Kenny Vaccaro: 'I think as a defense, regardless of what your offense is, you should play desperate'

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Twice in the last two weeks as they’ve dropped a couple of crucial games, the Titans have pushed to get back in games only to see a defensive drop-off in response.

Spurred by Jonnu Smith’s 57-yard run on Dec. 15 against Houston, the Titans moved to a 5-yard Ryan Tannehill to A.J. Brown touchdown pass that leveled the score at 14-14.

But then the defense gave up a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive during which the Texans had to convert only one third down. Carlos Hyde beat three defenders into the left corner for a 10-yard score and the Texans regained control, never in real danger again.Brees

A week later against New Orleans, Tajae Sharpe caught an off-schedule Tannehill pass and bolted the rest of the way for a 36-yard third-quarter touchdown that closed the Saints lead down to 24-21.

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Paul Kuharsky has covered the Tennessee Titans since 1996, first for The Tennessean, then ESPN.com and now independently at paulkuharsky.com. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee and one of the longest-tenured Titans beat reporters in the franchise's history.

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