The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee • Page 31

6C Saturday, August 10, 2008 THE TENNESSEAN wwwtenneiaean.com C2 SPORTS: NFL Inside Rams at Titans Kickoffi7p.m. 7YWKRN-2. Radio: WKDF 1 03.3-FM and Titans TOamiss Animosity with Rams dates back to Super Bowl Bledsoe impressive in Buffalo debut i Radio Network affiliates. L-VO J) at 4 p.m. Tickets: bora out Last meeting: Titans 23, Rams 10 P001 preseason game in St Louis).

Titans update: The sonville Jaguars. Vlck was solid in his first outing as the No. 1 quarterback. He was 7-of-1 2 for 58 yards and guided the Falcons to two field goals in the first half. Quincy Carter directed the Dallas Cowboys to scores on their first three possessions, and they spoiled the coaching debut of Bill Callahan with a 20-6 victory over the Oakland Raiders.

Carter, who started eight games in an injury-plagued rookie season last year, had a promising debut in new offensive coordinator Bruce Coslet's West Coast-style offense. He played the entire first half, completing 10 of 13 passes for 96 yards and one touchdown and also rushing twice for 24 yards. Will Demps ruined Joey Harrington's debut by returning an interception 1 8 yards for a touchdown with 1 :55 left, giving the Baltimore Ravens a 12-6 victory over the Detroit Lions. ASSOCIATED PRESS That wasnt Rob Johnson wearing No. 1 1 for the Buffalo Bills, and those weren't boos coming from the stands last night.

Greeted by elongated chants of his first name, Drew Bledsoe quickly established himself in his Bills' preseason debut, a 24-1 7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. In a little more than a quarter, Bledsoe went 9-of-1 1 for 136 yards, threw two touchdowns and was intercepted. It was an effort that began erasing the dreadful memories of his predecessor, Johnson, who was released in February and is now in Tampa Bay. Unlike Johnson, who earned a reputation for being hesitant in the pocket, Bledsoe was unfazed by the two sacks -the first on the opening play from scrimmage he endured, or the interception a lazy pass picked off by Jeff Bum's. Both times, Bledsoe bounced back to produce scoring drives.

Acquired in a trade last April, Bledsoe admitted to some pre- "Pe Rams do a lot of trash-talking during the games, so I don't think they care for us too much. We don't really like them either, so it doesn't matter to us." Henry Ford, Titans defensive tackle passes on 11 of the first 12 snaps. This week, Fisher said there's no bad blood between himself and Martz despite all the preseason pyrotechnics between the two teams. "Mike and I are good friends," Fisher said. "There's no problem there.

He has a good football team. If kind of funny because he said we were using all of these exotic defenses last year. I think he motioned the back and threw 11 out of the first 12 times. Our objective in the game was to try and get them to punt We had to do some things differently. "But you can't pick a better team to open up the preseason against.

We're looking forward to Mike and his guys coming in. Anytime you play the Rams, you have to be at your best" And some new twists could be added to the rivalry tonight. While he was with the 49ers last year, Titans safety Lance Schulters accused Rams receivers of being afraid to catch the football in the middle of the field. And this offseason, running back Robert Hol-combe became the third former Ram to sign with the Titans, joining Miller and Kevin Carter, whose exodus from St Louis after the 2000 season wasn't pretty. "We are trying to get where they have already beea" Titans defensive tackle Henry Ford said.

"They do a lot of trash-talking during the games, so I don't think they care for us too much. We don't really like them either, so it doesn't matter to us." Jim Wyatt covets the Titans tor The Tennessean. He can be reached at 259-801 5 or jlmwyattl 1 1 hotmail.com can recognize when somebody's serious. So if it gets to that point, we'll adjust." Since tonight's game is the first preseason contest for both teams, the backups will probably be the ones left slugging it out for old times' sake: July 2000: During practices and a scrimmage at Rams training camp in Macomb, I1L, Rams officials were upset when running back Trung Canidate was knocked out of action on a tackle by Titans defensive back George McCul-lough. The two teams had previously agreed that players wouldn't be tackled to the ground.

A Rams receiver and Titans defensive back also fought, and Rams Coach Mike Martz threw his player out of the practice. August 2000: The Titans beat the Rams 30-3 in Nashville in a preseason game televised on Monday Nght Football Before the game, the Rams jumped on the Titans logo at midfield. After the game, the Rams accused the Titans of game-planning and taking the game way too seriously. "The Tennessee team was real excited about playing this game," Martz said. "We didn't spend enough time preparing for them.

