The Tennessee Titans won’t be improving their 2024 NFL draft position after their Week 18 win, but they did get a consolation prize: Tennessee prevented the Jacksonville Jaguars from making the playoffs.
Entering Sunday, all the Jaguars had to do was beat the last-place Titans to win the AFC South and make the playoffs.
Instead, the Jags will miss the postseason in what is a hugely disappointing result for a team many had pegged to at least win the division going into 2023.
Fittingly, running back Derrick Henry, who has been a nightmare for the Jaguars throughout his career, was the catalyst behind the victory, with The King tallying 153 yards and a touchdown in what was a vintage performance.
KING ON THE LOOSE
📺: Watch #JAXvsTEN on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/huAz2Ym3Ed
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) January 7, 2024
Henry even had a long run, with the Alabama product breaking loose for a 69-yard gain that set Tennessee up for a score. If this ends up being Henry’s last game with the Titans, he went out in style.
Henry’s backfield mate, Tyjae Spears, also made a big impact with two scores, one of which came on a 28-yard reception. Another rookie who stood out was left guard Peter Skoronski, who was mauling people all game long.
We certainly can’t forget about Ryan Tannehill in what will be his last game with the Titans. Minus an interception, the veteran quarterback was solid, completing 17-of-26 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns.
I get the negatives from Tannehill’s tenure in Tennessee, but he should still be remembered fondly for all the good he did.
It was a big day for DeAndre Hopkins, with the veteran wideout hitting three incentives that netted him an extra $750,000. He finished as Tennessee leading receiver (46 yards) and found pay dirt.
After totaling just four picks all season long going into this game, the Titans notched a pair off Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who did not play well.
Tennessee’s defense made a pair of huge stops in the fourth quarter, with one of them coming on a play at the one-yard line.
With the New York Jets winning their game, the Titans are locked into the No. 7 spot in the 2024 NFL draft.
