New week, same old story for the Tennessee Titans, who notched their four-straight win of the 2022 campaign with a 19-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in Week 7.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know the story: the Titans’ offense lacked punch and couldn’t do much, but the defense carried Tennessee once again with a sensational effort.
The Titans staked themselves to a 13-0 halftime lead because of the defense but had to hold on for dear life in the final two quarters as the offense continued to struggle.
Thankfully, the Colts weren’t able to get off the ground thanks to Tennessee’s group upfront dominating in the trenches, which bailed the offense out yet again.
While the defense supplied most of the winners from this game, the offense did have a few. Let’s see who made the cut as “winners” or “losers” after Tennessee’s Week 7 victory over the Colts.
Winner: DL Jeffery Simmons
Simmons notched one of Tennessee’s three sacks on the afternoon, while also adding six tackles (three solo, two for loss) and a pair of QB hits. Simmons also flashed his insane athleticism on one play when he went from rushing Ryan to chasing down a Colts player to make a tackle near the sideline.
Big Jeff did sustain an ankle injury during the contest but was able to finish the game. Check out what he had to say about it right here.
Loser: QB Ryan Tannehill
Tannehill was hampered by an ankle injury late in the fourth quarter, but that was not the reason behind his lackluster performance overall.
The Titans signal-caller simply wasn’t sharp, as he didn’t see open receivers on some plays, while also making some poor throws on others.
Tannehill had sufficient protection and was only sacked twice, but his receivers failed to get good separation, which didn’t help things.
Now the Titans have to be concerned about Tannehill’s health thanks to his ankle injury. We’ll be glued to the injury report during the week, but if Tannehill sits, rookie Malik Willis will get the nod.
Winner: OLB Bud Dupree
Dupree played his first full game since Week 1, and his first game overall since Week 4 — and he wasted no time showing us just how much the Titans missed his presence.
Dupree notched one of the team’s three sacks, but two of his pressures led to Colts turnovers, and he was a menace for much of the afternoon. In all, Dupree finished with the sack, three tackles (one for loss) and a pair of QB hits in what was one of his best games as a Titan.
Loser: OC Todd Downing
Downing simply cannot get this offense going, and he certainly doesn’t do himself any favors.
We saw that during the fourth quarter when the Titans had a 16-7 lead with a little over 11 minutes remaining and were driving to put it away.
On a first-and-10, Downing called for a reverse to Malik Willis, but Tannehill and Willis fumbled the snap, leading to a turnover. Indianapolis would turn that turnover into points, making the game closer than it needed to be.
I get Downing trying to be creative, but that wasn’t the spot for it. Henry was running well at that point and the ball should’ve went to him, especially with Tannehill injured and in such a crucial spot.
Winner: DB Andrew Adams
Will you remember where you were for the Andrew Adams game?
Just last month, Adams was just some dude the Titans signed to fill a roster spot, but the veteran defensive back came up big and was the hero in Week 7.
Adams started off the game strong with some impressive tackles, but the 76-yard interception he housed was the biggest play of the game. The pick-six was the longest the Titans have recorded since 2012 (Zach Brown, 79 yards).
Adams, who got the start at safety with the Titans moving Amani Hooker to the slot, finished the day tied for the team lead in tackles with 10, while also notching the pick-six and a pass defensed.
It’s safe to say Adams has earned another look as a starter next week after his sensational performance on Sunday.
Loser: Titans' offense
Outside of some big gains from Derrick Henry and some clutch catches in the passing game, there wasn’t much to talk about with Tennessee’s offense.
Yes, the Titans scored second-half points, and their first points in the fourth quarter all season, but it was just six. Tennessee has failed to score more than seven points in the second half of any game this season.
Whether it’s shoddy protection, shoddy quarterback play, bad receiver separation, bad play-calling, or all of the above, the Titans simply can’t get this ship going.
It’s astounding they’re 4-2. All of the credit goes to the defense.
Winner: K Randy Bullock
On a day when the Titans’ offense couldn’t move the ball — or finish off drives when they did — Randy Bullock came up huge.
Bullock nailed all four of his field goals, including the 48-yarder in the fourth quarter that iced the game. Since missing the potential game-winner in Week 1, Bullock hasn’t missed another and is 8-9 overall in 2022.
Winner: TE Austin Hooper
We were beginning to think Austin Hooper didn’t exist, but the veteran tight end proved otherwise on Sunday — and on National Tight Ends day, no less!
Hooper reeled in three chain-moving catches for 56 yards, but none were bigger than his fourth-quarter grab. With the Titans owning a 16-10 lead, Hooper had an easy reception knocked out of his hands, but the tight end showed great concentration and control to stay with it and reel it in.
The catch got the Titans a first down and ultimately helped them get into field goal range to put this one away.
Hopefully this is a sign of things to come for Hooper, who led all Titans pass-catchers in yards in what was easily his best game as a Titan.
Winner: LB David Long
Long got in on the turnover fun in the first half when he nabbed a pick off Matt Ryan, setting the Titans up in good field position. Starting at their own 38 after Long’s pick, the Titans worked their way into field goal range, allowing Bullock to put three on the board.
Long has been sensational for Tennessee this year and has now notched a pick in each of his last two games. The linebacker finished with eight tackles (five solo), but also added two passes defensed and one QB hit.
Long is headed for a nice payday next offseason.
Winner: RB Derrick Henry
One of the few bright spots on offense for the Titans in Week 7 was Henry, who had to scratch and claw for every yard he got but still managed to break the century mark for the third-straight game.
Henry also found himself in a familiar spot, as he was tasked with closing this game out — and he did just that down the stretch.
Despite the tough sledding, Henry looked good in this game and was so close to breaking a big one a few times. It’s just a matter of time before he does.
Winner: Titans' defense
Coming into this game, we wanted to see Tennessee’s defense limit big plays, which are those that go for 20 yards. After allowing a handful to Indy in Week 4, they allowed just one in Week 7.
The Titans once again kept Jonathan Taylor in check, and Matt Ryan’s disastrous performance was directly tied to Tennessee’s group upfront dominating the line of scrimmage.
In all, the Titans’ defense notched three turnovers, two of which led to points, and the unit made a 13-0 halftime lead stand despite almost no support in the second half.
If not for the defense, the Titans wouldn’t be even close to competitive this season.
