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Life in the NFL
Travis LaBoy
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Celebrating an amazing comeback win -- but don't call it an upset
WHAT a huge win. If you didn't see this game against the New York Giants or the highlights on ESPN, this article will not do justice to how big our come-from-behind win was this past weekend. To go even further, if you were not there to see the game live, then me trying to describe how electric the atmosphere was at the end of that game will do no good. This was one of those games that only come along once in a blue moon. And if you missed it, you really missed out on a once-in-a-lifetime game.
For us, the game started out shaky at best. We came up with some defensive stops early, while the offense struggled a bit. But at halftime, the score was 21-0, Giants. In the NFL, a 21-point deficit at halftime usually means the end of the game for the losing team. I'm not saying it is impossible or that it has never been done before, but I can imagine that the probability of a team coming back from that kind of deficit to win is extremely low. But when that deficit is carried into the fourth quarter, the chance of victory is almost nonexistent. Now factor in an opponent like the Giants, their high-powered offense and always-tough defense, the chances of such a comeback get a little bit slimmer.
After halftime, we knew that we had a formidable task at hand. We knew that we were going to have to play lights out to pull off the win. Come the fourth quarter, we knew we had nothing to lose. Our team came alive in the fourth quarter. We started playing Titan football. Our entire team stepped in up in the last quarter. Our defense shut down New York's potent offense in the second half, holding them scoreless in the last two quarters. Our offense started to take control of the game, and our guys up front blocked their butts off to allow Vince Young time to throw, and opened up holes for both Vince and Travis Henry to run.
Our entire team played extremely well, but it was the play of our rookie quarterback and our second-year cornerback and kick returner, Pacman Jones, that highlighted our amazing come-from-behind win. With the confidence and composure of a 10-year veteran, Vince put together drives that allowed us to score 24 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.
On the other side of the ball, Pacman had two key interceptions, including one late in the fourth quarter to put our offense back on the field with great field position to seal the win with a Rob Bironas field goal. In addition, Pacman rattled off a 23-yard punt return to put Vince and the offense in position for our second score.
This game was unreal. With just over 13 minutes left, we were able to pull off what many in media are calling one of the biggest upsets of the season. I understand the nature of the come-from-behind win, but I don't consider any victory for us as being an upset. We are a very good team and believe that we can beat anyone in this league.
This week we have our second game of the season against the Colts. Last time we played, the Colts won 14-13. We are all very aware of the firepower the Colts have on both sides of the ball. They are also a better team now than they were back in October when we played them and certainly will come out firing. But we are also a better team, and a team with a bitter taste in our mouths following our last matchup. I know myself and our entire team look forward to playing the Colts this weekend. It should be another good one.
Former UH lineman Travis LaBoy is chronicling his season with the Tennessee Titans for the Star-Bulletin