita. “He got us today.”

The loss evened the Browns’ record to 2-2 as they reached their bye week. They will practice for three days and then get four days off (by labor agreement) before preparing for their next game in Oakland.

“I feel we took a step back,” said Jackson. “But we’re 2-2 and we have a lot of time to get ready for Oakland. We’ll be fine.”

On Twitter: @TonyGrossi

For more Cinesport video, go here.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –

Matt Hasselbeck is showing he can still pitch the ball around the field. Along with Kenny Britt and Nate Washington, the Tennessee Titans now have more on offense than just Chris Johnson.

Hasselbeck threw for 358 yards and a touchdown, and the Tennessee Titans gave new coach Mike Munchak a big win in their home opener by beating the Baltimore Ravens 26-13 on Sunday.

With the Ravens focused on stopping Johnson, Hasselbeck attacked through the air. Britt caught nine passes for 135 yards and a TD, while Washington had seven more receptions for 99 yards. Rob Bironas also kicked four field goals as Tennessee (1-1) held the ball for more than 35 minutes and outgained Baltimore 432-229 in total offense.

The Titans also showed off their revamped defense.

They sacked Joe Flacco three times and hit him repeatedly while forcing three turnovers, including two interceptions. The Ravens (1-1), who looked so dominant in routing Pittsburgh 35-7 in their opener, forced only one turnover.

Baltimore had one last chance to get into the game in the fourth quarter, when Flacco drove the Ravens down to first-and-goal at the Titans 9. But Tennessee broke up two passes, the last by Cortland Finnegan, while the Ravens were called for delay of game. They had to settle for Billy Cundiff’s second field goal with 6:58 left to pull within 23-13.

Tennessee then ran out all but 31 seconds before Bironas kicked his fourth field goal to finish off the win.

Munchak was doused with a bucket of Gatorade on the sideline before the ensuing kickoff, and owner Bud Adams gave his new coach a game ball in the locker room as part of the celebration.

The Titans set the tone from the opening kickoff, deferring to let Baltimore take the ball on offense. Tennessee forced the Ravens to go three-and-out on their first two possessions, with Alterraun Verner picking off a Flacco pass to end the third. Playing field position helped the Titans push the Ravens to start two drives at their own 4 and held them to 25 yards in the first quarter.

After going into halftime tied at 10 apiece, the Titans took control in the third quarter, outscoring Baltimore 10-0 and outgaining the Ravens 147-43. Javon Ringer finished off the opening drive with a 10-yard TD run on fourth-and-1 with Johnson on the bench.

The Titans could have led by more if not for settling for two field goals by Bironas after turnovers, the last after Cortland Finnegan tipped a Flacco pass to Jason McCourty two plays into the fourth quarter. Bironas kicked his third field goal, a 39-yarder, after that interception for a 23-10 lead.

It looks as if the Titans will have two talented defensive ends returning to the lineup for Sunday’s game against the Ravens.

Derrick Morgan and Jason Jones practiced Wednesday and are expected to play Sunday. They missed the season opener against the Jaguars because of knee injuries.

“We were banged up the first week a little bit and we had some guys playing out of position,” Morgan said. “But I think it will be a positive for our defense to get us both back and contributing.”

Defensive end William Hayes, who suffered a shoulder injury against the Jaguars, saw limited practice time Wednesday and said he is hopeful of playing against the Ravens.

Running back Javon Ringer (hip/back) practiced for the first time in more than a week and said he expects to play Sunday. He missed three preseason games and the season opener.

Safety Chris Hope (shoulder) and wide receiver Damian Williams (hamstring) didn’t practice Wednesday and Coach Mike Munchak said both players are questionable for Sunday.

Williams said he would try to practice Thursday.

Looking for Cook: After he finished last season with a flourish and had a strong training camp, tight end Jared Cook figured to be a significant factor in the offense this season.

That may eventually prove to be the case, but he was only a bit player in the loss to the Jaguars.

Cook was thrown to twice and caught one pass for 7 yards. He had another reception nullified because of a holding penalty on guard Leroy Harris.

The Titans got off to a slow start against the Jaguars and only ran 49 offensive plays.

“Their offense pretty much … took the majority of the clock,” Cook said. “It was just hard for us to get things going. When you come out as slow as we did and you don’t have many opportunities, that’s going to leave you in the negative.”

Cook is very much in the plans going forward, according to Munchak.

“We definitely feel like he’s still a weapon,” he said. “That’s a good thing.”

