Titans determined to reclaim home-field advantage

The team that set the NFL record with 12 straight victories to open a new stadium went 2-6 at home last season. But with the Indianapolis Colts (3-0) coming to town Sunday, the Titans actually have won two straight at home going back to last season’s finale 24-19 victory over Detroit.

Linebacker Keith Bulluck said the young Titans have to develop the mentality of not losing at home.

“Holding down the fort. That’s something I preach all week. The Colts … they’re not going to just come in here and do what they want to do. They’re going to be in a football game whether they want it or not,” Bulluck said.

The Titans will enjoy their 65th consecutive sellout Sunday, and the crowd noise provided a big boost in beating Baltimore 25-10 on Sept. 18 in their home opener. Ex-Titan Samari Rolle, now with Baltimore, even talked about how much the fans helped the Titans.

Linebacker Peter Sirmon said the crowd can have a huge effect again.

“The crowd is always a big factor in our home games, and especially with a team like the Colts,” Sirmon said. “As much as they come up and change plays and audible, if we can get an advantage on a couple plays during the game or maybe some false starts at a key time, that would be huge for us.”

Coach Jeff Fisher said timing the noise can be a challenge with the Colts. He said Thursday that the Colts and Peyton Manning opened up with a no-huddle offense last year, which fights the crowd noise well.

“When you go no-huddle, it’s hard to keep the noise level up 25 or 30 seconds because he’ll have his play called when the play clock’s usually at 20 to 22 seconds. That’s the time you need the noise is right around when he’s calling the play and again as he’s getting ready to snap the ball,” Fisher said.

“The louder it is, the better it is.”

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HOPKINS Vs. FREENEY:@ One of the key matchups Sunday will feature Titans left tackle Brad Hopkins and Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney. That’s experience, with Hopkins now in his 13th season, going against Freeney’s pure speed.

The defensive end has the plus of having a sack in each of his games against the Titans, but he said going against Hopkins is always a tough matchup.

“I see he’s moving well, and hes playing well,” Freeney said. “Just like the old Brad, to me. It’s going to be tough. He’s a real competitor out there, and I think he’s really underrated.”

Hopkins dropped a few pounds during the offseason to help himself stay quicker because he turned 35 earlier this month. He said the weight loss has helped his stamina, which he’ll need against a player he calls a benchmark for offensive lineman.

“He’s a disruptive force, but it’s just one of those things where you go into it knowing. You expect a challenge, and you have to be up for it,” Hopkins said.

The man who matters most in this matchup is Tennessee quarterback Steve McNair, and he said Thursday that he knows Hopkins can’t be perfect even though he knows Freeney well.

“I feel comfortable with Brad because he’s been protecting my backside for 11 years now. If you can’t have a guy protect you for 11 years, you don’t need to be playing with him. But I have that much confidence in Brad,” McNair said.

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1-3 OR 2-2?:@ The Titans started 1-3 last season and finished 5-11 because of injuries. They started 1-3 in 2002 and rallied for an 11-5 finish and the AFC South title. With a team filled with 29 players who haven’t experienced such a comeback, the Titans (1-2) would much rather start this season 2-2.

Steve McNair said it takes a lot to motivate young players who still aren’t used to a 16-game season.

“It’s not a race, it’s a marathon. You fall 1-3 you still have an opportunity to come back, have a winning season and make it to the playoffs. Veterans know that, but rookies have a tendency, `Hey, we’re 1-3. We don’t have a chance.’ But we do,” McNair said.

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COVERING KICKS:@ One thing the NFL’s youngest team is doing very well is covering on punts and kickoffs. The Titans are giving opponents the worst average drive start after a kickoff in the league at the 20.4-yard line.

On punt returns, the coverage units are allowing an NFL-low 1.2 yards per return. That’s helped greatly by punter Craig Hentrich, who ranks third in the NFL with eight punts downed inside the 20.

Coach Jeff Fisher said the success is due to the touchbacks by kicker Rob Bironas and great hang-time on kicks. The Titans haven’t had that in the past two seasons when they were forced to use punter Craig Hentrich to kick off because Joe Nedney had season-ending injuries.

“We’re pleased, but you can’t afford to let up. Craig is hitting the ball well. Last week he had a 43(-yard) net, which means he’s not hitting it long but he’s hitting it high and forcing fair catches,” Fisher said.

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QUOTABLE:@ Steve McNair has run only six times for five yards this season. But asked if he’s not running as much to protect his sternum, he said not at all. “When the opportunity comes, don’t get me wrong. When I can run, I will run,” McNair said.