Syndication: The Tennessean
There wasn’t a lot to like about the defense’s performance in Week 12, but this unit did enough to help the Titans win this game. Once again, it was Tennessee’s offense that failed to answer the bell.
The Titans’ run defense did indeed get worked more often than usual on Sunday, but Tennessee still only allowed 3.9 yards per carry, and 3.4 to Cincinnati’s leading rusher, Samaje Perine.
Tee Higgins had a great game, but he had to earn a lot of those catches in what were contested situations. He was simply bigger and stronger than the smaller cornerbacks guarding him.
Most importantly, the pass-rush was unable to generate much pressure on Joe Burrow, which only made the secondary’s job more difficult, and the young signal-caller was able to make some key plays with his legs.
However, in all, the Bengals didn’t throw for 300 yards, barely rushed for 100 yards on 3.9 yards per, and one of the most potent offenses in the NFL only scored 20 points (23 if you include what would’ve been a field goal at the end). Making the effort more impressive, Denico Autry didn’t even play.
If you had asked me before the game if I would take a 20 or even 23-point effort from an Autry-less defense, not only would I have taken it, but I also would’ve thought the Titans would have a good chance to win such a game.
