The Tennessee Titans (3-4) are one step closer to evening out their record again as they defeated the visiting Los Angeles Chargers (2-5), 23-20 in Nissan Stadium.
This game was filled with penalties, stuffed runs and had a dramatic conclusion with a goal line stand as veteran defensive lineman Jurrell Casey came up with a fumble that allowed the Titans to win the game.
Here’s a look at what went well, what could have gone better and what was plain ugly in the Week 7 victory.
The Good.
• Ryan Tannehill looked sharp in his first performance as a starter for the Titans. He completed 23 of his 29 attempts for 312 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The interception came on a play where edge rusher Joey Bosa got his hand on Tannehill’s arm as he was releasing the ball.
• Jeffery Simmons had an excellent NFL debut. Simmons recorded 4 tackles and a sack. He was a constant disruption for the Chargers coming from the defensive line.
• The Titans converted a fourth down for the first time this season, successful on one of two attempts. If Vrabel had challenged the spot on Tannehill’s quarterback sneak in the fourth quarter, the Titans would have likely been 2-for-2 on fourth downs.
• The Titans scored more points in this game than they have in any this season. Derrick Henry, Corey Davis, and Tajae Sharpe contributed with touchdowns, while Cody Parkey converted a 45-yard field goal. Parkey also missed an extra point.
• The Titans executed an excellent trick play on their first drive. On a fake punt attempt, Brett Kern completed a pass to Kevin Byard good for a first down. Is there anything Kern can’t do?
• Jonnu Smith had a big day in Delanie Walker’s absence. He caught the passes for 64 yards, one of which was a catch and run on a long third-down attempt.
The Bad.
• The offensive line continues to struggle. Tannehill faced a good deal of pressure and was sacked twice.
• The Titans defense struggled in the second half to generate pressure.
• Wesley Woodyard was matched up with Austin Ekler and was beat on a long touchdown, which got the Chargers back in the game. It almost felt like a flashback to Avery Williamson.
The Ugly.
• Philip Rivers threw some balls that could have been intercepted. Malcolm Butler let two slip through his grasp and Kevin Byard wasn’t able to secure another.
• Tannehill’s interception has to make the ugly list. The mistake wasn’t on Tannehill, but more-so Jonnu Smith. Smith was assigned to block premier edge rusher Joey Bosa one-on-one as a tight end, and Bosa was able to get a hand on Tannehill’s elbow before the release.
• The injury bug struck for both teams in this game. For the Titans, Jack Conklin and rookie Nate Davis were forced out of action. Delanie Walker re-aggravated an ankle injury, and Rashaan Evans also had to be sidelined for a short time.
• The Titans again were somewhat reluctant to throw the ball passed the first down marker on third down. However, going 6-of-11 on third down is a huge improvement upon how it’s been this season.
• Cody Parkey missed an extra point attempt, on his debut as the team’s kicker.
