A series of unfortunate events for the Titans on Sunday left Tennessee relying on backup quarterback Ryan Tannehill as the team's holder in a crucial spot against the Colts.
The trouble actually started when Titans punter Ryan Stonehouse took a huge hit from Colts corner Tony Brown.
Not only did the play give the Colts the ball in brilliant field position, but it also knocked Stonehouse out of the game. In addition to his duties as a punter, Stonehouse is also the holder for the Titans kicking operation, meaning a swift shift in strategy was needed on the Tennessee sideline.
Oh my god man… prayers for #Titans punter Ryan Stonehouse
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 3, 2023
Took a brutal hit on another blocked punt.
pic.twitter.com/nxhThJaORR
The answer came in the form of backup quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Tannehill was put to the test in a critical spot just a few minutes later. After Will Levis connected with DeAndre Hopkins for a touchdown to tie the game at 25–25, the Titans were just an extra point away from taking the lead late in the fourth quarter.
Tannehill managed the snap pretty well, but something about the process was off, and kicker Nick Folk pulled his attempt wide.
With Tannehill as the holder the Titans missed the PAT. This game is as drunk as it is tied.
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) December 3, 2023
Special teams is ruling the day.#Colts#ForTheShoe#Titans#INDvsTEN pic.twitter.com/ZFigIu3p34
Replays showed that Tannehill appeared to take ownership of the play.
Ryan Tannehill appears to say "that's my fault" following a missed XP.
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 3, 2023
Tannehill has become the Titans holder with Ryan Stonehouse injured. pic.twitter.com/NK00s9gQ4e
The game went to overtime at 25-25 and in the extra period, Tannehill was able to find a bit of redemption, cleanly holding for a go-ahead field goal on the Titans’s first drive of the extra period.
Nick Folk drills a FG for the @Titans. @Colts get the ball back in OT.
— NFL (@NFL) December 3, 2023
📺: #INDvsTEN on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/xvCjbLUIcN pic.twitter.com/NzvC9ZiLbX
Unfortunately for the Titans, it was too little, too late. On the ensuing drive, the Colts would score a touchdown to end the game and take the overtime win, 31-28.
