Neal returning to scene of the 'miracle'

By: MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | Friday, December 7, 2007 12:08 AM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- At first, Lorenzo Neal wanted nothing to do with talking about a return to Tennessee.

"It's been seven years since I left there," Neal said Thursday of the place the Chargers and Titans will meet Sunday.

But it doesn't take the Chargers' fullback long to perk up when it's mentioned that he was on the Titans' lone Super Bowl squad and part of the most famous play in franchise history.

It's hard not to hum a happy tune when you initiated what's known as the "Music City Miracle," a play that began an amazing postseason run that didn't end until the Titans lost to the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV.

"It went down pretty much as it was drawn up," Neal said of the famous play.

No diehard Titans fan will ever forget what occurred on Jan. 8, 2000. Tennessee trailed by a point with 16 seconds left when Neal fielded the kickoff in the AFC wild-card game against Buffalo. He handed the ball off to teammate Frank Wycheck, who chucked the lateral pass that Kevin Dyson returned 75 yards down the left sideline for the winning touchdown.

Tennessee followed that incredible win over the Bills by winning road games against Indianapolis and Jacksonville to reach the Super Bowl.

"That was great," said Neal, who played with Tennessee in 1999 and 2000. "It is an honor and an accomplishment. I was happy to play there. I played with a great team, but those guys aren't there anymore.

"I have some great memories and being part of a play that will go down in history as one of the top plays. So yeah, that is always great. But as far as me remembering anything else besides that, no, not all."

The Haynesworth factor

The Chargers will pay a lot of attention to limiting disruptions by Tennessee defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.

Despite missing three games with a hamstring injury, the 320-pound Haynesworth has five sacks and 61 tackles, including five tackles for losses on running plays.

When Haynesworth was healthy over the first eight games, no Titans' opponent accumulated 100 yards rushing, and three teams (New Orleans, Tampa Bay and Houston) were held to below 40 yards on the ground.

When he was sidelined for three consecutive games in November, opponents found it much easier to run on the Titans. Jacksonville and Denver each gained 166 yards on the ground, and Cincinnati rushed for 148.

"I don't think there's any question they're a different team," Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson said of Haynesworth's presence. "He demands so much attention. A lot of times, that extra attention he demands will allow somebody else to be free and unblocked and make plays for them.

"It definitely is a big advantage for them when he plays."

Haynesworth hasn't practiced this week to guard against re-injuring the hamstring before Sunday's game.

Taking notice

Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher is among those highly impressed by the play of Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who leads the NFL with eight interceptions.

"All you have to do is look at the numbers," Fisher said. "When you've got a guy that's got eight interceptions at this point in the year, he's making plays on the ball.

"Then you do a closer study and he's got great ball skills, change of direction and long arms. He's a very, very productive player."

Et cetera

OLB Shawne Merriman (calf) missed Thursday's practice, but coach Norv Turner wasn't concerned. "It's a little bit tender," said Turner, who added that he expects Merriman to practice today. ... RB Darren Sproles (knee) and DE Luis Castillo (ankle) also missed practice. ... DE Jacques Cesaire (thumb) and C Nick Hardwick (foot) returned to practice after sitting out Wednesday's workout.

Contact staff writer Mike Sullivan at (760) 739-6645 or msullivan@nctimes.com.