But it's a mistake I can live with because it's a preseason game and it doesn't count" Even the St Louis media took exception to Tennessee's aggressive stance. A St Louis Post-Dispatch columnist wrote: "The Titans were so thorough in plotting this triumph that it's surprising that head coach Jeff Fisher didn't hatch a plan to snatch the Rams' Super Bowl rings while the St. Louis players were showering." August 2001: The Titans beat the Rams 23-10 in St Louis, and the two sides bickered during and after the game. Tennessee was flagged for five personal fouls, and the Rams questioned a fake punt call by the Titans Martz said he was "shocked" and accused them of using "exotic" blitzing. The Titans said they had no choice but to step it up because the Rams threw Season-ending surgery scheduled for Sehifino slant AP Drew Bledsoe took the field for Buffalo for the first time as the Bills faced Cincinnati.

game jitters. "I was a little nervous, a little anxious, and was just real excited to get out there and get it done," Bledsoe said. "Hopefully, we can build on it." In other preseason games: Michael Vlck led two scoring drives, first-round draft pick T.J. Duckett got off to promising start, and the Atlanta Falcons opened the preseason with a 23-1 3 victory over the Jack that I would get healed and be right back. I never thought it would be something like this." The' 6-foot-L 196-pound Sehifino, who was a three-year starter at Akron, was one of the Titans' top six receivers.

His injury improves the chances for Chris Coleman or rookie Darrell Hill, a seventh-round draft pick, to make the 53-man roster. Moving up; Safety Tony George got some attention by crashing into his teammates at the begin ning of training camp. Then he turned a few more heads when he crashed into the Dolphins last week and went nose-to-nose with 6-4, T.GEORGE 310-pound Miami tackle Marcus Spriggs. All that crashing got him some work with the starting defense. He's been splitting time with Aric Morris this week at strong safety.

Morris will probably start tonight against the Rams, but Fisher said George will probably start Thursday night against the Raiders. "He's earned that right," Fisher said. Rookie Tank Williams is also in the mix at strong safety, but he has not practiced since pulling a hamstring on the third day of camp. Williams is running but is probably still two weeks from appearing in a game. starters are expected to play about a quarter.

When Steve McNair leaves the game, No. 3 QB Billy Vblek should get a good deal of work because backup Neil O'Donnell isn't expected to play because of shoulder tendonitis. DT Henry Ford (ankle) and LB Peter Sirmon (illness) are questionable, while CB Samari Rolle (ankle), Tank Williams (hamstring), DT Albert Haynesworth (ankle) and DT Kris Kocurek (shoulder) are out. Jeff Fisher wants to see His team once again setting the tone in a preseason game against the Rams. The Titans have won the last two preseason meetings with St.

Louis and played with intensity in both. But he also wants to see discipline one of the primary goals this season is to cut back on penalties. Keep an eye on: Eddie George, who had only 11 carries all preseason last year. He should get some quality work time tonight. Rams update: Running back Marshall Faulk, receiver Ricky Proehl and safety Aeneas Williams will not play.

QB Kurt Warner will see very little action, maybe a series or two at the most The Rams are especially thin at defensive tackle, with four players injured. Titans chatter. "We approach every game with a serious attitude, whether it is the preseason or regular-season game. It's live, you are out there tackling and everything, so you cant go out there half-hearted or you'll get hurt You just cant turn it on and off." safety Aric Morris. Rams chatter: "I think it'll be great for the younger guys that's coming in to see what it's like to play in a National Football League game.

And Tennessee does a great job. Their fans do a great job. The stadium is just animated. It's just out of control. Which is hilarious to me because I love it.

So I'm looking forward to the pregame show, as well as the game. I wish I could stay out there for halftime, as well as the postgame show." receiver Torry Holt. Fan festivities: Chalee Tennison will sing the national anthem. At halftime, 280 members of Jazzercise from around the state of Tennessee are scheduled to perform. Fans will receive a team calendar.

Fan reminders: Containers, bags, backpacks and purses larger than 8V2 1 1 inches are rjrohibited. Anyone entering the Coliseum and any items they may carry are subject to inspection. Ticket holders refusing search may be denied admittance. Still cameras and binoculars are allowed. Video cameras, coolers, ice chests, cans, bottles, weapons, fireworks, strollers, umbrellas, banners, or any type of noisemak-ers are not.

Titans training camp Titans training camp practices at Baptist Sports Park (460 Great Circle Rd. in MetrpCenter) are open to the public. Practices will resume Monday. For more information call 565-4190. Calendar Thursday: Preseason game vs.

Oakland Raiders at the Coliseum, 7 p.m. Aug. 21: Camp breaks. I bniBenunb 'Kitchen Stools I M00 II I GamtfeMa I II Pub Sett I I Julmboxa I Football I George played for the Patriots in 1999 and 2000, but they released him during training camp last year. He then was signed and released by the Panthers last August The former Florida Gator was out of football last year, then signed with the Titans in February.

Injuries: Quarterback Neil O'Donnell (shoulder) and defensive tackle Henry Ford (ankle) were held out of yesterday's practice. O'Donnell is not expected to play tonight but Fisher said he hopes Ford will be available. Cornerback Samari Rolle, safety Tank Williams (hamstring), defensive tackle Albeit Haynesworth (ankle) and defensive tackle Kris Kocurek (shoulder) did not practice. Simon returns: Linebacker Peter Sirmon, who spent two nights in the hospital with a flu-like toms. was back on the practice field yesterday.

