NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans got in the win column for the first time in 2023 on Sunday, defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 27-24 in overtime. 

Titans starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill had a bounce back performance, throwing for 246 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. Tannehill also had a 12-yard touchdown run in the game and led a game-winning drive that set up veteran kicker Nick Folk for the clinching 41-yard field goal.

Head coach Mike Vrabel spoke to the media on Monday to recap the major storylines from Tennessee's hard-fought win.

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On Tannehill's performance

Just like all of Tannehill's teammates, Vrabel was not the least bit surprised by his quarterback's bounce back day. As Vrabel said on Sunday evening after the game, Tannehill is both tough and resilient.

"That's what Ryan's done," said Vrabel on Sunday. "One of the tougher players on our team. I know we got a bunch of tough guys, but he stood in there and got the (crap) knocked out of him a couple times late and I respect the heck out of it and kept battling."

On Monday, Vrabel discussed the importance of hitting big plays down the field. Tannehill's two deepest pass attempts in New Orleans were both intercepted. Against the Chargers, he was not shy about going back to it and connected for a 70-yard completion with Treylon Burks and a 49-yard completion with Chris Moore.

"You're going to have to throw the ball down the field. You're going to have to be able to create some X-plays," said Vrabel during Monday's press conference. "We'll have to continue to throw them and trust our receivers to get separation. And if not, go up and make the play on the ball and give him an opportunity. Those are two huge plays. I don't think Treylon's (Burks) had a bigger play for us."

On Peter Skoronski and Dillon Radunz

Despite putting 27 points on the scoreboard, pass protection was still a major issue for the Titans' offense on Sunday. Tannehill was sacked five times during the game. All of those sacks came on either 3rd or 4th down and killed drives.

Without Peter Skoronski (illness) on the field, the left side of the offense line was a liability. Xavier Newman was filling in for Skoronski at left guard, but after just two drives, was removed for Dillon Radunz.

Vrabel praised the job Radunz did filling in on short notice and gave an update on Skoronski during Monday's press conference.

"We'll just make sure that the next guy's ready," Vrabel said of Skoronski's absence. "They practiced and X (Xavier Newman), we started with him and give a lot of credit to Dillon (Radunz) to be able to jump in there. Being out eight and a half months, it's an impressive feat for him to play over 50 snaps that he did and playing fairly well."

Vrabel later confirmed that Skoronski did have a procedure on his appendix. His status for the next few weeks remains unknown.

On snap counts for Derrick Henry and Tyjae Spears

Offensive coordinator Tim Kelly and the Titans seemed to find a better rhythm and balance between running backs Tyjae Spears and Derrick Henry on Sunday.

In Week 1, Henry had just five second-half carries and played less than half of Tennessee's offensive snaps. Against the Chargers on Sunday, Henry played 73 percent of Tennessee's offensive snaps and had more than double the snaps of Spears.

As a result, both Spears and Henry were productive. Henry had 95 all purpose yards and a touchdown while Spears averaged 6.1 yards per carry. 

Vrabel addressed the usage of his running backs on Monday, understanding that it's a lose-lose scenario for a head coach.

"We just want them both to be productive. We know that Derrick's (Henry) going to have to get his touches and Tyjae (Spears) can clearly help us as well," said Vrabel on Monday. "Whether it's too little, too much, I sat in here before Derrick rushed for 2,000 yards and 'he was getting it too many times.' I don't know what to tell you."

The more the Titans can find a rhythm between their two backs, the more productive their offense will be. Vrabel also recognized on Monday that Tyjae Spears is just scratching the surface of what's possible for him in the NFL. The blocking hasn't been nearly as good as Spears' production thus far.

"We're going to block for him one day, I promise you," Vrabel joked. "And he's going to gain 30, 40, 50 yards. Every time you think he's going to get tackled, he bursts through for another five or six yards. (Tyjae's) got good vision, good balance, good play strength."

The Titans will take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 3 from FirstEnergy Stadium looking to improve to 2-1.

Ryan Tannehill proved a lot in Titans win over Chargers

It was a stellar day for the Titans QB.