Quick, name a Tennessee Titans player other than Eddie George, Steve McNair or Jevon Kearse.
Having trouble? Don’t feel bad.
For a club that reached the Super Bowl three years ago, gained the top seed in the AFC playoffs two years ago and won 10 of its last 11 games to earn the No. 2 seed this year, the Titans are virtual unknowns.
Most of them could walk through any mall in America and not be stopped by an autograph seeker. Not a single one of them was selected for the Pro Bowl in Honolulu — as a starter or a reserve, and there is a 41-man AFC roster.
Maybe all that is why these Titans (11-5) enter Saturday’s second-round playoff game against the Steelers with a giant chip on their shoulder pads.
"I think we've been playing with a chip on our shoulder the whole year," linebacker Keith Bulluck said. "For this team to be one of the hottest teams in the NFL, and for no one to go to represent Tennessee in Honolulu is absurd. People are just going to have to feel the wrath."
People were feeling their bellies in October, laughing at a Titans team that started 1-4, had been outscored 83-29 in its previous two games and clearly was headed for another 7-9 record or worse. But coach Jeff Fisher’s club executed a complete about-face.
Here’s a game-by-game look at how the Titans turned the tide:
Game 1: Kearse breaks left foot on second play from scrimmage. McNair and George spark rally from 24-10 halftime deficit, as Titans defeat the Philadelphia Eagles, 27-24. Donovan McNabb sacked six times and intercepted twice.
Game 2: Titans sustain embarrassing 21-13 loss at Dallas, to begin four-game losing streak. McNair concussed when he runs into an equipment trunk on sideline. He returns, plays poorly.
Game 3: Fisher apologizes to fans after team blows 14-lead in final three minutes against Cleveland and loses, 31-28, in overtime. Titans surrender a punt return for a touchdown, the first they’d given up since Sept. 10, 1995, when Andre Hastings did it for the Steelers.
Game 4: Season hits what everyone believes to be bottom in 52-25 loss at Oakland. Rich Gannon throws for 381 yards and four touchdowns, and Rod Woodson picks off three McNair passes.
Game 5: Season truly hits bottom in 31-14 home loss to severely challenged Washington Redskins. Titans owner Bud Adams leaves his box early and angry, says team was “outcoached.” Redskins rookie quarterback Patrick Ramsey throws for 268 yards and two touchdowns. Titans are 1-4, matching worst start since team moved to Nashville in 1997. Fisher again makes a public apology.
Game 6: George rushes for 100 yards for first time this season, second time in two seasons in 23-14 victory over Jacksonville.
Game 7: After bye week, Tennessee avoids potentially devastating defeat at Cincinnati when Corey Dillon trips over his own blocker three feet from the goal line with 1:08 to play. The hole was so big, Dillon says, that he “could have took my daughter and my wife through there." Titans hang on for 30-24 win.
Game 8: Defense scores twice in 23-15 victory over Indianapolis. Titans tie Colts for AFC South lead.
Game 9: Four in a row. McNair sets franchise record by throwing touchdown pass in 22nd consecutive game, as Titans survive Houston Texans, 17-10.
Game 10: Titans play what many call their best game in two years, a 31-23 victory over Steelers. Tommy Maddox, Steelers quarterback, is temporarily paralyzed on innocent-looking Bulluck hit in third quarter. Titans leading 31-7 at the time.
Game 11: In a comedy of errors — punt blocked for touchdown, four turnovers — Titans lose, 13-12, at Baltimore. McNair has streak of 23 straight games with touchdown pass snapped. It will be Titans’ last loss of regular season.
Game 12: After sitting out the week because of rib, shin and toe injuries, McNair throws three scoring passes, runs for game-tying, two-point conversion and sets up winning field goal in overtime in 32-29 victory over New York Giants.
Game 13: McNair, who won’t practice again until the first week of January, completes 14 consecutive passes, scrambles for 49 yards despite turf toe in 27-17 victory over Colts. Titans take over first place in division.
Game 14: Kearse makes emotional return, team rushes for 238 yards in 24-7 romp over defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots.
Game 15: Titans become first AFC team to clinch playoff spot with 28-10 win over Jacksonville. George surpasses 1,000 yards for sixth time in seven seasons.
Game 16: Tennessee clinches first-round bye with 13-3 victory over Houston. For first time in 42-year history, Titans have a 3,000-yard passer (McNair), a 1,000-yard rusher (George) and a 1,000-yard receiver (Derrick Mason).
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