Incomplete grade: Munchak gave fullback Quinn Johnson a grade of incomplete for his debut with the Titans last Sunday.

With the offense struggling to move the ball against Jacksonville’s defense, the 6-foot-1, 263-pound Johnson rarely got on the field.

“He only got like five or six plays,” Munchak said. “What he did, he did well. But again, it’s hard to get too excited one way or the other. On the offensive side, it’s hard to judge a lot of things.”

Johnson, acquired in a trade with the Packers, is filling in for Ahmard Hall, who was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Another new Titan expected to make a difference in the run game, tight end Daniel Graham, didn’t even get on the field against the Jaguars.

“There were certain guys we just didn’t get in certain packages because we had so much three-wide because we got behind,” Munchak said.

Practice squad: The Titans signed offensive lineman Troy Kropog to the practice squad.

They had released him from the 53-man roster on Friday.

Titans edge Bears 14-13

By The Associated Press

NASHVILLE — Seventh-round draft pick Tommie Campbell returned an interception 90 yards for a touchdown, and the Tennessee Titans rallied to beat the Chicago Bears 14-13 on Saturday night.

The Titans (2-1) had trouble stopping Chicago (1-2) as the Bears outgained Tennessee 416-220. But the Titans came up with two interceptions, and the cornerback from Division II California (Pa.) picked off Caleb Hanie’s pass late in the third quarter and ran up the left sideline untouched to put Tennessee ahead to stay.

Chicago protected its quarterbacks well, allowing a lone sack when Hanie was taken down inside the final minute in a mark of improvement for the team that reached the NFC championship game last season.

Chicago’s Jay Cutler played one series into the third quarter and was 13 of 21 for 170 yards with his one interception coming on the opening drive. Matt Forte ran 17 times for 74 yards and a touchdown, but Marion Barber hurt his calf early and did not return. Tight end Desmond Clark was carted off the field in the fourth quarter with a knee injury after being hit by Anthony Smith.

The Titans played with receiver Kenny Britt scratched for a third straight game as he recovers from a sore right hamstring, and Chris Johnson still holding out for a new contract. His backup, Javon Ringer, missed his second consecutive game because of a sore hip, and those absences really showed in the offense this time.

New Titans coach Mike Munchak even was booed for the first time when he chose to punt facing fourth-and-1 at his own 34 in the third quarter and trailing 14-10.

“We just weren’t playing smart, making some bad decisions,” Munchak said. “We couldn’t convert, and it’s hard to get going when you’re out there for a three-and-out three times.”

Matt Hasselbeck had been nearly perfect since signing with Tennessee, completing 12 of his first 15 passes over the first two exhibitions. Against the Bears, he was 12 of 22 for 134 yards as he played one series into the third quarter as well. Hasselbeck was the victim of a couple drops, but he completed 5 of 6 passes in driving the Titans 80 yards at the end of the first half.

Rookie Jamie Harper got his second straight start and scored his third TD this preseason on a 9-yard run to cap the drive.

It was Cutler’s first game as a pro in the city where he was the Southeastern Conference player of the year in 2005 playing for Vanderbilt.

“Well, we got better again,” Cutler said. “We left some points out there, you hate to see that but our offensive line played better, the receivers played better and Matt ran the ball. So, we’re getting there. We’re not quite ready for the opener but we’re getting there.”

Tennessee had a chance to turn safety Michael Griffin’s pick of Cutler’s tipped pass into points but had to settle for a 51-yard field-goal attempt, which Rob Bironas pushed wide right.

The Bears came right back. Cutler drove them down the field over 12 plays with Forte scoring from 3 yards out for a 7-0 lead. Robbie Gould also kicked a 45-yard field goal for a 10-0 lead but clanked a 29-yarder off the left upright in the second quarter.

The Bears kept moving the ball easily against a Titans defense that had allowed only 20 points combined through the first two exhibitions. Tennessee has a new coordinator in Jerry Gray with a unit revamped to put more size on the field. Forte ripped through the Titans almost at will.

Story created Aug 28, 2011 – 00:33:47 EDT.

NASHVILLE (AP) — Seventh-round draft pick Tommie Campbell returned an interception 90 yards for a touchdown, and the Tennessee Titans rallied to beat the Chicago Bears 14-13 on Saturday night.

The Titans (2-1) had trouble stopping Chicago (1-2) as the Bears outgained Tennessee 416-220. But the Titans came up with two interceptions, and the cornerback from Division II California (Pa.) picked off Caleb Hanie’s pass late in the third quarter and ran up the left sideline untouched to put Tennessee ahead to stay.

