The Tennessee Titans were in Indianapolis to take on the Colts in a crucial AFC South game on Sunday, with the winner trying to keep pace with the division-leading Texans.
The Titans’ offense got the ball first. On their first play from scrimmage, Derrick Henry fumbled after picking up nine yards and the Colts recovered. Six plays later, quarterback Jacoby Brissett hit tight end Jack Doyle for a 21-yard touchdown. Colts 7-0
JACK DOYLE. ALL ALONE. #ProBowlVote | #TENvsIND pic.twitter.com/I9isCcVL3W
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 1, 2019
The Titans responded with an 11-play, 75-yard drive, ending with Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill finding Adam Humphries for a 13-yard touchdown. Tied 7-7
THE EFFORT! @adamhumphries13 | #TENvsIND pic.twitter.com/B2qgMHkVpz
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 1, 2019
The ensuing Colts drive ended with kicker Adam Vinatieri missing a field goal from 55 yards out. Colts defensive end Justin Houston forced a strip sack of Ryan Tannehill, getting his team the ball back. Vinatieri would have his 53-yard attempt blocked. After the Titans punted back to the Colts, Brissett led his team on an 80-yard, 11-play drive. The drive ended with Vinatieri connecting from 28 yards out. Colts 10-7
That score would remain until the half.
Indianapolis got the ball first in the second half. They drove 75 yards in 11 plays, finishing with a one-yard touchdown run from Nyheim Hines. Colts 17-7
NYHEIM HINES PUNCHES THROUGH FOR SIX ‼️#ProBowlVote | #TENvsIND pic.twitter.com/r4GUPNRHhb
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 1, 2019
Tennessee responded with a 75-yard drive of their own. Derrick Henry scored from 13 yards out. Colts 17-14
YAAAS, KING! 👑 @KingHenry_2 | #TENvsIND pic.twitter.com/eUcofFSnEN
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 1, 2019
Titans safety Kevin Byard intercepted Brissett on the first play of the next drive. Four plays later, kicker Ryan Succop hit from 31 yards out. Tied 17-17
That's our franchise safety! #TENvsIND @KB31_Era + #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/a4h2Nq88y7
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 1, 2019
After exchanging a pair of punts, the Colts lined up for a field goal attempt to reclaim the lead. The attempt was blocked and recovered by Tye Smith and returned 63 yards for a Titans touchdown. Titans 24-17
UNBELIEVABLE! #TENvsIND @Dane2Smoove BLOCK + @TyeSmithCB TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/jqGQ5tYWEs
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 1, 2019
Titans cornerback Logan Ryan intercepted a Brissett pass on the second play of the next Colts drive. Four plays later, Tannehill would connect with receiver Kalif Raymond on a 40-yard touchdown pass. FINAL: Titans 31-17
TOUCHDOWN! #TENvsIND @ryantannehill1 to Kalif Raymond 🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/hbCO46PoQi
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 1, 2019
Takeaways
Titans
- They can overcome mistakes
Two early fumbles can be detrimental to any team in the NFL. Henry, Tannehill and the team recovered from them by playing a complete team game.
- They seemed to strive when playing from behind
Since Ryan Tannehill has taken over, when this team gets behind on the scoreboard, he seems to keep the offense cool, calm, and collected, and it’s led to success for his team. Of course, no team wants to play from behind consistently.
- Special teams came up clutch
Two blocked field goals, including the one returned for a touchdown, were crucial to victory. The Titans’ defense has proved they can make the key stop when needed (remember the goal-line stand against the Chargers). The offense led by Tannehill and Henry has been consistently successful. Now, with the special teams making plays, this team is a complete unit, which is what any team can hope for, especially during the home stretch.
Colts
- Their Luck has run out
The Colts’ saw dominance over the Titans during Andrew Luck’s career, as he never lost to the Titans in his NFL campaign. This is only the second time Indy lost to Tennessee at Lucas Oil Stadium.
- Hilton and Mack
The Colts were without running back Marlon Mack this past week. In Week 2, Mack ran well against the Titans’ defense. T.Y. Hilton has had great success against the Titans in his career. Both were out with injuries, and the team looked like they desperately missed them.
- This loss could be vital
In the tight AFC South, this loss could prove costly to the Colts, who now find themselves two games behind the Texans.
The Titans head to Oakland to take on the Raiders in Week 14, while the Colts go to Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers.
