Last meeting
In the final week of the 2003 season, Tennessee wrapped up a 12-4 record with a 33-13 thrashing of the defending champion Buccaneers. The loss dropped Tampa Bay to 7-9 in the year after it won Super Bowl XXXVII.
Streaks
The Titans have won the past five meetings to extend their series lead to 7-1.
Last week
Tennessee overcame five turnovers and only 249 total yards to beat the Falcons, 20-13. Playing at Indianapolis without its starting running back and left tackle, Tampa Bay looked overwhelmed by the defending champions in a 33-14 loss.
At stake
The Titans need to keep winning to maintain pace with the AFC South-leading Colts. Looking further down the road, Tennessee also needs to pile up every win it can to stay ahead of the surging Jaguars and Texans in perhaps the NFL's most competitive division. The Bucs could use a strong showing to renew faith in their ability to stay atop the NFC South despite the multitude of injuries thy have suffered.
Key matchup
Buccaneers linebackers vs. Titans running backs.
Until Sunday's matchup against Indianapolis, the Buccaneers -- led by their three playmaking linebackers -- had done a good job stopping the run. Barrett Ruud, Derrick Brooks and Cato June have formed a solid unit and are as adept at plugging holes as they are at covering runners out of the backfield. On the other side, Tennessee boasts the league's fourth-best rushing offense. While quarterback Vince Young is partially responsible for those numbers, LenDale White and Chris Brown have proved to be a potent rushing duo. The Bucs' ability to slow down White and Brown, while forcing Young to stay in the pocket, will go a long way toward deciding the outcome of this contest.
Did you know?
Since moving to Tennessee in 1997, the Titans have never lost a game to any of the four NFC South teams (11-0).