Click here for more photos.

Chicago protected its quarterbacks well, allowing a lone sack when Hanie was taken down inside the final minute in a mark of improvement for the team that reached the NFC championship game last season.

Chicago’s Jay Cutler played one series into the third quarter and was 13 of 21 for 170 yards with his one interception coming on the opening drive. Matt Forte ran 17 times for 74 yards and a touchdown, but Marion Barber hurt his calf early and did not return. Tight end Desmond Clark was carted off the field in the fourth quarter with a knee injury after being hit by Anthony Smith.

The Titans played with receiver Kenny Britt scratched for a third straight game as he recovers from a sore right hamstring, and Chris Johnson still holding out for a new contract. His backup, Javon Ringer, missed his second consecutive game because of a sore hip, and those absences really showed in the offense this time.

New Titans coach Mike Munchak even was booed for the first time when he chose to punt facing fourth-and-1 at his own 34 in the third quarter.

“We just weren’t playing smart, making some bad decisions,” Munchak said. “We couldn’t convert, and it’s hard to get going when you’re out there for a three-and-out three times.”

Matt Hasselbeck had been nearly perfect since signing with Tennessee, completing 12 of his first 15 passes over the first two exhibitions. Against the Bears, he was 12 of 22 for 134 yards as he played one series into the third quarter as well. Hasselbeck was the victim of a couple drops, but he completed 5 of 6 passes in driving the Titans 80 yards at the end of the first half.

Rookie Jamie Harper got his second straight start and scored his third TD this preseason on a 9-yard run to cap the drive.

It was Cutler’s first game as a pro in the city where he was the Southeastern Conference player of the year in 2005 playing for Vanderbilt.

“Well, we got better again,” Cutler said. “We left some points out there, you hate to see that but our offensive line played better, the receivers played better and Matt ran the ball. So, we’re getting there. We’re not quite ready for the opener but we’re getting there.”

Tennessee had a chance to turn safety Michael Griffin’s pick of Cutler’s tipped pass into points but had to settle for a 51-yard field-goal attempt, which Rob Bironas pushed wide right.

The Bears came right back. Cutler drove them down the field over 12 plays with Forte scoring from 3 yards out for a 7-0 lead. Robbie Gould also kicked a 45-yard field goal for a 10-0 lead but clanked a 29-yarder off the left upright in the second quarter.

The Bears kept moving the ball easily against a Titans defense that had allowed only 20 points combined through the first two exhibitions. Tennessee has a new coordinator in Jerry Gray with a unit revamped to put more size on the field. Forte ripped through the Titans almost at will.

You must register with a valid email to post comments. Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans have given new coach Mike Munchak a great teaching point that what matters most is how a team finishes.

Seventh-round draft pick Tommie Campbell returned an interception 90 yards for a touchdown, and the Titans rallied to beat the Chicago Bears 14-13 on Saturday night after what Munchak called a pretty flat start.

The Titans (2-1) had trouble stopping Chicago (1-2) as the Bears outgained Tennessee 416-220, but came up with two interceptions.

Campbell, the cornerback from Division II California (Pa.), picked off Caleb Hanie’s pass late in the third quarter and ran up the left sideline untouched to put Tennessee ahead to stay.

“They executed better than we did at parts of that game than we did,” Munchak said. “We eventually made enough plays to win the game.”

The Titans had dominated the stats a week ago only to lose to St. Louis on a last-second field goal. This time, Campbell came up with the interception, though he didn’t know how to celebrate.

“I knew I had to do something,” Campbell said. “It was all just fun and games. I was just hyped. I probably smacked 50 people in the end zone.’

Chicago protected its quarterbacks well, allowing a lone sack when Hanie was taken down inside the final minute in a mark of improvement for the team that reached the NFC championship game last season.

Bears coach Lovie Smith called the game an improvement over Monday night’s 41-13 loss to the New York Giants. He liked how the offense moved the ball but not the turnovers or the inability to finish drives.

“It’s one thing to get yards, but they don’t determine the winner based on yards,” Smith said. “It’s about points and we have to get points.”

Chicago’s Jay Cutler played one series into the third quarter and was 13 of 21 for 170 yards with his one interception coming on the opening drive. Matt Forte ran 17 times for 74 yards and a touchdown, but Marion Barber hurt his calf early and did not return. Tight end Desmond Clark was carted off the field in the fourth quarter with a knee injury after being hit by Anthony Smith.

