Titans Stay Alive in AFC Playoff Race
With the playoffs on the line, the Tennessee Titans trailed the New York Jets 16-0 in the 2nd quarter. Everything went wrong: an interception returned for touchdown, a blocked punt, a blocked extra point, a shanked punt, a long kickoff return given up, and a bad fair catch call. Despite all of this, the Titans found a way to comeback and defeat the Jets, 26-22.
Marcus Mariota Shines Again
Titans QB Marcus Mariota (#8) had a historic night for accuracy and efficiency last week with 96% completions for 302 yards and 2 touchdowns. The follow-up performance couldn’t have been more opposite. Mariota began the game with an incompletion and interception returned for touchdown. Throughout the night, Mariota struggled with his accuracy missing usually easy throws. By halftime, Mariota has posted one of his worst halves of his career.
Things changed in a big way in the second half. Mariota threw for over 200 yards and a score in the second half alone. He would complete the masterful comeback (his 12th game-winning drive of his career) with only :36 left in the game as he found WR Corey Davis (#84) on 3rd & 7. The crowd went wild. Social media was buzzing excitement. Mariota would finish the game 57% completions for 282 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception, and 43 rushing yards.
Twitter Reactions to the Titans Magical Comeback
Through the last two seasons, Marcus Mariota leads the NFL in game-winning drives.
Over the last two seasons, Marcus Mariota leads the NFL in game-winning drives. #TitanUp
Watch highlights from his most recent comeback. #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/O2SL0TRjTt
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 3, 2018
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Mariota has ice water in his veins. #CaptainComeback
If you give the ball to Marcus Mariota at the end of the game, he’s gonna win it for you. It’s the 4th law of physics.
— Two Tone Fanatics (@twotonefanatics) December 3, 2018
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@TheCDavis84 for the win reaction! pic.twitter.com/ryv6deJnjc
— Titans Tube (@Titans_Tube_YT) December 3, 2018
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Corey Davis is developing into a trusted target for the QB as well.
Corey Davis with the game-winning TOUCHDOWN!!! #WesternMade https://t.co/u8PATTj7Bz
— WMU Football (@WMU_Football) December 3, 2018
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The AFC Playoff Plot Thickens
The current AFC Playoff race is a log-jam for the final Wild Card spot. There are currently five teams fighting for one spot: Baltimore Ravens (7-5), Miami Dolphins (6-6), Indianapolis Colts (6-6), Tennessee Titans (6-6), and Denver Broncos (6-6). At this point, it seems the TItans will need to run the table in order to make the playoffs.
AFC Playoff Picture is wild:
1) #Chiefs: 10-2
2) #Patriots: 9-3
3) #Texans: 9-3
4) #Steelers: 7-4-1
5) #Chargers: 9-3
6) #Ravens: 7-5
—#Colts: 6-6#Dolphins: 6-6#Broncos: 6-6#Titans: 6-6— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) December 3, 2018
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Up next for the Titans is a divisional matchup against the hated Jacksonville Jaguars who after losing 7-straight games just upset the hot Colts. Titans fans won’t have to wait long as this week the Titans host the Jags on Thursday Night Football. Can the Prime Time Pineapple keep it rolling?
Thursday, 12/6/18 – Jags @ Titans
Sunday, 12/16/18 – Titans @ Giants
Saturday, 12/22/18 – Redskins @ Titans
Sunday, 12/30/18 – Colts @ Titans