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The Titans (7-5) ended their three-game losing streak with a greatly needed 28-20 victory over the Texans. Combined with Cleveland’s 27-21 loss to Arizona, the Titans are now tied with the Browns for the 6th and final AFC playoff spot with only four games remaining.
Sunday’s win consisted of several standout individual and collective performances. Let’s take a look at a few of those that are worthy of additional attention.
Titans 3/3 in red zone opportunities
Entering Sunday’s contest, the Titans were ranked dead last in red zone touchdown efficiency, scoring only 12 touchdowns in 40 red zone opportunities. On Sunday, the Titans were finally able to maximize their attempts in the red zone, eschewing Rob Bironas field goals and scoring touchdowns in each of their three forays into the red zone.
Successful teams are able to consistently score touchdowns in the red zone. Settling for a field goal accomplishes the goal of putting points on the board, but they also allow opponents to stay within striking distance when they have no business of doing so (i.e. 1st Titans/Texans contest). The Titans will need to continue to capitalize on their red zone chances as they make their push for the postseason.
Justin Gage continues to produce
Justin Gage continues to emerge as Vince Young’s most reliable receiving threat. An unheralded acquisition in free agency, Gage caught 5 passes for 64 yards against the Texans, including an 11 yard touchdown reception in the third quarter.
In the last four games, Gage has reeled in 22 receptions for 318 yards while also scoring two touchdowns. At 6’4” and 212 pounds, Gage is a big target with solid hands and deceptive speed, and his production as of late has been a blessing for Vince Young and the offense.
Vince Young’s solid performance
With the exception of one bad throw that turned into a Fred Bennett interception, Vince Young performed admirably against the Texans. His twenty-one completions were spread out to seven different receivers, with Gage and Roydell Williams leading the way with 5 catches each. Young also added the dimension of the running game to his arsenal, carrying the ball 5 times for 44 yards.
Young appears to be playing his best football of the season when the Titans need him the most. He is running the football and finding a variety of different receivers instead of locking in on one guy. His 43 yard touchdown pass to Roydell Williams was a beautiful heave that was timed perfectly. Vince will need to continue to step up as the Titans continue to embark upon their quest of making the postseason.