KANSAS CITY – The Titans lost to the Chiefs 20-17 in overtime on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.
Here’s a look at six things that stood out from the contest …
Resilient – and Exhausted – Defense
The Titans defense gave up a lot of yards (499), and first downs (29). At the end of the 4th quarter, the defense couldn’t keep the Chiefs from driving to tie the game, and in overtime, the group allowed a drive that ended with the Chiefs kicking the eventual game-winning field goal. But man, did this group play with a lot of guts, and the unit gave the team a chance to win on a night when the offense didn’t do enough. The Titans sacked Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes four times, and they flustered him throughout the night, despite being an exhausted bunch. Even in defeat, there was reason to be proud. “I don’t know how many plays we played on defense – probably like 100 or something like that,” Titans safety Kevin Byard said. “But at the end of the day we battled our asses off. I’m proud of the way we played – everybody was out there battling.” The Titans defense ended up being on the field for 91 plays, and 41:28 of the contest.
Ups and Downs from Malik Willis
The rookie quarterback made his second career start on Sunday night, and he flashed early. Willis connected with tight end Chig Okonkwo for a 48-yard completion, and he hit tight end Austin Hooper for a 16-yard gain. Willis also sprinted for a 17-yard gain on a night when he gained 40 yards on the ground. Willis completed just 5-of-16 passes for 80 yards in the game, however, and he was sacked three times. At the end, he was unable to guide the Titans to points, or really muster up anything on offense. But Willis was also victimized by some drops, which kept the Titans from being able to gain momentum, and perhaps extend their lead. “I tell you what: He threw some really nice deep balls,” Titans coach Mike Vrabel said of Willis. “I mean, we went up and down with three of them that we have to make. … I…
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