Titans beat down the Bengals in Week 4 route
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans (2-2) stuck it to the Cincinnati Bengals (1-3) on Sunday. It was the first time the organization has beaten quarterback Joe Burrow and coach Zach Taylor in four meetings against them. Better to be on the right side of a 27-3 final, one would imagine. "Felt like this was a […]
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans (2-2) stuck it to the Cincinnati Bengals (1-3) on Sunday. It was the first time the organization has beaten quarterback Joe Burrow and coach Zach Taylor in four meetings against them.
Better to be on the right side of a 27-3 final, one would imagine.
"Felt like this was a great all-around team win," said running back Derrick Henry. "Finally got one on (Cincinnati). It took a little bit, but we finally got one."
Tennessee thoroughly beat the Bengals down. The irony of the Titans embarrassing a team by the exact same score they fell to the Cleveland Browns by in Week 3 was lost on no one. Henry delivered a signature performance while passing Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Earl Campbell for second place on the franchise's career rushing leaders list.
Tennessee got punked seven days ago and responded with their best performance of the season.
The Titans had not scored 21 points in a quarter since the 2021 regular season finale. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw for 240 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Henry eclipsed the 100-yards rushing mark (22-for-122) for the first time in the first four weeks. Coordinator Tim Kelly's offense missed on early opportunities in its first two drives with both teams trading field goals.
Tennessee then rattled off three straight touchdowns to start the second frame.
"I think all the credit goes to the players," said coach Mike Vrabel. "It does. We make all this up about play callers. Give them a play and they go execute it. It's up to the players and they did a great job. That's what I'm saying."
Henry accounted for two of the scores, running in one and throwing the second.
His rushing strike from 29 yards out was his longest ground gain of the 2023. Henry later got an opportunity in the red zone to line up in a wildcat formation. Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons subbed in as the fullback for the goal line package as the Titans lined up for third-and-goal at the Cincinnati two-yard line.
Simmons motioned out to the right side of the formation, Henry took the direct snap, waited for the defense to pursue him as the ball carrier, then hit rookie tight end Josh Whyle with a jump pass to pull ahead by a margin of 24-3.
"Never hurts when you have a guy in there that can run it in," said Vrabel. "Well executed by Derrick (Henry) and Cheddar Bob (Josh Whyle)."
Peace out, Rabbit, indeed.
Henry has now completed seven of his eight career regular season an postseason passing attempts. Four of those throws have gone for touchdowns to his teammates. Henry is the ultimate red zone weapon for a variety of reasons.
On Sunday against the Bengals, Kelly was able to put that full skill set on display.
Derrick Henry and Tyjae Spears can be a Titans two-headed monster
NASHVILLE — Running backs Derrick Henry and Tyjae Spears were always going to be an interesting watch together for the Tennessee Titans (1-1) this season. The franchise has relied on Henry to almost singularly carry their offense for nearly four straight seasons. Plenty of questions arose when Tennessee drafted Spears in the 2023 third round […]
Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.
