1997 AFC Central Battle vs Colts

Lore & Background

The rivalry began in 1995 when the Houston Oilers defeated the expansion Jaguars 10–3. It intensified during the 1999–2000 postseason when the Titans defeated the Jaguars 33–14 in the AFC Championship Game. The Titans then lost to the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV. In 2002, both teams were placed in the newly created AFC South, becoming divisional rivals and meeting twice annually.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the RCA Dome was thick with humidity and anticipation as the clock ticked down on a crucial fourth-quarter drive. The Jaguars' defense, led by a relentless front seven, had held the Colts to a field goal all day, but now Peyton Manning was orchestrating a final push. In Jacksonville's colors, Fred Taylor surged through a gap, his cleats digging into the turf as he broke away for a massive gain that seemed to silence the home crowd. The roar of the visiting fans mixed with the groans of the locals, creating a chaotic symphony of sound. It was these moments—where the fate of the division hung in the balance—that defined the soul of this rivalry.

Reader's Guide

The Jaguars have played most of their home games at what was originally called Jacksonville Municipal Stadium (now named EverBank Stadium) on the site of the original Gator Bowl stadium. The Titans play at Nissan Stadium (formerly Adelphia Coliseum). Key players include Mark Brunell, Steve McNair, David Garrard, Vince Young, Maurice Jones-Drew, and Chris Johnson.

Did You Know?

• The Jaguars' first regular season game was a 10–3 loss to the Houston Oilers on September 3, 1995.
• The Titans won the only playoff meeting between the teams, 33–14, in the 1999 AFC Championship Game.
• Both teams joined the AFC South in 2002 after NFL realignment.
• The Jaguars finished 14–2 in 1999, with both losses coming against the Titans.