The Tennessee Titans recorded a statement win in Week 12 as they retook first place in the AFC South with a 45-26 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Both teams scored touchdowns on their first two possessions, but then Derrick Henry completely took over the game. He finished with 178 yards and three touchdowns on 27 carries, and all three of those scores along with 140 yards came in the first half. Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown also had a big game, as he caught four passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. He also returned an onside kick 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 an interception. The ground game never got going, 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 on their minds after losing to the Colts by 17 points just two weeks ago, and their efforts on Sunday placed them in the driver's seat of the AFC South.
Why the Titans won
This is not a very tough question to answer. The Colts have only given up 100-plus yards rushing to a single player three times over the last three seasons: Henry. The reigning rushing champion has now rushed for over 100 yards in seven games this season -- which leads the league. The size and speed he possesses could be classified at times as cruel and unusual punishment for defenses, and that was on full display this Sunday. When you are able to establish tempo, keep drives alive and then pull off big gains on the ground, you are going to have a great chance to win ball games. That's why the Titans center their game plan around Henry, and that's why they are in prime position to win the AFC South for the first time since 2008.
Why the Colts lost
Not much went right for the Colts on Sunday, so it's hard to blame just one player or one position group for this loss. Clearly, they struggled to contain Henry, as he got whatever he wanted on the ground all game. Star left tackle Anthony Castonzo was injured in the first half, which hurt the offensive line and offense as a whole. There were also issues with clock management. With the second quarter winding down, the Colts went three and out in just 28 seconds and gave Tennessee the ball back with 1:13 remaining before halftime. The Titans quickly moved down the field and scored a touchdown that extended the lead to 21 points. The Colts secondary gave up several big plays over the course of the matchup, as Brown scored a 69-yard touchdown and Corey Davis also registered a few big plays -- including a 37-yard catch. Rivers was also inaccurate, as he threw slant passes behind wide receivers and also threw an interception when trying to go deep.
One of the most telling stats, however, was the Colts' third-down conversion rate. They converted just 5 of 13 third downs -- which is notable considering the Titans have the worst third-down defense in the league.
Turning point
Down 21 points with six minutes remaining in the third quarter, the game wasn't out of reach for the Colts just yet. The last time the Colts played the Titans, Indy reeled off 21 straight points in the second half to escape with a win, so another comeback wasn't out of the realm of possibility. Rivers tried to get the Colts' next drive going with a deep pass to Zach Pascal, but instead, it was picked off by Breon Borders.
After this interception, Stephen Gostkowski converted on a 49-yard field goal to extend the lead to 24 points.
Play of the game
What can Brown do for you? When you think about the Titans' offense, you naturally are going to picture Henry, but Brown deserves credit as well. The second-year home-run hitter is a threat to take it the distance any time he gets a touch, and that's exactly what he did at the end of the first quarter on Sunday. Tannehill threaded the needle and then Brown just outran everyone else.
Brown also had another incredible play late in the game as a part of the hands team. He took an onside kick attempt 42 yards to the house to wrap up the victory with one of the rarest touchdowns you will see in the NFL. Players make plays.
What's next
The Titans head back to Nashville next week, and they will host Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns. The Colts hit the road for another divisional matchup, as they are slated to play Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans. They are coming off of a huge 41-25 win over the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving.
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November 30, 2020 at 04:39AM
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Titans at Colts score: Derrick Henry rolls as Tennessee moves into first place with win over Indianapolis - CBSSports.com
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