Tennessee Titans · Franchise era 3 of 8
Luv Ya Blue: the Tennessee Titans story
Franchise era
1978—1984
Luv Ya Blue
Tennessee Titans
The story in one sentence
Campbell's punishing MVP seasons packed the Astrodome and sent Houston to consecutive conference championship games against Pittsburgh.
Campbell carries Houston to two AFC title games
Earl Campbell, Dan Pastorini and Robert Brazile gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for moon and the run-and-shoot.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1978
What came before
The Oilers bottomed out before Phillips and the draft picks who would power one of the city's most beloved teams arrived.
1978-12-31
Divisional Round: Houston Oilers vs New England Patriots
1979-12-29
Divisional Round: Houston Oilers vs San Diego Chargers
1980-01-06
Conference Championship: Houston Oilers vs Pittsburgh Steelers
After 1984
What came next
Moon flourished in Houston's wide-open offense and made seven straight playoffs, but the 32-point collapse in Buffalo became the era's defining ending.
The core