The Titans played with receiver Kenny Britt scratched for a third straight game as he recovers from a sore right hamstring, and Chris Johnson still holding out for a new contract. His backup, Javon Ringer, missed his second consecutive game because of a sore hip, and those absences really showed in the offense this time.

Munchak even was booed for the first time when he chose to punt facing fourth-and-1 at his own 34 in the third quarter and trailing 14-10.

“We just weren’t playing smart, making some bad decisions,” Munchak said.

Matt Hasselbeck had been nearly perfect since signing with Tennessee, completing 12 of his first 15 passes over the first two exhibitions. Against the Bears, he was 12 of 22 for 134 yards as he played one series into the third quarter as well. Hasselbeck was the victim of a couple drops, but he completed 5 of 6 passes in driving the Titans 80 yards at the end of the first half.

Hasselbeck said he’s never really had Britt or Johnson so far.

“So I don’t know how to miss them. I just think we weren’t real crisp. We didn’t’ play tonight like we practiced,” Hasselbeck said.

Rookie Jamie Harper got his second straight start and scored his third TD this preseason on a 9-yard run to cap the drive.

It was Cutler’s first game as a pro in the city where he was the Southeastern Conference player of the year in 2005 playing for Vanderbilt.

“Well, we got better again,” Cutler said. “We left some points out there, you hate to see that but our offensive line played better, the receivers played better and Matt ran the ball. So, we’re getting there. We’re not quite ready for the opener but we’re getting there.”

Tennessee had a chance to turn safety Michael Griffin’s pick of Cutler’s tipped pass into points but had to settle for a 51-yard field-goal attempt that Rob Bironas pushed wide right.

The Bears came right back. Cutler drove them down the field over 12 plays with Forte scoring from 3 yards out for a 7-0 lead. Robbie Gould also kicked a 45-yard field goal for a 10-0 lead but clanked a 29-yarder off the left upright in the second quarter.

The Bears kept moving the ball easily against a Titans defense that had allowed only 20 points combined through the first two exhibitions. Tennessee has a new coordinator in Jerry Gray with a unit revamped to put more size on the field. Forte ripped through the Titans almost at will.

Notes: Titans rookie P Chad Cunningham may have had the play of the night. His punt in the fourth quarter was blocked, and he picked it up off the bounce and ran for a first down. … The Bears scratched LB Lance Briggs, WR Sam Hurd and DT Anthony Adams while waiving as injured rookie CB Mike Holmes before the game.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans have given new coach Mike Munchak a great teaching point that what matters most is how a team finishes.

Seventh-round draft pick Tommie Campbell returned an interception 90 yards for a touchdown, and the Titans rallied to beat the Chicago Bears 14-13 on Saturday night after what Munchak called a pretty flat start.

The Titans (2-1) had trouble stopping Chicago (1-2) as the Bears outgained Tennessee 416-220, but came up with two interceptions.

Campbell, the cornerback from Division II California (Pa.), picked off Caleb Hanie ‘s pass late in the third quarter and ran up the left sideline untouched to put Tennessee ahead to stay.

“They executed better than we did at parts of that game than we did,” Munchak said. “We eventually made enough plays to win the game.”

The Titans had dominated the stats a week ago only to lose to St. Louis on a last-second field goal. This time, Campbell came up with the interception, though he didn’t know how to celebrate.

“I knew I had to do something,” Campbell said. “It was all just fun and games. I was just hyped. I probably smacked 50 people in the end zone.’

Chicago protected its quarterbacks well, allowing a lone sack when Hanie was taken down inside the final minute in a mark of improvement for the team that reached the NFC championship game last season.

Bears coach Lovie Smith called the game an improvement over Monday night’s 41-13 loss to the New York Giants . He liked how the offense moved the ball but not the turnovers or the inability to finish drives.

“It’s one thing to get yards, but they don’t determine the winner based on yards,” Smith said. “It’s about points and we have to get points.”

Chicago’s Jay Cutler played one series into the third quarter and was 13 of 21 for 170 yards with his one interception coming on the opening drive. Matt Forte ran 17 times for 74 yards and a touchdown, but Marion Barber hurt his calf early and did not return. Tight end Desmond Clark was carted off the field in the fourth quarter with a knee injury after being hit by Anthony Smith .

