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Titans QB Will Levis gets sandwiched between 3 Colts defenders trying to hurdle during the first quarter of this afternoons game.
Photo: Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean
It was another tough one today for the Tennessee Titans, as they lost their first game at Nissan Stadium this year, 31-28 in overtime to their division rival Indianapolis Colts, losing key starters in the process. However, rookie QB Will Levis once again showed signs of greatness, making the future look promising, while star running back Derrick Henry had another big December game.
Game Observations
The special teams unit is awful, and coordinator Craig Aukerman needs to go. Tennessee had two punts blocked in a row, with the second one, superstar punter Ryan Stonehouse got drilled on, causing an ugly leg injury. Speaking of injuries, it was a bad day to be a Titan. Tennessee lost Henry late due to a concussion, and their best defensive player in DT Jeffery Simmons to a knee injury. A positive from the Henry injury was that rookie running back Tyjae Spears was able to shine late, and showed his dynamic playmaking ability. The rookie duo of Levis and Spears continues to grow, giving Titans Nation immense hope for the future. Levis has also established a connection with receiver DeAndre Hopkins, with D-Hop being the teams leader in receiving yards again this game, and caught another TD from Will the Thrill. Another bright spot from the offense was TE Chig Okonkwo grabbing 3 passes for 62 yards. After a dynamic rookie year with many explosive plays down the stretch, he has been pretty much nonexistent this season. A reason for that is definitely the ineptitude of the offensive line, who again struggled today, giving up 6 sacks and 9 QB hits. Once again a main part of the offseason will be revamping that unit. Overall, besides the 4 total fumbles, the team showed fight and took a team that has playoff hopes to OT, which is nothing to be ashamed of.
Stats and Fantasy
Will Levis: 16/33, 224 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 2 carries, 5 yards 11.46 fantasy pts
Derrick Henry: 21 carries, 102 yards, 2 TD, 1 catch, 18 yards 25.00 fantasy pts
Tyjae Spears: 16 carries, 75 yards, 4 catches, 14 yards 12.80 fantasy pts
DeAndre Hopkins: 5 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD, 1 carry, 4 yards 18.90 fantasy pts
Titans D/ST: 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumbles recovered 9.00 fantasy pts
Here's a little Chig play for the feed as well. That man was on a mission.
The Titans defense may be a good team to take a flier on, especially with they are fully healthy, if you are in a pinch. The schedule isn’t favorable, with teams like the Dolphins, Texans and Jags on the schedule, but Mike Vrabel always plays teams competitively, so the defense will show up.
Final Thoughts
It’s tough to get swept by a divisional rival, but this is just how the season has been for the boys in Two-Tone blue. Hopefully the aforementioned players who are hurt, plus Treylon Burks are healthy next week vs. the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football otherwise it will be a track meet. Until then #TitanUp!
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