His participation was limited but Fisher said SIRMON Sirmon has a "good chance" to play tonight Rest day: Running back Eddie George was held out of the morning workout yesterday because of a little soreness in his left knee. He is expected to play about a quarter tonight PCL glance AMERICAN CONFERENCE CwitralDivWon Pet oa 2 3 21 06 ft 1 3 QB Salt Lake (Angels) 67 Omaha(Roys) 65 53 i6 55 .542 56 .533 74 ,383 Pd 68 Bwa(UJM) 64 Cd. Springs (Rockies) 46 Eastern DMatofl Oklahoma (Rangers) Memphis (Cardinals) 57 .513 59 .508 61 .487 New Orleans (Astros) 61 Nashvie (Pirates) 58 PACIFIC CONFERENCE SouttiDrvWon Las fegas (Dodgers) 70 Tucson (Dmondbacks) 58 SaCTamemo (Athletes) 52 Pet 48 .588 60 .463 12Vt 67 .437 18 73 .392 231 Pet 08 49 .581 Fresno (Giants) 47 68 60 57 56 Western DMslon ErJmonton (Twins) Portland (Padres) Tacoma (Manners) Calgary (Marine) 59 .504 60 .487 59 .487 9 11 11 REDBIROS SOUNDS 5 (GAME 1) NasnvWe so Browncf 3 Rdmnvehrf 4 Lopez3br2b Pmchettlb 4 Romeroc 3 Grtbert2b 1 Torreep 3 Dougherty 0 SecnstrWO 3 dels Rosa as 2 Guerrierp 0 Grdaphfcb 3 Redman If 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 4i Meyers Ifrl 3 Taguchlcl 1 Delgadoss 3 NunaWyrfd 4 Frank 1Mf 2 RiggsSb 4 Moms 2b 0 Cruz 1b 4 Davisc 0 Rumtaldo 3 Molinap 0 Nicholson as 0 Ciapp2b 4 WeUp 0 Stemlep 2 JacomepO 0 Newson ph 1 Ncklep 0 McDonald 0 Totals 31 1 3 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ToWa 32 I 3 NaehvWe 000 011 031 000 100 22x 8 1 2 Ml 2 NAfHVlLLE DlLLlADD Your Home Game Room Source 927 8th Avenue South 615-254-7882 www.nwhvillebillianl.com By JEFF LEGW0LD Staff Writer Rookie wide receiver Jake Sehifino will have surgery next week to repair a torn hamstring and is out for the season, Titans officials said yesterday. He suffered the injury last Friday, the first day of workouts against the Dolphins, had not SCHIFINO practiced since and an MRI confirmed the muscle was torn away from the bone. The fifth-round pick was a strong candidate to make the final roster.

"It is the most serious injury of that type he could possibly have," Coach Jeff Fisher said It's unfortunate because there was no question that he was off and running." Sehifino will be placed on injured reserve, meaning he can't play this seasoa "That's not what I was hoping to hear, but I'll just get it done and start the rehab and come back with the same speed I have now," Sehifino said. "It's still kind of a shock." Originally the Titans were going to wait a couple weeks and give Sehifino another MRI to see if the injury was beginning to heal "I thought when I did it, it would be just like any muscle pull" Sehifino said. "I thought IMu.li i rvTl rl BMWZ3 bm miM.com UHhaita 1 1-S00-33M8MW Driving MacMna it aRedbirds6-2y Sounds 5-3 Next game: Today, at Memphis When: 6 p.m. FIRST GAME Losing pitcher Jim Dougherty (2-9). Big stick: Mendy Lopez, 1-for-5, 3-run HR.

How the Sounds tost Former Sound Ivan Cruz hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth innirig to give the a 6-5 lead. The Sounds played the game under protest, as Memphis used a pinch-hitter, Warren Newson, who was not listed on the lineup card. Newson hit a two-run double. What they said: "They had no lefties on their card. All of a sudden, they have a lefty who gets a big hit.

If the league decides it's fair and wont uphold the protest, fine." Manager Marty Brown. SECOND GAME Winning pitcher: Scott Service (4-2). Big stick: Lopez, 2-for-3, 3 RBI, 2-run HR to tie game In 7th, RBI single in 9th. How the Sounds wort Lopez hit a 1 -2 pitch in the top of the seventh to tie the game, and singled in Curtis Pride in the ninth with the winning run What they said: "It's nice to see Mendy come out of his shell a little bit and do the things he did in the first half of the season. He swung the bat real good tonight." Manager Marty Brown.

Todays game: at Memphis, 6:05 p.m. Sounds RHP Matt Guerrler (4-1 1 5.25) vs. Memphis RHP Travis Smith (3-4, 1.72). PCL schedule TTxnday's results Edmonton 8, Calgary 2 Sacramento 6, towa 1 Omaha 5. Las Vbgas 0 Colorado Springs 9, Memphis 8 Nashvie 13, Salt Lake 1 Portland 4, New Orleans 2 Fresno 4, Oklahoma 3 Tacoma 4, Tucson 3 Vtteidayt results Memphis 6, Nashvie 5, oomp.

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