The Titans played with receiver Kenny Britt scratched for a third straight game as he recovers from a sore right hamstring, and Chris Johnson still holding out for a new contract. His backup, Javon Ringer , missed his second consecutive game because of a sore hip, and those absences really showed in the offense this time.

Munchak even was booed for the first time when he chose to punt facing fourth-and-1 at his own 34 in the third quarter and trailing 14-10.

“We just weren’t playing smart, making some bad decisions,” Munchak said.

Matt Hasselbeck had been nearly perfect since signing with Tennessee, completing 12 of his first 15 passes over the first two exhibitions. Against the Bears, he was 12 of 22 for 134 yards as he played one series into the third quarter as well. Hasselbeck was the victim of a couple drops, but he completed 5 of 6 passes in driving the Titans 80 yards at the end of the first half.

Hasselbeck said he’s never really had Britt or Johnson so far.

“So I don’t know how to miss them. I just think we weren’t real crisp. We didn’t’ play tonight like we practiced,” Hasselbeck said.

Rookie Jamie Harper got his second straight start and scored his third TD this preseason on a 9-yard run to cap the drive.

It was Cutler’s first game as a pro in the city where he was the Southeastern Conference player of the year in 2005 playing for Vanderbilt.

“Well, we got better again,” Cutler said. “We left some points out there, you hate to see that but our offensive line played better, the receivers played better and Matt ran the ball. So, we’re getting there. We’re not quite ready for the opener but we’re getting there.”

Tennessee had a chance to turn safety Michael Griffin ‘s pick of Cutler’s tipped pass into points but had to settle for a 51-yard field-goal attempt that Rob Bironas pushed wide right.

The Bears came right back. Cutler drove them down the field over 12 plays with Forte scoring from 3 yards out for a 7-0 lead. Robbie Gould also kicked a 45-yard field goal for a 10-0 lead but clanked a 29-yarder off the left upright in the second quarter.

The Bears kept moving the ball easily against a Titans defense that had allowed only 20 points combined through the first two exhibitions. Tennessee has a new coordinator in Jerry Gray with a unit revamped to put more size on the field. Forte ripped through the Titans almost at will.

Seventh-round draft pick Tommie Campbell returned an interception 90 yards for a touchdown, and the Tennessee Titans rallied to beat the Chicago Bears 14-13 on Saturday night.

The Titans (2-1) had trouble stopping Chicago (1-2) as the Bears outgained Tennessee 416-220. But the Titans came up with two interceptions, and the cornerback from Division II California (Pa.) picked off Caleb Hanie’s pass late in the third quarter and ran up the left sideline untouched to put Tennessee ahead to stay.

Chicago protected its quarterbacks well, allowing a lone sack when Hanie was taken down inside the final minute in a mark of improvement for the team that reached the NFC championship game last season.

Chicago’s Jay Cutler played one series into the third quarter and was 13 of 21 for 170 yards with his one interception coming on the opening drive. Matt Forte ran 17 times for 74 yards and a touchdown, but Marion Barber hurt his calf early and did not return. Tight end Desmond Clark was carted off the field in the fourth quarter with a knee injury after being hit by Anthony Smith.

The Titans played with receiver Kenny Britt scratched for a third straight game as he recovers from a sore right hamstring, and Chris Johnson still holding out for a new contract. His backup, Javon Ringer, missed his second consecutive game because of a sore hip, and those absences really showed in the offense this time.

New Titans coach Mike Munchak even was booed for the first time when he chose to punt facing fourth-and-1 at his own 34 in the third quarter and trailing 14-10.

“We just weren’t playing smart, making some bad decisions,” Munchak said. “We couldn’t convert, and it’s hard to get going when you’re out there for a three-and-out three times.”

Matt Hasselbeck had been nearly perfect since signing with Tennessee, completing 12 of his first 15 passes over the first two exhibitions. Against the Bears, he was 12 of 22 for 134 yards as he played one series into the third quarter as well. Hasselbeck was the victim of a couple drops, but he completed 5 of 6 passes in driving the Titans 80 yards at the end of the first half.

Rookie Jamie Harper got his second straight start and scored his third TD this preseason on a 9-yard run to cap the drive.

It was Cutler’s first game as a pro in the city where he was the Southeastern Conference player of the year in 2005 playing for Vanderbilt.

“Well, we got better again,” Cutler said. “We left some points out there, you hate to see that but our offensive line played better, the receivers played better and Matt ran the ball. So, we’re getting there. We’re not quite ready for the opener but we’re getting there.”

