The Titans continue to make a case for the playoffs since making the transition at quarterback. They are currently riding a three-game winning streak and are winners of 5 of their last 6. The last two games were borderline must-wins and the Titans did just that.
Entering the day the Titans were favored by most experts, shocking to some due to the matchup history. The Titans had beaten the Colts just three times since a late October game in 2008. It is the first win by the Titans in Lucas Oil Stadium.
It didn’t always look achievable. Midway through the third quarter saw a pivotal drive for the Titans who were trailing 17-7. Derrick Henry’s 13-yard touchdown run capped off an impressive eight play, 75-yard drive to put the Titans within a field goal. It began a 24-0 run for the Titans to end the game.
The play of the game came at about the five-minute mark in the fourth quarter. The Colts drove all the way down the field to attempt a field goal to take the lead. The kick was blocked and Tye Smith returned it for a touchdown.
The following drive was intercepted after two plays and all but sealed the game. Three plays later Ryan Tannehill wouldn’t leave any doubt after a 40-yard touchdown to take a commanding 31-17 lead.
The Raiders are the next opponent on the schedule, in Oakland. Jay Gruden’s Raiders have had an average season but are seeing an AFC West title slip away. They’ve got their eyes on the wild card berth to make it into the playoff.
They’ve lost their last two; a blowout against division leader Kansas City to go along with another blowout from the lowly New York Jets. The offense has been non-existent in those games. The Titans enter Sunday 8th in the league in points allowed per game. If they can keep these numbers up, they should be able to overwhelm a tanking Oakland offense.
Josh Jacobs was picked 24th overall by Oakland in the 2019 NFL Draft. (Photo by heavy.com).
Rookie Josh Jacobs has quickly emerged as a weapon to focus on for the Raiders. The Alabama rookie has gone over 100 yards five times this season. He’s averaging just under five yards per carry. He leads all Rookies in nearly every category while fumbling just once this season.
The Titan defense comes in at 11th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed this season. Teams average just over 100 yards per game at 102 and the Titans have done an excellent job of stopping the run this season.
The Titans needed a win against the Jaguars at home and dominated in that game. There was no doubt that game was going to be a win after the dominant beginning to the second half.
The Titans got the job done against the Colts in Indianapolis. Trailing midway through the third quarter the Titans proved they were up for the task and closed out the game strong.
They currently sit just outside of the wild card in seventh. Tied at 7-5 with the Steelers they lose the tiebreaker due to winning percentage within the division. Oakland is just behind the Titans at 6-6. The Titans desperately need to win this game to stay atop of the hunt but also to knock the Raiders just about out of the hunt.
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