Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota had another big game Sunday. The Browns kept it close enough to make it interesting with a late rally, but the Titans held on to win, 28-26.
The Titans led 28-13 in the final five minutes. The Browns scored to make it 28-19 with 2:07 left, but they went for two and didn’t get it, leaving it at a two-possession game.
That miss really stung when the Browns recovered the ensuing onside kick and went down to score again on a Duke Johnson touchdown run with 27 seconds left. The Titans recovered the second onside kick, and the game was over.
Mariota was 17-of-24 for 284 yards and three touchdown passes. He also ran for 64 yards.
Browns rookie Cody Kessler threw for 336 yards and two touchdowns. The Browns played from behind all day and managed just 40 yards rushing, and Kessler was sacked six times. The Browns were hurt by the sacks and by their 3-of-14 success rate on third down.
DeMarco Murray had another rushing touchdown for the Titans but was limited to 65 yards on 21 carries.
The Browns are 0-6. They’re at Cincinnati next week.
The Titans are 3-3 and back in the AFC South race. They host the Colts next week.