Titan fans catch ‘Pacman Fever’
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The chorus of boos that once hounded the Titans’ flamboyant cornerback-kick returner every time he touched the ball have been replaced by wild cheers.
His teammates used to stumble to provide explanations about his behavior. Now they rush to give him high-fives. And for good reason.
Pacman’s 52-yard punt return for a touchdown was the only time the Titans reached the end zone during what coach Jeff Fisher called an “ugly” 13-10 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday.
For a team struggling to find playmakers, Pacman is Tennessee’s most explosive man on the field. He gives fans a reason to watch a team that likes to throw a 4-yard pass on third-and-8.
“He thinks he can score every time he touches the ball,” said Fisher. “I think it’s obvious he has the skills.”
Pacman had a punt return touchdown against the Raiders called back because of a penalty. He found out about the penalty flag after he completed his signature celebration of sliding down the goalpost.
“Oh it felt real good, finally getting in there and to see no flags,” said Pacman, who reared back to throw the ball into the stands before changing his mind. “I was going to throw it, but the net was there. I looked up and I saw the net, so I thought I better keep this ball for coach Fisher, so I turned around and decided to keep it.”
When asked if he was surprised on getting the touchdown ball from Pacman, Fisher said he didn’t want to answer that question. But Pacman didn’t shy away from giving his reasons.
“Coach has been with me through my ups and downs when I was getting booed and all that, so I have a great deal of respect for coach Fisher,” said Pacman. “Coach Fisher and I have a great bond, so I think he deserved it, because more of the pressure goes on him than on me for the things I’ve gone through.”
The fans have bonded with Pacman too. On a team with quarterback Steve McNair and linebacker Keith Bulluck, there were at least four Pacman signs Sunday at The Coliseum. One said, “Nashville loves Pacman.” Another had the yellow video game figure chasing two ghosts.
Pacman’s emergence as the team’s star comes as the Titans are struggling offensively ? especially at wide receiver. Against Houston, the Titan receivers combined for four catches for 35 yards. Running backs and tight ends made 14 receptions for 173 yards.
The Titans haven’t scored an offensive touchdown in two games. Right now, Pacman appears their best bet.
“He’s very competitive and has improved week by week outside the cornerback position,” said Fisher. “He wants to be the best returner in the league.”
Pacman continues to improve at a stage in the season where it’s common for rookies to wear down. The 16-game NFL schedule is more grueling than the 11 or 12 games played in college.
“Anybody who loves competing can’t tell you they hit a lapse in the 12th game because their body was tired,” said Pacman. “If you compete, you’re going to compete all the time. I’m really just now having fun.”
An undercurrent of the game was that the 1-12 Texans wanted to lose to solidify the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft. That’s a statement the Texans say is absurd.
“I would say come out on the field and stand up against our players and make that statement,” said Texan owner Bob McNair. “The guys are playing so hard I would say it is ridiculous for them to suggest that. I wouldn’t suggest that to them. I value my health too much.”
Added quarterback David Carr, “It is unbelievable someone would go out as a professional and even think about something happening like that.”