Titans Defeat Browns in Back-and-Forth Game Where Defense and Running Game Shine

The Tennessee Titans scored an opening-drive touchdown for the first time this season. They had over a rusher with over 100 yards for the first time this season (Tony Pollard with 161). They set season highs in points and rushing yards.

The Titans also won the turnover margin, had more time of possession, more sacks, and fewer turnovers.

Despite all those positives, the Titans still almost lost the game. The Cleveland Browns scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, and if they had converted their two-point conversions both times, they would have won the game. The final score was 31-29.

It was an entertaining game between two teams with absolutely nothing to lose and not much to gain either. A win does not mean much for the Titans, but it does feel good for the fanbase. Another loss doesn’t do much for the Browns, except move them closer to the number one pick in next year’s draft, which is probably a good thing for them.

It was a battle between the two rookie quarterbacks, with Shedeur Sanders playing his best game in the NFL, but still coming up short. Sanders had 364 yards with three passing touchdowns, a rushing score, and an interception. Cam Ward was not spectacular, but he did enough to help the Titans get the win. He completed 50% of his passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns, plus one interception.

The real star on offense was Tony Pollard. After being bottled up for pretty much the whole season, Pollard exploded for 161 rushing yards and two scores.

The Titans’ offensive line deserves a ton of credit. They kept Myles Garrett bottled up. He had one sack, but it was the only sack he or any other Browns defender had. The preview article discussed the risk of Garrett running riot on the Titans’ O-line, but that did not happen. That is an underrated reason why the Titans were able to pull out this win.

The Titans’ defense also deserves credit. The Browns scored four touchdowns, but they all scored in the second quarter or at the end of the fourth quarter. For the rest of the game, the Browns could not move the ball. The Titans forced two turnovers and blocked a punt as well.

Jeffery Simmons was all over the field, with seven tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a deflected pass. Cedric Gray was also everywhere, with 10 tackles, a fumble recovery, and an intercepted two-point conversion attempt.

This was a complete performance from the Titans, which has not been a common occurrence this season. At this point in the season, it may be better for the Titans to lose games to ensure they have the number one pick in the draft again. But the Titans have their quarterback of the future with Cam Ward. They do not necessarily need the number one pick again. And even if the Titans win a couple of games down the stretch, they will still get a top pick, which they can use to address a position they really need. The Titans could also trade whatever high pick they get in exchange for multiple picks, since they need to invest in multiple positions to help accelerate the rebuild.

Either way, Titans fans can celebrate a win for only the second time this season. That is something to enjoy, regardless of how the rest of the season goes.