Titans hang on to beat Commanders, 21-17: Everything we know
For the third straight week the Tennessee Titans found themselves in a close battle with an opponent, and for the third straight week head coach Mike Vrabel’s squad narrowly pulled out the victory.
This game was close throughout, as the Titans staked themselves to a 14-10 halftime lead over the Washington Commanders, but that was just the beginning of the “fun.”
After falling behind 17-14 in the third quarter, the Titans did something they hadn’t done in the second half of the previous three games: they scored points!
A 61-yard reception by Nick Westbrook-Ikhine helped setup Tennessee’s final scoring drive of the game that proved to be the game-winner, but as is normally the case, Tennessee wrapping this one up didn’t come easy.
The Commanders drove all the way down to the Titans’ two-yard line on the team’s final drive of the game, only to be thwarted by a David Long interception to seal the deal.
Let’s dive a bit deeper into the specifics of Tennessee’s Week 5 win.
Final score: Titans 21, Commanders 17
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
TEN | 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 21 |
WAS | 3 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
It was over when...
AP Photo/Mark Zaleski
Titans linebacker David Long came up with a huge interception with the Commanders at the two-yard line and down four with just seconds remaining. It was Long’s third career interception, and perhaps his biggest.
Injuries
AP Photo/Mark Zaleski
-DL Jeffery Simmons (ankle): Simmons was getting his ankle checked out in the first half but he returned to the game.
-DL Denico Autry (back): Autry suffered the injury in the third quarter and was listed as questionable. He did return.
-CB Kristian Fulton (undisclosed): We didn’t get the exact injury but Fulton returned to the game.
Titans' top performers
–RB Derrick Henry: 28 carries, 102 yards, 2 TDs; 2 catches, 30 yards
-WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine: 2 catches, 72 yards
–DL Jeffery Simmons: 5 tackles (one for loss), 1.5 sacks, 3 QB hits, 1 PD
-LB David Long: 11 tackles, 1 PD, 1 INT
Instant analysis: Offense and special teams
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
-With Nate Davis ruled out, Dillon Radunz got the start at right guard.
-The Titans actually scored points in the second half, something they hadn’t done since Week 1. It was only seven, but baby steps…
-Tennessee’s offensive line was no match for Washington’s front in pass protection, especially on the left side where Dennis Daley got worked by Montez Sweat regularly. Ryan Tannehill was constantly under pressure and took 13 QB hits and five sacks, so it was impressive he even threw for the 181 yards he did. Thankfully, Tennessee’s offensive line was better in run-blocking. Tannehill was fine overall when he had time to throw.
-Derrick Henry carried Tennessee’s offense in the first half but his contributions also involved some passing game work once again, as he finished with two catches for 30 yards, including a 24-yard reception. Henry broke the century mark for the second straight game, scored a pair of touchdowns, and looked fantastic physically.
-Nick Westbrook-Ikhine’s 61-yard reception in the third quarter was massive, as it set the Titans up for their first second-half points since Week 1 and gave them back the lead. It also proved to be the game-winner. NWI had two catches for 72 yards in total to lead the team.
-As if the Titans’ offense didn’t have enough issues, the unit also committed some critical penalties throughout to set the offense back on multiple drives. In all, Tennessee had eight penalties for 69 yards.
-Ryan Stonehouse once again nailed some booming punts to help the Titans flip the field, but we expect nothing less at this point. The rookie has proven to be a real weapon, which is especially noticeable with Tennessee’s offense continuing to struggle.
-The Titans were 3-for-3 in the red zone and are now 12-for-13 in the red zone this season. The problem hasn’t been converting in the red zone, but rather getting there in the first place.
-The Titans were a lackluster 4-for-14 on third downs but did convert their lone fourth-down attempt.
Instant analysis: Defense
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-With the Commanders on the two-yard line and trying to win the game with just seconds left, David Long came up with a huge pick to seal the win in what was another example of this defense’s ability to come up with clutch goal-line stops.
-Tennessee’s secondary fell victim to big plays once again, including a pair of long touchdown passes, one of which went for 75 yards after Caleb Farley got torched by Dyami Brown. The secondary should be fine if it can just limit the big plays, but the unit also needs Elijah Molden back badly.
-Wentz threw for over 350 yards, making it the first time in franchise history the Titans have allowed 300 yards through the air in three straight games.
-The pass-rush didn’t do as well as we expected considering the issues the Commanders have had upfront this season but the group came up with some big sacks in key moments. Simmons had 1.5, Autry had one and Sam Okuayinonu accounted for the other half of one of Simmons’ sacks.
-Jeffery Simmons was EVERYWHERE in this game. In the first half, he ran 25 yards down the field to make a tackle, and on the next play chased down Carson Wentz to the sideline, notching a sack. Big Jeff also added a pass break-up and another half a sack. The man is a freak, plain and simple.
-While Tennessee’s defense once again showed its warts in the secondary, the unit didn’t break and was impressive overall. Also bear in mind, this defense is missing several key players and is still playing at a high level. I’d still like to see more from the offense to take some pressure off, though, as the defense has too much on its shoulders week in and week out.
-Tennessee’s run defense was excellent, allowing just 43 yards on 17 carries (2.2 yards per carry).
-The Commanders didn’t convert in their lone trip to the red zone and were a dreadful 1-13 on third downs. Outside of those two big plays, the Commanders couldn’t do much.
What's next?
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With the win and the Jaguars’ (2-3) loss, the Titans (3-2) are now in sole possession of first place going into their bye. Following the Week 6 rest, Tennessee will return to action in Week 7 at home against the Indianapolis Colts in what will be another pivotal divisional matchup.
