 |
 |  |
|  |
Applying the three A's
Posted: Thursday January 27, 2000 05:08 PM
When the Buccaneers scrambled to prepare their defensive game plan for last week's NFC title game against the Rams, they went to their film library and pulled one tape. October 31, 1999. Titans 24, Rams 21. For the Buccaneers, the result of stealing Tennessee's secrets was a defensive performance that limited the mighty Rams to 11 points. On Thursday, the Titans revealed those "secrets" -- a straight-A approach that will provide the blueprint for Sunday's Super Bowl. Aggression. Anger. Arrogance. "We're going to play man-to-man," cornerback Denard Walker said. "That's just the thing of our defense. "A lot of people said we weren't going to stop them last time. Well, 21-24. It'll be a dogfight." Added LB Barron Wortham: "When you take it to them, you can unsettle them. So that's got to be our attitude going into this game. Be aggressive." Shock absorptionIf the Titans hope to be the last ones standing in Sunday's championship fight, they know they must withstand the early-round barrage that St. Louis is accustomed to delivering. The Rams led the NFL this season in first quarter points with 132. By the way, the team that ranked second -- Tennessee, with 122 points. Warm receptionAfter struggling through a frigid interview session Wednesday in a tent adjacent to their hotel, the Titans were pleased to discover the addition of 12 more space heaters Thursday. Most players were unaware of the overnight improvements and arrived to meet the media in their winter garb. Thursday was the final full-squad media session, which is a blessing for the Titans considering the snowy forecast for Friday. Speaking of which, the Titans and Rams have been given permission to practice inside the Georgia Dome, site of Super Bowl XXXIV, on Friday. "We're going indoors tomorrow, it's all confirmed right now," coach Jeff Fisher said. "We would go in somewhere around 1 p.m. and the Rams would go in around 3:30."
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
