Titans have two prime time games

The Tennessee Titans' 2012 schedule is marked by two prime time games and a challenging start that begins with the New England Patriots on Sept. 9.

Tennessee is at home on Oct. 11 for a Thursday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the team's first home prime time game since Dec. 9, 2010 against the Indianapolis Colts.

A visit from Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers isn't the only night-time affair for the Titans, who will also host the New York Jets on Monday Night Football at LP Field on Dec. 17. Who knows what will be in store for the Jets by that time with their quarterback situation of Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow.

Perhaps the strongest part of the schedule is the opening month, with the Titans facing three 2011 playoff teams in the first month of the season.
The home game on Sept. 9 is followed by a road trip to San Diego on Sept. 16, a team the franchise has not beaten since 1992, losing eight straight games.

Next up will be former Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and the greatly improved Detroit Lions on Sept. 23, followed by a trip to Houston with the AFC South champ Texans on Sept. 30.

“It is obviously exciting to open the season at home against a quality opponent in New England,” said head coach Mike Munchak. “They have been one of the best teams in the league for a number of years and the game will be a great test for us.

“What stands out to me is the two home primetime games. We didn’t have any last year and those are fun for our fans and an opportunity to showcase our team.”

The Titans are back on the road in October to face the Vikings on Oct. 7, with the Steelers four days later on Thursday Night Football. After that, the Titans get a long weekend, and travel to Buffalo on Oct. 21 and a home
game with the Colts on Oct. 28.

The season's final two months begin with a Nov. 4 date at home with the Chicago Bears, a trip to Miami to face the Dolphins on Nov. 11. The bye week comes Nov. 18 with a trip to Jacksonville the next week on Nov. 25.

In the final month of the season, the Titans have their home rematch with the Texans on Dec. 2, then a trip to Indianapolis on Dec. 9. The Monday night game against the Jets is next on the 17th, followed by a road game at Green Bay on Dec. 23 and the regular-season finale on Dec. 30 with the Jaguars.