The Tennessee Titans defeated the Green Bay Packers, 27-17. The Packers fell to 4-7, while the Titans improved to 7-3.
The Titans were first on the scoreboard on an 83-yard drive that ended with a touchdown reception from Dontrell Hilliard off Ryan Tannehill. The Packers got their first points on a touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Christian Watson. The extra point was blocked, leaving it at 7-6.
A rushing touchdown from Derrick Henry just before halftime gave the Titans a 14-6 lead. Henry not only made an impact on the field, but he also showed off his quarterbacking skills by throwing a touchdown pass to Austin Hooper.
The Packers came within three thanks to another Watson touchdown and a successful two-point conversion. Shortly after, the Titans responded with Hooper’s second touchdown of the night, this time on a Tannehill pitch.
The Titans sealed the win with a defensive save at fourth and short, giving them the ball back with just over two minutes left in the game. They ran a play before the two-minute warning, a 51-yard pass to Treylon Burks that put the finishing touches to an impressive win.
Tannehill has now won his last five starts and the Titans have won seven of their last eight games.
Why the Titans won
The Titans were dominant for most of the game and didn’t trail once in the “Thursday Night Football” game. They beat the Packers in total first downs, total yards, passing yards, rushing yards, yards per play and time of possession. When you come out on top in so many categories offensively, that usually means you get the win, too.
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill had a great game, going 22 of 27 for 333 yards and two touchdowns. He had an interception, but that didn’t change the situation.
Derrick Henry was the other star of the game, totaling 87 yards on 28 carries with a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown (more on that in the “Game of the Game” section). This creative attack threw the Packers defense.
Rookie Treylon Burks led the team in receiving with 111 yards on seven catches, including 51 yards to officially seal the win. Robert Woods was also effective in the air, amassing 69 yards on six receptions.
Why the Packers lost
The Packers played behind the entire game and could never do enough to catch a Titans team that only got better as the season progressed. The Titans came out more comfortable and better prepared than the home team.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers went 24 of 39 with 227 yards and two touchdowns, but it was the wide-opening missed receivers that were the most confusing and damaging. Titans don’t feature toughest secondary to face in league, but Packers made it look really good with their offensive struggles. Rodgers’ longest pass was a 28-yard throw to Randall Cobb.
The defense was unable to contain Tannehill, and even when they took him out the offense could not capitalize.
Turning
The Titans’ second touchdown, a four-yard run from Henry, extended their lead before halftime and gave them momentum as they entered the third quarter. The defense then held the Packers to a field goal to open the second half. It’s always a win to keep Rodgers three-pointer when he walks down the field, even in a year the Packers aren’t playing at their usual level.
Game of the game
Henry is an outstanding running back, but he also happens to be a decent quarterback. At second and on goal, Henry got the ball back, and it looked like he would do what he’s best at: kick it into the end zone. However, the attack had a trick up its sleeve. Henry threw the ball to Austin Hooper for the TD to extend the Titans’ lead. After the game, Henry congratulated Hooper on the catch and noted that the play was thanks to head coach Mike Vrabel and the offensive staff.
And after
The Titans host the Cincinnati Bengals next week, who are 5-4 going into the weekend. The Bengals are hoping wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase can return in Week 12 against Tennessee. Chase was sidelined with a hip injury.
The Packers travel to Philadelphia to face the Philadelphia Eagles. Philly is fresh off their first game of the season, falling to the Washington Commanders in Week 10. That puts them 8-1 heading into the weekend and in first place in the NFC, owning the tiebreaker on the Minnesota Vikings 8-1.
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