After an ugly loss last week, the Tennessee Titans did a complete 180 and absolutely manhandled the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4, notching a 27-3 victory over Joe Burrow and Co.
After a quiet first quarter for both teams, the Titans erupted in the second quarter, torching the Bengals’ defense for 21 points in the frame.
Running back Derrick Henry had a part in two of the scores, with the Titans great rushing for one and throwing for another, and the latter play resulted in tight end Josh Whyle’s first career touchdown. Henry also passed Oilers legend Earl Campbell for second on the franchise’s all-time rushing list.
But it wasn’t just offensive coordinator Tim Kelly and the Titans’ offense that shined on Sunday, as defensive coordinator Shane Bowen called a sensational game, also.
The defense was about as close to perfect as you could ask for, with the pass-rush putting relentless pressure on Burrow throughout the entire game, which derailed the Bengals’ passing attack. The secondary did a great job keeping the passes he did complete in front of it.
In all, it was a great all-around effort for the Titans to get themselves back to .500 and notch their first win over the Bengals in the Mike Vrabel era. Here’s a look at everything we know from Week 4.
Final score: Titans 27, Bengals 3
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
| CIN | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| TEN | 3 | 21 | 3 | 0 | 27 |
Titans' top performers
QB Ryan Tannehill: 18-25, 240 YDS, TD, INT; 6 CAR, 11 YDS
RB Derrick Henry: 22 CAR, 122 YDS, TD; 1 REC, 11 YDS; 1-1, 2 YDS, TD
LB Azeez Al-Shaair: 9 tackles (1 TFL), 2 PD, 2 QB hits
TE Josh Whyle: 2 REC, 26 YDS, TD
Instant analysis: Offense
-Ryan Tannehill was sacked three times but not all of them were on the offensive line and pass protection was MUCH improved overall. With the time to throw, Tannehill was sharp and slicing and dicing through the Bengals’ defense, connecting on a handful of big plays in the process. The only blemish was a late pick, but the game was well in hand at that point.
-A special shoutout to Andre Dillard, as Trey Hendrickson had just 0.5 sacks. I’m not ready to proclaim him fixed just yet because he wasn’t perfect by any means, but this was certainly a major step in the right direction for him.
-On top of the improved pass protection, the run-blocking was much, much better, and the best we’ve seen all season. Derrick Henry had plenty of space to run, and showed his vintage tough running. He also added a touchdown pass and crossed the century mark on the ground for the first time this season.
-Offensive coordinator Tim Kelly was in his bag on Sunday. Kelly was pushing all the right buttons and showed no shortage of creativity, especially on early downs. His taking a more pass-heavy approach on first and second downs kept the Bengals off balance and helped make things easier for Henry, as Cincinnati couldn’t completely cheat to stop the run.
-Josh Whyle got on the board with his first career touchdown catch, which came from Henry, something we all expected. Unfortunately, he exited the game early with an ankle injury.
-DeAndre Hopkins led the way among Titans receivers with 63 yards and was a reliable option for Tannehill, helping him move the chains on multiple occasions. Chris Moore had another long catch, his third in three games, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine also stepped up with Treylon Burks out, with five catches for 51 yards.
-The Titans were 8-13 on third downs, 1-1 on fourth downs and 2-4 in the red zone.
Instant analysis: Defense
-Tennessee’s front did exactly what it needed to, which was to bring fast and relentless pressure on Burrow, who was only sacked three times but was hit nine times and pressured countless others. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen wasn’t afraid to bring the blitz and it worked to perfection when he did.
-Azeez Al-Shaair really stood out when sent to blitz, getting a few QB hits on Burrow. He also added a pair of pass break-ups and was all over the field making plays in general. This was his coming out party.
-With the pass-rush doing its thing, the secondary’s job was much easier. The unit did a great job keeping the passes that were completed in front of it. Tennessee didn’t give up a single play over 20 yards through the air for the first time this season. Kristian Fulton and Co. helped limit the Bengals to just 139 yards through the air, and Ja’Marr Chase was held to 73 scoreless yards.
-The Titans’ run defense was getting gashed early on but settled in as the game progressed.
-The Titans finally gave Trevis Gipson a shot and he rewarded them with a sack and forced fumble. Arden Key and Jeffery Simmons also had a sack apiece.
-The Bengals were 2-9 on third downs, 0-1 on fourth downs and 0-1 in the red zone. Cincy didn’t notch its first third-down conversion until the fourth quarter.
Instant analysis: Special teams
-Nick Folk was money once again, making both of his field goals, including a long of 53. He was also 3-3 on extra points and touchbacks remain a non-issue.
-Ryan Stonehouse didn’t get many opportunities, but he was masterful in his two punts, dropping both inside the 20.
-Tyjae Spears handled kickoffs but had just one return for 16 yards. Mason Kinsey gave some life to the punt return with a 21-yard gain on one of his three attempts.
Injuries
TE Josh Whyle (ankle): Whyle was ruled out in the fourth quarter.
DL Teair Tart (leg): Tart was shaken up in the fourth quarter. He did not return but it was late in a game that was already out of hand.
Highlights
You see this comin' at ya wyd?
📺: Watch #CINvsTEN on @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/lFrFRZ6CJm
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) October 1, 2023
Air attack @ryantannehill1 ➡️ @DeAndreHopkins
📺: Watch #CINvsTEN on @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/3e7DGdJcAk
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) October 1, 2023
Notorious N.W.I.
📺: Watch #CINvsTEN on @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/LrMOrJM61v
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) October 1, 2023
Crown him @KingHenry_2 👑
📺: Watch #CINvsTEN on @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/TqwdNEjuIM
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) October 1, 2023
It's getting Whyle in here
📺: Watch #CINvsTEN on @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/jC9cfRm1Jf
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) October 1, 2023
.@trevisgipson's first game of a Titan and he comes up BIG
📺: Watch #CINvsTEN on @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/bxTu6obfmS
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) October 1, 2023
What's next?
The Titans (2-2) will get a little bounce in their step after an impressive Week 4 win over the Bengals and will now look ahead to a road game and divisional matchup against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5.
Indy lost their matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in overtime, and with the Houston Texans winning their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Jacksonville Jaguars beating the Atlanta Falcons, every AFC South team now sits at 2-2.
