Music City Miracles
The Tennessee Titans were defeated 27-20 by the Los Angeles Chargers in Sunday’s Week 9 game at Nissan Stadium. The 1-8 Titans are still tied for the worst record in the NFL. We’ve conjured up five observations following yet another lopsided defeat.
Rookie wide receiver and special teams returner Chimere Dike makes game-changing plays weekly. Dike housed a punt return for a 67-yard touchdown. The former Florida Gators standout has a legitimate shot to be All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in his first season.
The Titans offense consistently got cute and went backwards. On one particular third-and-1 near midfield, Cam Ward motioned out and Tony Pollard took a wildcat carry. He lost yards on the play, but Elic Ayomanor was whistled for a holding penalty that made it 3rd-and-11. A JC Latham hold made it 3rd-and-16. Had the Titans just ran a standard rushing play on third-and-short, they likely would have converted. They ran two more failed wildcats throughout the second half, meaning they went 0-for-3 on silly playcalls.
In-game injuries left the Chargers shorthanded across the offensive line. Dennard Wilson’s defensive line took full advantage. Dre’Mont Jones recorded a sack for a fourth consecutive game. Sebastian Joseph-Day, Jihad Ward, James Lynch, and T’Vondre Sweat were also disruptive. It was a notable performance with Tuesday’s trade deadline looming large for several of these players on expiring contracts.
Linebacker Cody Barton gave the Titans an early advantage through an excellent pick-six touchdown. The Dike special teams touchdown arrived later that half, spotting the offense their first 14 points. Despite that, a disconnected offensive effort failed to take advantage and win the game.
Ayomanor dropped a nice Ward throw on the offense’s opening play from scrimmage. Later during the first half, the rookie pass-catcher out of Stanford lacked urgency on a route, failing to get out of his break before Ward released the ball in his direction. Ayomanor bounced back during the second half, recording three receptions for 48 yards on one possession. He’s been a mixed bag since Dike emerged and Calvin Ridley went down injured.
