NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Titans linebacker David Thornton won’t hide it.
He really enjoys playing against the Indianapolis Colts, the team that chose not to keep him when he hit free agency. And he’s been making them pay twice a year playing with the Titans.
“Whenever it’s your former team, there’s a little extra energy there.” Thornton said “Maybe you play with a little more passion.”
The stakes are even higher tonight between these AFC South rivals. A win extends the best start in Titans history to 7-0 and helps Tennessee take a four-game lead in the loss column over Indianapolis (3-3), the team that has won five straight division titles.
The banged-up Colts certainly could use the three players that started careers in Indianapolis but currently are playing with Tennessee.
Thornton was the first to sign with the Titans in 2006. Cornerback Nick Harper won his Super Bowl ring with the Colts, then joined the Titans in 2007. Tennessee brought in Jake Scott to play right guard once Benji Olson retired.
“You hate to lose good players, you really do,” two-time MVP Peyton Manning said. “A lot of our good players we’ve lost through the years have gone to different places. But a number of them have gone to the Titans.”
Colts at Titans, 6:30 p.m., ESPN