Tennessee had a chance to turn safety Michael Griffin’s pick of Cutler’s tipped pass into points but had to settle for a 51-yard field-goal attempt, which Rob Bironas pushed wide right.

The Bears came right back. Cutler drove them down the field over 12 plays with Forte scoring from 3 yards out for a 7-0 lead. Robbie Gould also kicked a 45-yard field goal for a 10-0 lead but clanked a 29-yarder off the left upright in the second quarter.

The Bears kept moving the ball easily against a Titans defense that had allowed only 20 points combined through the first two exhibitions. Tennessee has a new coordinator in Jerry Gray with a unit revamped to put more size on the field. Forte ripped through the Titans almost at will.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Seventh-round draft pick Tommie Campbell returned an interception 90 yards for a touchdown, and the Tennessee Titans rallied to beat the Chicago Bears 14-13 tonight.

The Titans (2-1) had trouble stopping Chicago (1-2) as the Bears outgained Tennessee 416-220. But the Titans came up with two interceptions, and the cornerback from Division II California (Pa.) picked off Caleb Hanie’s pass late in the third quarter and ran up the left sideline untouched to put Tennessee ahead to stay.

Chicago protected its quarterbacks well, allowing a lone sack when Hanie was taken down inside the final minute in a mark of improvement for the team that reached the NFC championship game last season.

Chicago’s Jay Cutler played one series into the third quarter and was 13 of 21 for 170 yards with his one interception coming on the opening drive. Matt Forte ran 17 times for 74 yards and a touchdown, but Marion Barber hurt his calf early and did not return. Tight end Desmond Clark was carted off the field in the fourth quarter with a knee injury after being hit by Anthony Smith.

The Titans played with receiver Kenny Britt scratched for a third straight game as he recovers from a sore right hamstring, and Chris Johnson still holding out for a new contract. His backup, Javon Ringer, missed his second consecutive game because of a sore hip, and those absences really showed in the offense this time.

New Titans coach Mike Munchak even was booed for the first time when he chose to punt facing fourth-and-1 at his own 34 in the third quarter and trailing 14-10.

“We just weren’t playing smart, making some bad decisions,” Munchak said. “We couldn’t convert, and it’s hard to get going when you’re out there for a three-and-out three times.”

Matt Hasselbeck had been nearly perfect since signing with Tennessee, completing 12 of his first 15 passes over the first two exhibitions. Against the Bears, he was 12 of 22 for 134 yards as he played one series into the third quarter as well. Hasselbeck was the victim of a couple drops, but he completed 5 of 6 passes in driving the Titans 80 yards at the end of the first half.

Rookie Jamie Harper got his second straight start and scored his third TD this preseason on a 9-yard run to cap the drive.

It was Cutler’s first game as a pro in the city where he was the Southeastern Conference player of the year in 2005 playing for Vanderbilt.

“Well, we got better again,” Cutler said. “We left some points out there, you hate to see that but our offensive line played better, the receivers played better and Matt ran the ball. So, we’re getting there. We’re not quite ready for the opener but we’re getting there.”

Tennessee had a chance to turn safety Michael Griffin’s pick of Cutler’s tipped pass into points but had to settle for a 51-yard field-goal attempt, which Rob Bironas pushed wide right.

The Bears came right back. Cutler drove them down the field over 12 plays with Forte scoring from 3 yards out for a 7-0 lead. Robbie Gould also kicked a 45-yard field goal for a 10-0 lead but clanked a 29-yarder off the left upright in the second quarter.

The Bears kept moving the ball easily against a Titans defense that had allowed only 20 points combined through the first two exhibitions. Tennessee has a new coordinator in Jerry Gray with a unit revamped to put more size on the field. Forte ripped through the Titans almost at will.

The Titans (2-1) had trouble stopping Chicago (1-2) as the Bears outgained Tennessee 416-220, but came up with two interceptions.

Campbell, the cornerback from Division II California (Pa.), picked off Caleb Hanie’s pass late in the third quarter and ran up the left sideline untouched to put Tennessee ahead to stay.

“They executed better than we did at parts of that game than we did,” Munchak said. “We eventually made enough plays to win the game.”

The Titans had dominated the stats a week ago only to lose to St. Louis on a last-second field goal. This time, Campbell came up with the interception, though he didn’t know how to celebrate.

“I knew I had to do something,” Campbell said. “It was all just fun and games. I was just hyped. I probably smacked 50 people in the end zone.’

Chicago protected its quarterbacks well, allowing a lone sack when Hanie was taken down inside the final minute in a mark of improvement for the team that reached the NFC championship game last season.

