The Tennessee Titans, with a bad start and all Sunday, still got back on track. And now, by the end of the weekend, they could have a playoff spot locked up.
The Titans (10-5) overcame a 10-0 halftime deficit to take down the San Francisco 49ers (8-7) Thursday night at Nissan Stadium, 20-17.
Sparked by a 56-yard catch and run by star receiver Deebo Samuel, San Francisco tied the game at 17 with 2:20 left. But Randy Bullock drilled the game-winning, 44-yard field goal after a 23-yard scramble by quarterback Ryan Tannehill on a two-minute drill put the Titans in scoring position.
Tennessee has now won at least 10 games for a second straight year. Here are a few quick takeaways from Thursday's game:
A.J. Brown dazzles in return
A.J. Brown showed just how important he is to the Titans offense.
In his first game back from injured reserve, the 2020 Pro Bowler was on fire with 11 receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown. His ability to make plays down the field gave life to an offense that sputtered early (just 55 yards and three first downs in the first half), and led the way to a lead the team never relinquished.
His 18-yard score on a post gave the Titans a 17-10 lead early in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill (22-for-29, 209 yards, TD) had one of his best games in weeks from an efficiency standpoint, with a 106.8 passer rating.
Having his top target, one of the game’s best receivers, made all the difference.
Defense came up huge
The Titans were trailing 10-0 at halftime, but it could’ve been a lot worse if not for the defense.
The 49ers reached the Tennessee 30 or better on each of their first three drives, but came away with just one touchdown. Cornerback Janoris Jenkins, making his return from an ankle injury, picked off 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in the end zone on San Francisco’s second drive.
The defense wasn’t only limiting the damage. It offered the spark, too.
Safety Amani Hooker picked off Garoppolo deep in 49ers’ territory and returned the ball to the San Francisco 18, putting the Titans in scoring position. It led to the Titans’ first touchdown of the game, a 3-yard run by D’Onta Foreman to tie the game at 10.
Titans in position to clinch AFC South, playoff spot
The Titans can clinch the AFC South and a playoff spot with an Indianapolis Colts loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday. It would give Tennessee a second consecutive division title for the first time since it would three straight as the Houston Oilers from 1960-62.
Even if the Colts win, the Titans can secure a playoff spot with one of these scenarios this weekend:
- Dolphins loss or tie AND Bills loss AND Broncos loss or tie AND Browns loss or tie AND Steelers loss
- Dolphins loss or tie AND Bills loss AND Broncos loss or tie AND Browns loss or tie AND Ravens loss or tie
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