University of North Carolina Athletics
Playoff Push For Thornton, Other Tar Heels
December 30, 2007 | Football
Dec. 30, 2007
The Titans signed linebacker David Thornton last March to help upgrade the defense and serve as a veteran leader. Little did Thornton know he'd also be called upon time and again to serve as reference for his former teammates in Indianapolis.
Thornton, Tennessee's leading tackler, has been an important resource for the Titans this week as they prepare for tonight's nationally televised showdown against the Colts. The stakes are simple--the Titans must win if they want to make the playoffs--and Thornton has been quizzed often about Indianapolis personnel and schemes.
He'll be seeing familiar faces across the line of scrimmage in more ways than one--former Tar Heel Jeff Saturday will, as usual, line up at center for the Colts (Victor Worsley is on injured reserve with Indy). Other Tar Heels who have already clinched a playoff spot include Jeff Reed and Greg Warren with the Steelers (Willie Parker is on injured reserve), an injured Gerald Sensabaugh with the Jaguars, Greg Ellis with the Cowboys, Ryan Sims with the Bucs, and Russell Davis and Madison Hedgecock with the Giants. Ethan Albright and the Redskins find themselves in a Thornton-like situation--if they win today, they're in the playoffs. Otherwise, Brian Simmons and the Saints have a chance to sneak into the playoff picture.
