Titans to take on Ravens in rematch of 2000 playoff game

WKRN Channell 2 News Posted: Jan 5, 2009 09:59 AM CST With Sunday's 27-9 win over the Dolphins in Miami, the Baltimore Ravens will travel to Nashville this weekend to take on the Titans in what eerily resembles a post-season matchup from eight years ago. Just like this year, Tennessee posted the NFL's best record at 13-3 in the 2000 season and earned the AFC's No. 1 seed with home-field advantage throughout. Tampa is hosting the Super Bowl this year, just like in 2000, and the Ravens win Sunday only added to the déjà vu feeling. The Ravens defeated the Titans in the divisional playoff game that year, 24-10, en route to what would become a Super Bowl championship. Titans coach Jeff Fisher called Baltimore a "tremendous challenge." "Baltimore has improved in all areas since we saw them earlier this season. They are built around a strong run game and a great defense, which reminds us of the classic matchups against them in the past," he said in a statement. In week five, the Titans defeated the Ravens in Baltimore 13-10 but it was a game the Ravens defense dominated. Kerry Collins was intercepted twice as Baltimore built a 10-6 lead but the Titans intercepted rookie Joe Flacco two times and Collins got it together late, delivering a game-winning fourth quarter touchdown pass to Alge Crumpler. The big question this weekend for the Titans will be Pro Bowl center Kevin Mawae who, in December 21's win over Pittsburgh, injured his right elbow. He did not play against Indianapolis and did not practice during the team's bye week. Fisher said he may be questionable going into Saturday's game and will be "day by day." Pro Bowl defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth also missed the final two games of the season with a sprained left knee and defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch missed the final three with an injured groin. Fisher said Sunday both would practice this week. Kick-off Saturday is set for 3:30 p.m. at LP Field. Should the Titans win, they will host the AFC Championship game the following week.