Bears coach Lovie Smith called the game an improvement over Monday night’s 41-13 loss to the New York Giants. He liked how the offense moved the ball but not the turnovers or the inability to finish drives.

“It’s one thing to get yards, but they don’t determine the winner based on yards,” Smith said. “It’s about points and we have to get points.”

Chicago’s Jay Cutler played one series into the third quarter and was 13 of 21 for 170 yards with his one interception coming on the opening drive. Matt Forte ran 17 times for 74 yards and a touchdown, but Marion Barber hurt his calf early and did not return. Tight end Desmond Clark was carted off the field in the fourth quarter with a knee injury after being hit by Anthony Smith.

The Titans played with receiver Kenny Britt scratched for a third straight game as he recovers from a sore right hamstring, and Chris Johnson still holding out for a new contract. His backup, Javon Ringer, missed his second consecutive game because of a sore hip, and those absences really showed in the offense this time.

Munchak even was booed for the first time when he chose to punt facing fourth-and-1 at his own 34 in the third quarter and trailing 14-10.

“We just weren’t playing smart, making some bad decisions,” Munchak said.

Matt Hasselbeck had been nearly perfect since signing with Tennessee, completing 12 of his first 15 passes over the first two exhibitions. Against the Bears, he was 12 of 22 for 134 yards as he played one series into the third quarter as well. Hasselbeck was the victim of a couple drops, but he completed 5 of 6 passes in driving the Titans 80 yards at the end of the first half.

Hasselbeck said he’s never really had Britt or Johnson so far.

“So I don’t know how to miss them. I just think we weren’t real crisp. We didn’t’ play tonight like we practiced,” Hasselbeck said.

Rookie Jamie Harper got his second straight start and scored his third TD this preseason on a 9-yard run to cap the drive.

It was Cutler’s first game as a pro in the city where he was the Southeastern Conference player of the year in 2005 playing for Vanderbilt.

“Well, we got better again,” Cutler said. “We left some points out there, you hate to see that but our offensive line played better, the receivers played better and Matt ran the ball. So, we’re getting there. We’re not quite ready for the opener but we’re getting there.”

Tennessee had a chance to turn safety Michael Griffin’s pick of Cutler’s tipped pass into points but had to settle for a 51-yard field-goal attempt that Rob Bironas pushed wide right.

The Bears came right back. Cutler drove them down the field over 12 plays with Forte scoring from 3 yards out for a 7-0 lead. Robbie Gould also kicked a 45-yard field goal for a 10-0 lead but clanked a 29-yarder off the left upright in the second quarter.

The Bears kept moving the ball easily against a Titans defense that had allowed only 20 points combined through the first two exhibitions. Tennessee has a new coordinator in Jerry Gray with a unit revamped to put more size on the field. Forte ripped through the Titans almost at will.

Notes: Titans rookie P Chad Cunningham may have had the play of the night. His punt in the fourth quarter was blocked, and he picked it up off the bounce and ran for a first down. … The Bears scratched LB Lance Briggs, WR Sam Hurd and DT Anthony Adams while waiving as injured rookie CB Mike Holmes before the game.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Tennessee Titans have given new coach Mike Munchak a great teaching point that what matters most is how a team finishes.

Seventh-round draft pick Tommie Campbell returned an interception 90 yards for a touchdown, and the Titans rallied to beat the Chicago Bears 14-13 on Saturday night after what Munchak called a pretty flat start.

The Titans (2-1) had trouble stopping Chicago (1-2) as the Bears outgained Tennessee 416-220, but came up with two interceptions.

Campbell, the cornerback from Division II California (Pa.), picked off Caleb Hanie’s pass late in the third quarter and ran up the left sideline untouched to put Tennessee ahead to stay.

“They executed better than we did at parts of that game than we did,” Munchak said. “We eventually made enough plays to win the game.”

The Titans had dominated the stats a week ago only to lose to St. Louis on a last-second field goal. This time, Campbell came up with the interception, though he didn’t know how to celebrate.

“I knew I had to do something,” Campbell said. “It was all just fun and games. I was just hyped. I probably smacked 50 people in the end zone.’

Chicago protected its quarterbacks well, allowing a lone sack when Hanie was taken down inside the final minute in a mark of improvement for the team that reached the NFC championship game last season.

Bears coach Lovie Smith called the game an improvement over Monday night’s 41-13 loss to the New York Giants. He liked how the offense moved the ball but not the turnovers or the inability to finish drives.

