Tennessee Titans shifting again after loss
The Tennessee Titans suffered an embarrassing loss to the Houston Texans in Week 11, 22-13 and are moving back on the NFL power rankings of various experts.
As always, we begin our round-up with USA TODAY’s Nate Davis, who pushes the Titans down four places from 3rd place to 7th place.
7. Titans (3): RB Derrick Henry’s absence would ultimately hurt, but give them credit for what they have overcome on a staffing level. Tennessee has played 82 players in the league this season, eight more than any other team.
The 82 players the Titans have used this season are two shy for most who have played a team since 1993. The Miami Dolphins 2019 and the San Francisco 49ers 2020 hold the record with 84.
Despite their injuries and the Week 11 loss, the Titans remain number one in the AFC South and Conference, although the latter will change if they lose to the New England Patriots in Week 12.
Now let’s look at where other experts rank the Titans.
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Wojton: What happened to the titans? The Bills are close to second, but the weekend’s shocker was Tennessee … the loss to the Texans? And during a winning streak of six games? The Titans are still a top team but they need to use this as a wake up call that they cannot take days off if RB Derrick Henry is not in the group.
Whatever the reason, this team is just downplaying the competition. Strange for a top team in the AFC.
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Werner: Amazing. The only word that can describe the Tennessee Titans. Absolutely amazing. Next: with the New England Patriots
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Iyer: What was that? The Titans’ run-dependent trails with Derrick Henry caught up with them against the Texans when they couldn’t get out of trouble in rainy and windy conditions. Ryan Tannehill can’t afford to play like this because the defense just isn’t good enough to overcome it.
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Müller: After two years of analytical love, the loss of Derrick Henry and Julio Jones actually seems to have been enough to undo Ryan Tannehill’s efforts. The Titans offense has been looking bad for three weeks in a row.
They beat the Rams because they lost the ball early and their defense was reinforced without their starrunner. Unless they can get some success with play action, I’m not sure how Tennessee’s pass attack is enough, even with AJ Brown.
However, it would be foolish to ignore the quality gains in their schedule. As with seemingly every NFL team in 2021, we will have to wait and see on this offense. But it feels like the old Tom Moore legend when you talk about Peyton Manning – except that it’s about King Henry instead.
Syndication: The Tennessean
Hanzus: Nothing should really be considered breathtaking this season in the NFL, but there weren’t many people who predicted that the Titans’ formidable winning streak would be picked up at home by the Texans. Ryan Tannehill threw four interceptions on the 22-13 setback and began to appear like a man alone on an island as AJ Brown joined Julio Jones and Derrick Henry on the list of unavailable offensive stars. Tennessee hasn’t shown any signs of sustained crime since Henry walked on the shelf after foot surgery three weeks ago. This all feels like terrible timing for a game against the ardent Patriots, but Mike Vrabel’s Titans have a habit of beating the odds.
Syndication: Nashville
Turron Davenport: Most Memorable Thanksgiving Game: On November 22, 2008, Lions 47-10 were blown out
The Titans wanted to atone for their first loss of the season after starting the year with a 10-game winning streak. Tennessee’s double backcourt of Chris Johnson (16 carries, 125 yards, two touchdowns) and LenDale White (23 carries, 106 yards, two touchdowns) were on full display in the blowout win. Johnson scored a goal on a 6 yard run and later showed his elite speed on a 58 yard touchdown scamper. Meanwhile, White crossed the Detroit Defense for two short touchdown runs of his own. Both backs finished rushing over 100 yards, and as a team, the Titans ran for 292 yards.
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Price: That had to be a big disappointment why they lost to the Texans at home. Or was it a sign that the crime could have big problems in the future?
Syndication: The Tennessean
Schrock: No Derrick Henry, no Julio Jones and now AJ Brown is going nuts. The Titans offensive needs someone to save them, but Ryan Tannehill isn’t up to the task.
AP Photo / Mark Zaleski
Schwab: Well, it was pretty clear that the Titans weren’t as good as their 8-2 record last week. But lose to Houston? Ouch. They faced a strange loss of bad luck, and that was it. They’re not as good as 8-2 and not as bad as falling 19-0 at home to the Texans. You will still win the division, but no one will select it to make a playoff run. The offense just isn’t good enough without Derrick Henry.
