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Titans 16, Colts10

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From the Associated Press

Kerry Collins spent most of the season waiting for a chance to prove he could still play. Sunday night, with a playoff spot at stake, Tennessee’s backup quarterback delivered the season’s biggest win.

He led the Titans to three second-half field goals, including a 54-yarder by Rob Bironas to retake the lead in a 16-10 win that left Tennessee celebrating and Cleveland grimacing. The Titans play next Sunday at San Diego.

The Titans (10-6) had to win to make the playoffs for the first time since 2003. A loss would have given Cleveland its first playoff berth since 2002.

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And when Peyton Manning left after two series, things looked good for the Titans. But the offense bogged down after a touchdown drive on the game’s first series. When Vince Young left in the third quarter because of a right quadriceps injury, Tennessee appeared to be in trouble.

Collins replaced Young in the middle of a 13-play, 56-yard drive that ended with Bironas’ tying 40-yard field goal. Then he moved the Titans 58 yards to set up Bironas’ go-ahead kick.

Quoteworthy: “That’s life as a backup. You never know when you’ll go in.” -- Kerry Collins, Titans quarterback

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