The Titans’ loss to the Colts looks even worse after Saturday’s 23-17 over the Jaguars.
If the Titans had been able to win that game, all they’d need to do to make the playoffs is beat the Texans in Week 17. They are still alive, although the exact combination of things that need to happen takes a while to explain. They are ahead of the Jets, but need lots of help from other teams if they are going to grab the sixth spot. But they are alive and they have an aggressive offensive game plan to thank for their status.
The Titans attacked the Jaguars secondary early and often on Saturday, leading to 350 passing yards for Matt Hasselbeck and a huge day for tight end Jared Cook. Those two hooked up several times, but none of the completions was as big as the 29-yard third down play late in the fourth quarter after the Jags drew within six points. The play iced the game and made up for the fact that the Titans weren’t able to run the game out on the ground thanks to another ineffective performance from Chris Johnson.
Next week’s game with the Texans means something for the Titans, but what might have been will probably be haunting them once their offseason gets underway.