Ryan Tannehill’s 3 Picks End Titans Golden Opportunity
The NFL can seem really complicated. Massive game plans, thick playbooks, complicated verbiage, numerous audibles and other elements certainly make the highest level of football complex. But when it comes to what really matters, winning games, especially in the playoffs, the game gets really simple. If your quarterback plays at a high level, you will experience deep playoff runs. If your quarterback fails to play at a high level, then your season will end in disappointment.
The Tennessee Titans came into the season expecting the opposite of disappointment. Their roster was deep, talented, and seemed prepped for a potential Super Bowl run. Yet all season long, the Titans couldn’t seem to catch a break. Superstar running back Derick Henry suffered a serious foot injury in Week 8. Henry seemed unlikely to return unless the Titans made it to the Divisional round of the postseason. Starting receivers AJ Brown and Julio Jones missed time, along with multiple offensive linemen. The Titans kept the ship steady and found themselves at 8-2 through 10 games. Injuries took their toll however, and the Titans lost 3 of 4 and found themselves in danger in missing the playoffs. Brown returned and the Titans rolled off 3 straight gutsy wins, showing off the depth and talent level of their roster. Then Tennessee got lucky. The top contenders in the AFC all dropped key games down the stretch and when the dust settled Tennessee found themselves in the number 1 seed and the owners of a first round bye in the playoffs. They would get their much-needed week of rest, allowing for multiple players to return, mainly Derick Henry.
Their playoff opponent appeared to be a fortunate draw for the Titans. They were playing the Cincinnati Bengals, a team that had almost lucked into winning the AFC North due to injuries to Baltimore and a Cleveland Browns’ collapse. The Bengals were young and inexperienced, fresh off an emotionally exhausting last second win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The Titans, heading to the playoffs for the third straight season, were experienced, at home, and finally healthy. A win over the young Bengals would set up a matchup in Tennessee against either Buffalo or Kansas City. The Titans had a history of success at home against both of those teams.
The Titans could not have possibly asked for a better situation. And yet, they blew it and fell to the Bengals. The quarterback play of Ryan Tannehill was the main culprit. 3 interceptions, including on the Titans’ first and last possession ended up being the difference in the game. The first pick came on the first play from scrimmage and was a total misread that handed the Bengals the game’s first points. The third pick was the result of a deflection forced into tight coverage. The turnover gave the Bengals the ball a short field to move into game winning field goal range.
The Titans handled every challenge all season and seemed perfectly set up for a deep playoff run. Their roster was well seasoned, deep, and healthy. Their coach was experienced and they had home field advantage. Yet their quarterback play was poor, so their season is over. Despite all the practices, pundits, and playbooks, NFL success remains relatively simple. To win, your quarterback must play well. If he doesn’t, as Tannehill didn’t, then you will find your season over.