The writing teams at Fox Sports South, FS Tennessee and FS Carolinas have collaborated on an extensive package of NFL schedule breakdowns for the 2013 season, specifically featuring the Falcons, Panthers and Titans.
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The who, what and where for the Titans' upcoming season has long been determined.
That came soon after the close of the disappointing 2012 season. The Titans learned the when part of the equation Thursday night, as the NFL released the schedule grid for all 32 teams.
As for the why, let's just say Titans owner Bud Adams has put coach Mike Munchak, general manager Ruston Webster, the players and staff on stern notice that anything resembling last season's 6-10 step backward is unacceptable.
Here are a few likes, dislikes and general comments about the Titans' upcoming slate:
What To Like
1. It's a matter of early survival
If Tennessee can endure road trips to Pittsburgh and Houston for weeks 1 and 2, the schedule loosens up a bit with three straight home games (Chargers, Jets, Chiefs). And come November, the Titans finish with five of their final eight contests at LP Field.
"The schedule this season has an interesting structure," Munchak said. "Two games on the road is a tough way to open for us and our fans, but that is balanced out with three in a row at home."
2. Hello, old friend
The Titans and Steelers play for the sixth straight season. The Sept. 8 opener marks the third time Tennessee has opened in Pittsburgh in nine seasons (along with 2005, '09).
But it runs much deeper between the franchises. Long rivals as the then-Oilers (now Titans) in the former AFC Central division, the clubs have had several notable games, including consecutive AFC title games in 1978 and '79 (with the Steelers winning both and eventually claiming two Lombardi trophies).
"Opening in Pittsburgh is a special atmosphere and obviously a very familiar rival through the years," said Munchak, the Hall of Fame offensive lineman who played 12 seasons for the Oilers.
3. Prime-time fun
The Titans have only one prime-time game, a Thursday night against the Colts (Nov. 14). Indy, which made the playoffs last year, figures to be even better in Andrew Luck's second NFL season.
"I am happy that we received a home prime-time game to showcase our team, our city and our fans to a national audience," Munchak said.
4. Peyton's Place
Before future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning signed with Denver last year, the Titans — well, let's make that Adams — dangled $24 million or so (per year) to lure the former University of Tennessee quarterback to Nashville.
Unhappiness with the pace and/or effort in the negotiations was a determining factor in team president Mike Reinfeldt being fired after last season. It's always a game of heightened interest when the Titans face Manning, a local favorite from his playing days at Tennessee.
5. Gone streaking
For the first time since 1981, the Titans/Oilers schedule includes three straight home games and three straight road games in the same season.
The best part: The three-pack of home games – San Diego on Sept. 22, New York Jets on Sept. 29 and Kansas City on Oct. 6 – come after the opening Pittsburgh/Houston trip ... and well ahead of the extended trip in December.
