Oilers Are Pick-Off Artists

The Tennessee Oiler defense ended its interception drought at Gus Frerotte’s expense.

The Oilers, who were the only team in the NFL without an interception this season, picked off three of Frerotte’s passes and Eddie George ran for two touchdowns and 125 yards as they defeated the Washington Redskins, 28-14, Sunday.

“We said . . . when they come, they come in bundles,” said Marcus Robertson, who got the first Oiler interception in the third quarter. “Today just happened to turn out that way.”

Coach Jeff Fisher said he hopes the monkey is finally off the Oilers’ backs.

“It’s a difference in the ball game because it has been a long time since our offense took the ball in plus territory as the result of an interception and we got points off of it,” Fisher said.

Frerotte knelt on the sideline with a towel over his head after the final interception. He came into the game well aware that the Oilers were overdue for their first pick.

“Somebody jinxed me and asked me that question this week,” Frerotte said.

Tennessee (3-4) won its second consecutive game before its biggest home crowd this season as 31,042 half-filled the Liberty Bowl. The previous high of 30,171 came on opening day.

The Oilers might have won some fans in their new state as they never trailed against the Redskins (4-3). Even though half the fans were wearing Redskins burgundy, most were standing and cheering “Eddie, Eddie” at the end.

“When we got up 21-nothing, it was a great feeling for us,” Steve McNair said. “It was a great feeling that the crowd stayed in it for the whole game from start to finish.”

George scored on runs of 3 and 6 yards and had his fifth 100-yard game this season as he carried 31 times.