The Tennessee Titans defeated the Green Bay Packers 27-17. The Packers fell to 4-7, while the Titans improved to 7-3.
The Titans got on the scoreboard first on an 83-yard drive that ended with a Dontrell Hilliard touchdown reception from Ryan Tannehill. The Packers got their first points on a touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Christian Watson. The extra point was blocked, leaving things at 7-6.
A rushing touchdown by Derrick Henry just before halftime gave the Titans a 14-6 lead. Not only did Henry make an impact on the ground, but he also showed off his quarterback skills, throwing a touchdown pass to Austin Hooper.
The Packers got within three thanks to another Watson touchdown and a successful two-point conversion. Soon after, the Titans answered with Hooper’s second touchdown of the night, this time on a throw from Tannehill.
The Titans sealed the win with a defensive stop on fourth-and-short, giving them the ball with just over two minutes left in the game. They ran one play before the two-minute warning, a 51-yard pass to Treylon Burks that put the finishing touches on a stunning victory.
Tannehill has won his last five starts, and the Titans have won seven of their last eight games.
Why the Titans won
The Titans were dominant for most of the game and didn’t concede a single run in the “Thursday Night Football” game. They beat the Packers in total first downs, total yards, passing yards, rushing yards, yards per play and time of possession. When you come out on top in so many categories offensively, that usually means you get the win, too.
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill had a big game, going 22-for-27 for 333 yards and two touchdowns. He had an interception, but it wasn’t a game changer.
Derrick Henry was the other star of the game, totaling 87 yards on 28 carries with one rushing touchdown and one passing touchdown (more on that in the “Game of the Game” section). This creative offense blew the Packers defense away.
Rookie Treylon Burks led the team in receiving with 111 yards on seven catches, including a 51-yarder to officially seal the win. Robert Woods was also efficient through the air, racking up 69 yards on six receptions.
Why the Packers lost
The Packers came from behind all game and could never do enough to catch up with a Titans team that is only getting better as the season goes on. The Titans came out more comfortable and better prepared than the home team.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was 24-for-39 for 227 yards and two touchdowns, but it was the missed open receivers that were the most puzzling and damaging. The Titans don’t feature the toughest secondary in the league to play against, but the Packers made it look great with their offensive struggles. Rodgers’ longest pass was a 28-yarder to Randall Cobb.
The defense couldn’t contain Tannehill, and even when they got him out, the offense couldn’t capitalize.
Crucial moment
The Titans’ second touchdown, a four-yard run by Henry, extended their lead before halftime and gave them the momentum going into the third quarter. The defense then held the Packers to a field goal to open the second half. It’s always a win to hold Rodgers to three points when he walks down the field, even in a year where the Packers aren’t playing at their usual level.
game of the game
Henry is a remarkable runner, but it turns out he’s also a decent quarterback. On second-and-goal, Henry got the ball, and it looked like he was going to do what he does best: pound it into the end zone. However, the attack had a trick up its sleeve. Henry threw the ball to Austin Hooper for the TD to extend the Titans’ lead. After the game, Henry congratulated Hooper on the catch and noted that the play was thanks to head coach Mike Vrabel and the offensive staff.
What follows
The Titans host the Cincinnati Bengals next week, who are 5-4 heading into the weekend. The Bengals are hoping wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase can return in Week 12 against Tennessee. Chase has been sidelined with a hip injury.
The Packers head to Philadelphia to face the Philadelphia Eagles. Philly just lost their first game of the season, falling to the Washington Commanders in Week 10. That puts them at 8-1 heading into the weekend and into first place in the NFC, with the tiebreaker over the Minnesota Vikings 8-1.