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The Tennessee Titans clinched a win in Week 12 as they reclaimed first place from the AFC South with a 45-26 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Both teams scored touchdowns on their first two possessions, but Derrick Henry got the game back completely. He finished with 178 yards and three touchdowns in 27 carries, and those three scores along with 140 yards came in the first half. Titans wide receiver AJ Brown also had a big game, catching four passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. He also returned a kick in play for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
The Colts struggled on both sides of the ball this Sunday. Philip Rivers was inconsistent, completing 24 of 42 passes for 295 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The ground game never started, as Nyheim Hines rushed for just 29 yards on 10 carries while Jordan Wilkins rushed for 22 yards on six carries. The Titans clearly had revenge in mind after losing to the Colts by 17 points just two weeks ago, and their efforts on Sunday put them in the driver’s seat of the AFC South.
Why the Titans won
It is not a very difficult question to answer. The Colts have gave up only over 100 yards for a single player three times in the past three seasons: Henry. The defending champion has now covered more than 100 yards in seven games this season – which leads the league. The size and speed he possesses could at times be classed as cruel and unusual punishment for defenses, and that was on full display this Sunday. When you are able to set the pace, keep the players alive, and make some big wins on the pitch, your chances of winning ball games are great. This is why the Titans are focusing their game plan on Henry, and why they are in first place to win AFC South for the first time since 2008.
Why the Colts lost
There wasn’t much that went well for the Colts on Sunday, so it’s hard to blame a single player or group of position for the loss. Obviously, they struggled to contain Henry as he got what he wanted on the pitch throughout the game. Star left tackle Anthony Castonzo was injured in the first period, injuring the offensive line and the offense as a whole. There were also problems with the management of the clock. At the end of the second quarter, the Colts came out three times in just 28 seconds and returned the ball to Tennessee with 1:13 to go before halftime. The Titans quickly moved onto the pitch and scored a touchdown that extended the lead to 21 points. The Colts high school dropped several big plays during the game, as Brown scored a 69-yard touchdown and Corey Davis also recorded a few big plays – including a 37-yard catch. Rivers was also inaccurate, as he threw oblique passes behind wide receivers and also threw an interception trying to go deep.
One of the most telling statistics, however, was the Colts’ third conversion rate. They only converted 5 of 13 third downs – which is remarkable considering the Titans have the worst third down defense in the league.
Turning
Down 21 points six minutes to go in the third quarter, the game was not yet out of reach for the Colts. The last time the Colts faced the Titans, Indy picked up 21 straight points in the second half to escape with a win, so another comeback was not out of the question. Rivers tried to push the Colts forward with a deep pass to Zach Pascal, but instead he was chosen by Breon Borders.
After this interception, Stephen Gostkowski converted on a 49-yard basket to extend the lead to 24 points.
Play the game
What can Brown do for you? When you think of Attack on Titan you will naturally imagine Henry, but Brown deserves to be recognized as well. The second-year home runner is a threat to go the distance every time he touches, and that’s exactly what he did at the end of the first quarter on Sunday. Tannehill threaded the needle, and then Brown passed everyone.
Brown also had another incredible play late in the game as a member of the hands team. He attempted an in-play kick attempt 42 yards from home to wrap up the win with one of the rarest touchdowns you’ll see in the NFL. The players are making games.
And after
The Titans return to Nashville next week, and they will host Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns. The Colts hit the road for another divisional game, when they are set to face Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans. They come off a massive 41-25 victory over the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving.
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