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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, December 21, 2009

Titans blow lead, escape in OT, 27-24


Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Rob Bironas kicked a 46-yard field goal in overtime, and the Titans won after blowing an 18-point lead.

Tennessee kept alive faint playoff hopes for another week.

"I was just glad we won," Tennessee tight end Alge Crumpler said. "I was a little peeved at the way it had to go down. But, hey look, we're still breathing baby."

Vince Young threw for a career-high three touchdowns and Chris Johnson ran for 104 yards as the Titans (7-7) reached .500 for the first time this year. But they made it far too interesting by blowing the big lead.

The Dolphins (7-7) also viewed this as an elimination game for their own playoff hopes. They trailed 24-6 in the third quarter before rallying, tying it 24-24 on Ricky Williams' 2-point conversion run with 1:34 left.

Miami won the toss and got the ball first in overtime. But Michael Griffin picked off Chad Henne's pass, and Bironas kicked the winner four plays later.

"Hey, look, we've got two games left," Miami coach Tony Sparano said. "We're going to work our tail off and win the two games. We've got to focus on Houston and let the other stuff work out. I really don't know where we are right now."

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