DENVER – They won, but perhaps we should never speak of it again anyway.

“We didn’t play the game we wanted,” Ryan Tannehill said.

The Titans eked out a 16-14 win over the Broncos, but it was a painstaking effort complete with two missed field goals sandwiched around another Stephen Gostkowski attempt that was blocked. He also missed an extra point.BroncosCutouts2020

Mike Vrabel saw fit to dress just three outside linebackers, and Jadeveon Clowney’s early impact dwindled as he and his mates seemed to tire. (“Getting back in shape is going to be the biggest thing,” he said.) Rashaan Evans threw a punch and got ejected in the first quarter, contributing to five penalties that gave away 37 yards and a first down.

I suppose this one goes in the basket with all the gritty wins where the team’s showed resolve, stuck with things and overcame adversity. The Titans sure lived dangerously against a team that is not that good and was missing its top pass rusher and receiver.

Continue reading

This story is for members

Paul Kuharsky has covered the Titans since 1996 - longer than any active beat reporter. Full access to every story, film study and podcast for $7.50/month or $81/year. Cancel anytime.

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.