(Nashville) Ryan Tannehill ran and pitched for majors and the Tennessee Titans defeated the New Orleans Saints 23-21 on Sunday to extend their winning streak to six.
The Titans (8-2) became the second team in NFL history to win five straight games against teams that made the playoffs the previous season, after the Philadelphia Eagles in 2003. The Titans have an overall record 7-0 this season against teams that made the playoffs in 2020.
“The guys know how to win and I’m happy with it,” said Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.
The Saints (5-4) suffered a second straight loss since losing the services of quarterback Jameis Winston for the remainder of the campaign due to a ligament tear in one knee.
“It’s a disappointing setback,” said Saints head coach Sean Payton. I think we had a good game plan. We fought well. That’s what makes it disappointing. In the end, it was too many little things that made the difference. ”
Against the Titans, they were also deprived of a trio of starters. All-star running back Alvin Kamara (knee), tackle Terron Armstead (knee and shoulder) and defensive back CJ Gardner-Johnson (foot) were also missing.
Still, the Saints were in on until the end.
Trevor Siemian threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Marquez Callaway with 1:16 left, bringing the Saints two points behind the Titans. However, Adam Trautman was penalized for moving before the surrender, pushing the Saints back to the 7-line for their attempted two-run conversion.
“It obviously changes the game when you go from the line of 2 to the line of 7,” admitted Payton.
Siemian’s pass to Mark Ingram in the corner of the end zone was incomplete. It was the Saints’ eighth consecutive failed two-point transformation attempt in recent years.
“I have to give him a better pass or extend the game,” Siemian said.
“In tight situations like this, where you have to stop the opponent, there is no panic on the field or on the bench,” insisted Titans safety back Kevin Byard.
The Titans recovered the short kick and were able to confirm their victory.
“We’re going to have to improve some things, but I’m never going to complain after a win,” said Tannehill.
Kicker Brian Johnson had missed two transformations by a point earlier in the game, which would have changed the picture late in the game.
The Titans, leaders of the American Association, took advantage of a little luck to extend their streak.
A questionable penalty for harshness against the quarterback erased a Tannehill interception in the end zone. He then scored a touchdown on a one-yard run, which put the Titans ahead 13-6. Tannehill also escaped a late throw in the third quarter, but receiver AJ Brown recovered the ball for a gain of six yards and a first down.
Dylan Cole snatched the ball from Deonte Harris on the kickoff return in the third quarter, which set the table for a two-yard touchdown pass from Tannehill to MyCole Pruitt.