Despite playing an inconsistent and ugly brand of football on offense, the Tennessee Titans have won three straight games. Their latest ugly victory came in Week 5 versus the Washington Commanders.
Even with all of the injuries and warts in the secondary, the defense continues to carry this team to wins. It did so once again on Sunday, with David Long notching a game-saving INT at the goal line near the end of regulation.
Granted, the defense didn’t do itself any favors after allowing the two long touchdown passes and the last-minute drive that nearly won Washington the game, but the unit made the play it needed to in order to secure the victory.
The good news for the offense is it finally scored some second-half points, but the bad news is this group is far from fixed after another inconsistent outing on Sunday.
But I digress… here’s the winners and losers from Sunday.
Winner: Titans' defense
Tennessee’s secondary was shoddy once again, allowing two big touchdown passes and over 350 yards through the air overall to Carson Wentz and the Commanders.
However, it’s hard to call this unit even “in between” after it came up clutch once again on a day when the Titans’ offense couldn’t get much going, something that continues to be an issue.
Not only did Tennessee’s unit shut down the run, it also came up with some big plays, including a game-saving interception by David Long at the goal-line that thwarted a potential game-winning drive for Washington.
Not to mention, any time a defense can hold an NFL offense to just 17 points, that’s a win no matter how you get there.
I’m not sure how long this defense can carry this team like it has the past three games but the unit continues to impress, especially with how short-handed it is. Hopefully it won’t be as short-handed after the bye.
Loser: Titans' offensive line
While the group upfront was solid once again in terms of run-blocking, it was the exact opposite in pass protection, as quarterback Ryan Tannehill was under pressure all game long.
Left tackle Dennis Daley was particularly bad, as he got worked by Commanders EDGE Montez Sweat, especially in the first half.
In all, the Titans’ offensive line permitted an unacceptable 13 QB hits and five sacks, looking like no match for Washington’s defensive front. It’s amazing Tannehill managed to throw for the 181 yards he did.
Winner: DL Jeffery Simmons
Simmons was an absolute beast on Sunday. He notched 1.5 sacks, five tackles (one for loss), three QB hits and one pass break-up.
He also flashed his freak athleticism in the first half. The Mississippi State product ran 20-plus yards down the field to secure a tackle on a Washington completion after multiple teammates failed to do so.
On the very next play, Simmons chased down Wentz from the hash marks to the sideline in order to grab his first sack of the game. Big Jeff was simply everywhere in Week 5.
Loser: Titans' second-half offense
While the Titans finally managed to score points in the second half after not doing so the past three games, the showing as a whole in the second half was nothing to write home about.
Both the passing and rushing attacks stalled and it took another great effort from the defense in order to make the Titans’ lone second-half touchdown stand.
The second-half score was nice to see and maybe a sign of progress, but this offense remains an inconsistent mess and is far from fixed, especially when it comes to the group’s play in the second half.
Winner: RB Derrick Henry
Henry carried Tennessee’s offense in the first half in particular, as the star back made an impact both through the air and on the ground. Unfortunately, the O-line couldn’t sustain its solid run-blocking in the second half or Henry would’ve had much more.
The vast majority of Henry’s 102 rushing yards came in the first half, and all of his receiving production (two catches, 30 yards) came in the opening quarters, also.
The King accounted for two of Tennessee’s three scores, and his 24-yard catch in the first quarter helped setup another. On top of his raw production, Henry looked fantastic physically.
Loser: LT Dennis Daley
While nobody on the Titans’ offensive line is getting any cookies for its performance on Sunday, Daley was especially bad, as he proved to be no match for Commanders edge rusher Montez Sweat.
Daley allowed at least two sacks and was responsible for more QB hits and pressures. Overall it was a very concerning performance for Taylor Lewan’s replacement, and there’s no relief coming, either.
Loser: CB Caleb Farley
Tennessee’s secondary was not good overall, but the worst play of the game went to cornerback Caleb Farley when he allowed a 75-yard touchdown reception to Dyami Brown.
Brown torched Farley after the second-year pro stumbled, something that has been an issue for him since entering the league. Farley continues to show no signs of progress and will no doubt get buried on the depth chart once the Titans get Elijah Molden back.
Winner: DL Denico Autry
Autry claimed he was the victim of a “dirty play” by a Commanders offensive lineman, leading to a back injury that force him to miss snaps.
However, Autry kept his cool and would exact his revenge later on with a drive-ending sack in the fourth quarter. The veteran also added four tackles (one for loss).
Autry’s fourth sack of the season ties Rashad Weaver for the most on the team. Weaver was held without a sack on Sunday but he nearly got one if not for a great play from Wentz. Whatever the case may be, Autry continues to come up big for the Titans on a weekly basis.
Winner: LB David Long
The Titans needed a hero on Washington’s final drive of the game, and David Long stepped up to be that guy.
After the Commanders drove down the field late in the fourth quarter, they had a chance to win the game at the goal-line, but Wentz’s pass was picked off by Long, who made a sensational leaping grab to thwart the drive.
Long added a team-high 11 tackles as well and continues to impress for Tennessee as he prepares to hit free agency in 2023.
Winner: WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
The Titans have failed to make big plays through the air all season long, but Nick Westbrook-Ikhine changed that on Sunday, and it couldn’t have come at a better time with Tennessee’s offense needing a spark badly.
With Tennessee trailing 17-14 and looking for their first second-half points since Week 1, Tannehill chucked one down the field to NWI, who made a beautiful adjustment and came down with the ball for a 61-yard gain.
The play proved to be pivotal, as it led to the touchdown the Titans needed to put them over the top in Week 5. Without it, Tennessee might not have scored otherwise. NWI led all receivers with 72 yards.
