Posted at 6:22 p.m., Sunday, December 30, 2007
NFL: Collins rallies Titans past Colts for playoff berth
By MICHAEL MAROT
AP Sports Writer
On Sunday night, with a playoff spot at stake, Tennessee's backup quarterback delivered the biggest win of the season.
He led the Titans to three second-half field goals, including a 54-yarder from Rob Bironas to retake the lead in a 16-10 victory that left Tennessee celebrating and Cleveland grimacing.
The Titans (10-6) had to win to make the playoffs for the first time since 2003. A loss would have given Cleveland its first playoff berth since 2002.
And when Peyton Manning left after two series, things looked good for the Titans.
Instead, the offense bogged down after a touchdown drive on the game's opening series. When Vince Young left in the third quarter with a right quadriceps injury, Tennessee appeared to be in trouble.
Collins replaced Young in the middle of a 13-play, 56-yard drive that ended with Bironas' tying 40-yard field goal late in the third quarter.
"That's life as a backup. You never know when you'll go in," Collins said. "I hope Vince is all right."
