MNF New Experience for Super Bowl Teams
N A S H V I L L E, Tenn., Aug. 14 -- The St. Louis Rams and Tennessee Titans experienced the brightest lights possible during the Super Bowl last January.
But playing tonight is different.
When the teams hit the field at Adelphia Coliseum tonight for an exhibition rematch of one of the most exciting SuperBowls ever, it will be the first such appearance in years foreither franchise and the first since both teams switched cities.
“This is a new experience for everybody,” Titans coach JeffFisher said. “It’s a good warmup for the regular season. They’ll get a feel for the emotions and electricity and all those kinds ofthings that take place tonight.”
Rematch Downplayed
The Titans were still the Houston Oilers when Fisher coached hisfirst game as an interim coach in November 1994 only to lose to theNew York Giants. The Rams also lost, to the San Francisco 49ers, in1991 while still in California.
The exhibition also will provide a dry run for both teams sinceTennessee has three Monday night appearances scheduled this year,compared to two for St. Louis.
“And there’s no better team to kick it off against than theRams,” Titans safety Marcus Robertson said.
St. Louis coach Mike Martz downplayed the rematch.
“This is another preseason game. It’s two really good footballteams. That’s the point. Last year has nothing to do with thisright now,” he said.
Not everyone agrees. Neil O’Donnell, the Titans backupquarterback, played on Monday night three times during his lastseason with Pittsburgh in 1995.
“Once the lights come on and the cameras, there’s not a betterplace to be than out there on Monday night,” O’Donnell said.
Players Grew Up Watching MNF
Titans tackle John Thornton grew up in Philadelphia watchingfootball on Monday nights. The defensive tackle will have lots ofrelatives in the stadium with other friends watching on television.