“It’s one thing to get yards, but they don’t determine the winner based on yards,” Smith said. “It’s about points and we have to get points.”

Chicago’s Jay Cutler played one series into the third quarter and was 13 of 21 for 170 yards with his one interception coming on the opening drive. Matt Forte ran 17 times for 74 yards and a touchdown, but Marion Barber hurt his calf early and did not return. Tight end Desmond Clark was carted off the field in the fourth quarter with a knee injury after being hit by Anthony Smith.

The Titans played with receiver Kenny Britt scratched for a third straight game as he recovers from a sore right hamstring, and Chris Johnson still holding out for a new contract. His backup, Javon Ringer, missed his second consecutive game because of a sore hip, and those absences really showed in the offense this time.

Munchak even was booed for the first time when he chose to punt facing fourth-and-1 at his own 34 in the third quarter and trailing 14-10.

“We just weren’t playing smart, making some bad decisions,” Munchak said.

Matt Hasselbeck had been nearly perfect since signing with Tennessee, completing 12 of his first 15 passes over the first two exhibitions. Against the Bears, he was 12 of 22 for 134 yards as he played one series into the third quarter as well. Hasselbeck was the victim of a couple drops, but he completed 5 of 6 passes in driving the Titans 80 yards at the end of the first half.

Hasselbeck said he’s never really had Britt or Johnson so far.

“So I don’t know how to miss them. I just think we weren’t real crisp. We didn’t’ play tonight like we practiced,” Hasselbeck said.

Rookie Jamie Harper got his second straight start and scored his third TD this preseason on a 9-yard run to cap the drive.

It was Cutler’s first game as a pro in the city where he was the Southeastern Conference player of the year in 2005 playing for Vanderbilt.

“Well, we got better again,” Cutler said. “We left some points out there, you hate to see that but our offensive line played better, the receivers played better and Matt ran the ball. So, we’re getting there. We’re not quite ready for the opener but we’re getting there.”

Tennessee had a chance to turn safety Michael Griffin’s pick of Cutler’s tipped pass into points but had to settle for a 51-yard field-goal attempt that Rob Bironas pushed wide right.

The Bears came right back. Cutler drove them down the field over 12 plays with Forte scoring from 3 yards out for a 7-0 lead. Robbie Gould also kicked a 45-yard field goal for a 10-0 lead but clanked a 29-yarder off the left upright in the second quarter.

The Bears kept moving the ball easily against a Titans defense that had allowed only 20 points combined through the first two exhibitions. Tennessee has a new coordinator in Jerry Gray with a unit revamped to put more size on the field. Forte ripped through the Titans almost at will.

Notes: Titans rookie P Chad Cunningham may have had the play of the night. His punt in the fourth quarter was blocked, and he picked it up off the bounce and ran for a first down. … The Bears scratched LB Lance Briggs, WR Sam Hurd and DT Anthony Adams while waiving as injured rookie CB Mike Holmes before the game.

Read More: vikings football, minnesota vikings football, titans football, tennessee titans football, 2011 minnesota vikings football, 2011 tennessee titans football, vikings at titans, vikings vs titans, Donovan McNabb (QB – MIN), Matt Hasselbeck (QB – TEN), Chris Kluwe (P – MIN), Joe Webb (QB – MIN), Christian Ponder (QB – MIN), Jake Locker (QB – TEN), Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans, Aug 13, 2011 7:00 PM CDT

Both teams have had one possession thus far at LP Field in Nashville, but neither could get into the end zone as the game remains scoreless with just under five minutes remaining in the first quarter of play.

The Titans took control of the ball first, and drove all the way down to the Vikings’ 11-yard line. At that point, a bad exchange for new Tennessee Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck caused a loss of thirty. . .yes, that’s 3-0. . .yards, setting up third and 40 for the Titans. They had to settle for a punt.

The Vikings took over at their own six yard line, and for an offense that’s just getting going, the Vikings moved the ball pretty well. Donovan McNabb completed four of six passes for 21 yards, hitting four different receivers on the drive. However, the Vikings’ offense stalled at midfield, and Chris Kluwe punted it away to Tennessee.

With about four minutes remaining at halftime, the Titans and Vikings are tied at zero. The substitutions have already started, as the Titans have put rookie Jake Locker at quarterback in Hasselbeck’s place. One would think that we will see either Christian Ponder or Joe Webb when the Vikings’ defense next takes the field.