Twenty interceptions Grossman, on the other hand, struggled to prevent turnovers, throwing 20 interceptions and losing five fumbles during the season. He turned the ball over 18 times in the final seven games of the season. Grossman's inability to protect the football led to Tennessee being penalized 117 times during the season, second only to New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (118) who was penalized frequently while playing for the same team. The Titans were also called for 12 penalties per game, most in the NFL. The number of flags thrown during Tennessee's games increased from 77 in 2007 to 99 in 2008, as officials became more aggressive against the Titans for illegal contact practices that occurred throughout the week leading up to the Super Bowl. Grossman's poor play at quarterback cost the Titans a chance at winning the Super Bowl. Despite having the best record in the NFL, they lost 23-17 to Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship Game. Chris Johnson was held to just 51 yards rushing on 22 attempts by the Steelers defense. Mike Shanahan, who was serving as a senior advisor to Titans' owner Bud Adams during the playoffs, said after the game that he believed if Grossman had been able to stay healthy all year long, his presence in the lineup would have helped the Titans reach the Super Bowl.