Fallen Rival: How Steve McNair Will be Remembered in Jacksonville

The stunning death of Steve McNair is sure to send shockwaves through the NFL and the nation this weekend. McNair, 36, was one of the best quarterbacks of this decade and remains the most marquee player for the Tennessee Titans franchise since the move from Houston to the Volunteer State. As far as Jacksonville Jaguars fans go, McNair was a huge rival during the heyday of the Jacksonville-Tennessee rivalry a decade ago. He was surely booed but definitely respected. The 2003 NFL MVP played in 16 career games against Jacksonville, tied with Pittsburgh for the most of any opponent other than Cincinnati. He went 9-7 against the Jaguars in the regular season. Though he was sacked a career-most 29 times by the Jags defense, he rebounded to throw 20 touchdowns versus 13 interceptions with a 62.6 completion percentage. McNair lost his first four games against Jacksonville from 1996 to 1998, but he did record his first 300-yard passing game against the rival on Dec. 8, 1996. In 1999, the Titans ... (link)