Studs and duds from Tennessee Titans’ Week 13 loss to Commanders

The Tennessee Titans and Washington Commanders met at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland on Sunday. It was a Week 13 matchup that many thought would be close, but the Commanders remembered how to play this week after losing three in a row, while the Titans forgot to do what they’ve been doing the last few weeks.

The Commanders got out to a fast start, scoring on their first four possessions of the game and taking a 28-7 lead into the locker room at halftime after scoring 21 points in the first quarter. The Titans’ defense remembered how to play after that and only allowed 14 points it he second half, but the Commanders’ lead was too big to overcome by then and the Titans fell 42-19.

Here’s a quick look at the studs and duds (and studly duds) from Sunday’s loss:

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Titans quarterback Will Levis earned Player of the Game honors with his performance against the Commanders on Sunday. It was a rare game where Levis didn’t turn the ball over at all, and he only took two sacks for two yards lost. He went 18-for-38 for 212 yards and two touchdowns in a performance that now only showcased his poise and improved decision-making skills, but he showed that he can be the leader of the offense. An overall solid performance by Levis that is another indication that he will be back next year.

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Right tackle continues to be a problem for the Tennessee Titans. Nicholas Petit-Frere is responsible for two penalties and several pressures on Will Levis. The good news is that Levis has learned this spot is a weakness, and he’s starting to avoid the sacks that come with those pressures. But Petit-Frere played much like his alma mater did on Saturday, which isn’t a good thing.

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Mr. Reliable, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, was at it again against the Commanders on Sunday, roping in three passes for 61 yards and two touchdowns. He was targeted eight times, but the Commanders secondary was ready to defend him. Still, he managed to grab enough passes to lead all receivers in receptions, yards and scoring.

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As part of a special teams unit that desperately needs to improve on blocking and tackling, Jha’Quan Jackson used to be the lone bright spot with his ability to return the ball. But last week he had a fumble and this week he fumbled it again, losing it to the Commanders and putting them in prime scoring position. He has to improve his ability to hang on to the ball on returns. Today he returned one kick for 13 yards and one punt for eight yards, meanwhile Julius Chestnut returned four punts for 96 yards.

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Daryl Worley has been on the practice squad all season until the Titans were forced to sign him because he couldn’t be elevated anymore. He’s played well the last couple of weeks, but against the Commanders on Sunday, he led the entire defense with 17 tackles (eight solo). He disrupted the Commanders’ offense on several occasions and made himself a nuisance on the field.

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After being all over the field and making waves the last couple of weeks, Titans safety Mike Brown was noticeably absent against the Commanders on Sunday. He recorded just two tackles (one solo) and was essentially a nonfactor on the defensive side of the ball. It was a noticeable difference in how the defense performed early, and his lack of involvement definitely hurt the team.

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Tony Pollard is normally very reliable and doesn’t lose the ball, but all players have a bad game here and there. Today was one of Pollard’s as he rushed just eight times for 35 yards and lost a fumble. He added four receptions on six targets for an additional 33 yards, which is why he’s not a complete dud this week. The Titans need Pollard to get back on track, though, or the remainder of the season is going to be rough.