Tennessee Falls To The Texans, Rise In The Draft Order

Nashville – The Tennessee Titans notched their 14th loss of the season against the visiting Houston Texans. Tennessee struggled for most of the season, and will now hold the top overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

 

Overview

Head Coach Brian Callahan announced early in the week that the team would be alternating between both Will Levis and Mason Rudolph during the game. Both quarterbacks have had up and down years this season and would get the opportunity to get some positive momentum in the last week of play.

There were also two players looking to cash in on contract incentives and career milestones this game. Tony Pollard and Calvin Ridley both needed good performances to get bonus cash. Calvin Ridley needed 59 yards to get to 1,000  on the year.

Ridley ended the game with 76 yards on three receptions, giving him 1,017 yards on the year. He becomes just the ninth player in NFL history to accomplish that feat on three separate teams.

Pollard fell just short of his bonus, netting 62 yards on the day. He came just 21 yards short of 1,100 yards in the season which would have yielded him an extra $250,000.

As for the game, it was a microcosm of what the season as a whole for the team. They made some splash plays here and there but overall it was a lackluster performance.

The defense forced two fumbles, allowed less than 200 yards passing, and yet still gave up 23 points to the backups of the Texans.

The offense made some splash plays, but ultimately fell short of scoring 20 points and dropped yet another game due to poor offensive play.

The team will now enter one of the most challenging off-seasons ever. They hold the top pick in the draft with questions swirling about who they will pick. Will Callahan and Ran Carthon have jobs after next season? And many more as the rest of the NFL year progresses.

 

Positives

Tennessee came out of the game with no major injuries. They also locked up the top pick in the draft for the first time since the 1978 season as the Houston Oilers.

 

Negatives

The loss marks the team’s 14th of the season. This is the 12th game where the Titans failed to get over the 20-point mark in a game. They are 0-12 in such games.

Tennessee’s season has ended and will now look on to the draft and offseason process.