Steve McNair, playing his first game in six weeks following back surgery, threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as the Tennessee Titans held on for a 24-21 victory over the Rams in the unlikely clash of this year's NFL powers.
The Titans (6-1) outscored the Rams (6-1) 21-0 in the first 14 minutes. But Kurt Warner, whose two fumbles led to two first-quarter touchdowns, rallied St. Louis by throwing three touchdown passes in the second half.
After Warner's 15-yard touchdown pass to Amp Lee with 2:14 left cut Tennessee's lead to 24-21, Lorenzo Styles of the Rams recovered the onside kick and gave Warner one more chance to prove the Rams could win late as well as early.
With no timeouts, Warner needed nine plays to get them to the Titans 19 with time running out.
St. Louis ran Jeff Wilkins out to try a 38-yard field goal, but his kick missed wide right with 7 seconds left.
The Rams thought they would get one more chance thanks to a flag. But officials ruled that Titans linebacker Terry Killens had been blocked into Wilkins by Mike Gurttadauria.
The Rams had outscored opponents 66-9 in the first quarter this season, but Tennessee jumped on the Rams from the opening possession. McNair, who wasn't named the starter until an hour before kickoff, moved the Titans 80 yards and capped the drive with a 1-yard toss to Lorenzo Neal and a 7-0 lead. Then it fell apart for St. Louis, a team that had trailed only once this season.
The 1972 Miami Dolphins may now break out the champagne glasses. The '72 Dolphins, who went 17-0, celebrate every year after the last undefeated team loses its first game, ensuring their record stays intact.
A long and sorrowful week at the Tour Championship finally concluded yesterday with several players wearing knickers to honor Stewart.
Woods won his third straight tournament, his seventh PGA Tour victory this year in only 20 starts, by closing with a 2-under 69 for a four-stroke victory over Davis Love III.
Of his 14 career PGA Tour victories and 17 worldwide, this was more hollow than any of them. Ultimately, the week belonged to the memory of Stewart, who was killed in a plane crash on Monday.
''We've all tried to come to grips with everything,'' Woods said. ''It's been tough. I can honestly say I'm pretty drained. I'm thankful this week is over.''
11-01-99
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