What Is 2000 Tennessee Titans football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2000 Tennessee Titans football team finished with a 13–3 record, won the AFC Championship, and advanced to Super Bowl XXXV, where they lost 34–7 to the Baltimore Ravens. Key players included Steve McNair, Eddie George, and Jevon Kearse.

Key Facts

The 2000 Tennessee Titans finished the regular season with a 13–3 record, best in the AFC.
They defeated the Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders in the playoffs to reach Super Bowl XXXV.
Super Bowl XXXV was played on January 28, 2001, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
The Titans lost Super Bowl XXXV 34–7 to the Baltimore Ravens, who had the NFL's top defense.
Defensive end Jevon Kearse recorded 10.5 sacks during the 2000 regular season.

Overview

The 2000 Tennessee Titans season marked one of the most successful in franchise history, culminating in an appearance in Super Bowl XXXV. Coming off their dramatic Super Bowl XXXIV loss, the team entered the season with high expectations and a strong core led by quarterback Steve McNair and running back Eddie George.

Under head coach Jeff Fisher, the Titans dominated the AFC Central division and secured the top seed in the AFC playoffs. Their defense, led by Pro Bowl linebacker Keith Bullock and sack leader Jevon Kearse, ranked among the league's best, allowing only 198 total points during the regular season.

13–3 record: The Titans posted the best record in the AFC, winning the AFC Central by four games over the second-place Baltimore Ravens.
Home dominance: They went a perfect 8–0 at home during the regular season, showcasing strong crowd support at Adelphia Coliseum in Nashville.
Steve McNair’s leadership: Quarterback Steve McNair threw for 2,404 yards and 14 touchdowns, solidifying his role as the team’s offensive leader.
Eddie George’s consistency: Running back Eddie George rushed for 1,264 yards and nine touchdowns, earning his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection.
Playoff run: The Titans defeated the Buffalo Bills 22–16 in the Divisional Round and the Oakland Raiders 27–24 in the AFC Championship Game.

How It Works

The success of the 2000 Titans stemmed from a balanced offense, a dominant defense, and effective coaching strategies. Each unit played a crucial role in their deep playoff run and Super Bowl appearance.

Run Defense: The Titans allowed only 88.3 rushing yards per game, ranking second in the NFL and stifling opponents like Terrell Davis in the playoffs.
Pass Rush: Jevon Kearse recorded 10.5 sacks during the regular season and added two more in the playoffs, pressuring quarterbacks consistently.
Third-down efficiency: Tennessee converted 41% of third downs, one of the highest rates in the league, extending drives and controlling time of possession.
Turnover margin: The team finished with a +12 turnover margin, forcing 27 turnovers while committing only 15, a key factor in close games.
Special teams: Kicker Al Del Greco made 25 of 30 field goals, including a 50-yarder, providing reliable scoring in tight contests.
Defensive coordination: Defensive coordinator Floyd Peters emphasized aggressive blitz packages, helping the Titans rank fifth in points allowed per game (18.7).

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2000 Titans stacked up against other top NFL teams of the era:

Team	Record	Points For	Points Against	Playoff Result
Tennessee Titans	13–3	333	198	Super Bowl XXXV Loss
Baltimore Ravens	12–4	306	165	Super Bowl XXXV Champions
St. Louis Rams	10–6	540	328	Lost NFC Championship
Oakland Raiders	12–4	380	288	Lost AFC Championship
Philadelphia Eagles	11–5	333	276	Lost Divisional Round

The Titans’ combination of offensive balance and defensive strength made them a top contender, but they were outmatched by the Ravens’ historically dominant defense in the Super Bowl, which limited them to just 158 total yards.

Why It Matters

The 2000 Titans season remains a high point in franchise history and a model of team cohesion and resilience. Despite falling short in the Super Bowl, the season solidified Nashville as a passionate NFL city and elevated players like McNair and George into franchise legends.

Franchise legacy: The 2000 season remains the most successful in Titans history, with the only Super Bowl appearance since moving from Houston.
Player development: Steve McNair’s dual-threat performance set the stage for his 2003 MVP season and future Hall of Fame consideration.
Defensive impact: Jevon Kearse’s performance helped define the era’s pass-rushing culture, influencing draft strategies league-wide.
City pride: The run boosted Nashville’s sports profile and increased attendance and merchandise sales for years.
Coaching influence: Jeff Fisher’s leadership earned him NFL Coach of the Year consideration and extended his tenure through 2010.
Historical context: The loss highlighted the importance of defensive strength, as the Ravens’ unit became a blueprint for future champions.

The 2000 Titans may not have won the ultimate prize, but their season remains a benchmark for excellence in franchise history and a testament to balanced team performance in the modern NFL era.