What was expected to be an exciting season-opening game for the Tennessee Titans ended in a 21-20 loss to the New York Giants at home. In a game where offense, fans got a treat by watching over 7oo yards put up by both teams. Fans of the Titans are not happy about today’s performance, considering Tennessee has talent all over the field. Let’s see what happened and why the Titans fell short today.
Keys to Loss Today
Can’t Stop the Run
The New York Giants are a physical football team under first-year head coach Brian Daboll. The Giants ran the ball 32 times today for 238 yards and two touchdowns. Giants running back Saquan Barkley is back, and he put the NFL on notice today in Nashville. Barkley would finish the day with 164 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown. The remaining 74 yards rushing were accumulated by a committee of players, including quarterback Daniel Jones, who had a decent day throwing for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception coupled with 25 yards on the ground, Matt Breida {5 rushes for 24 yards}, and others who gashed the Titans defense all day.
Special Teams Problems
Late in the 4th quarter, the Titans’ special teams became much less effective. A lost fumble on a punt almost finished the game off for the Titans before the Giants signal caller thew a costly interception to gift Tennessee possession again. A 3 and out by the Titans would give the ball back to the Giants, and they would march down, score, and convert a two-point conversion to take a 21-20 lead with 1:13 to play. The Titans would take advantage of costly penalties and move the ball into field goal position.
Kicker Randy Bullock would come on to attempt a 47-yard field goal to send the home crowd home happy. Snap was good, the hold was good, Bullock pushed it left, and NO GOOD!
What is next for Tennessee?
Next, Tennessee will travel to Buffalo on September 19th to take on the Bills on Monday Night Football. The Bills are coming off a 31-10 victory over the LA Rams this past Thursday Night.
