Category: Game Recap

Ryan Tannehill implodes in Titans’ loss to Saints: Everything we know

Ryan Tannehill had one of his worst games as a member of the TItans in a 16-15 Week 1 loss to the Saints.

The Tennessee Titans dropped their season-opening game to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome, 16-15.

The game went about as we expected for both teams, with the offenses struggling mightily and the defenses playing at a high level.

We also weren’t surprised to see the officials being terrible at their job, as the zebras missed several calls that hurt the Titans throughout the game. In fact, head coach Mike Vrabel had to use both of his challenges in the first half.

The most egregious officiating error came on what should have been an Arden Key strip sack that would have been returned for a touchdown. Vrabel used his second and final challenge flag on that play but the booth somehow didn’t overturn it even though it was clear as day.

What we didn’t expect was for Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill to have arguably the worst game of his tenure in Nashville, as he tossed three interceptions and was THE reason Tennessee lost, even with the officiating being an absolute joke.

If not for a sensational effort from the Titans’ defense and a big game from kicker Nick Folk, this contest wouldn’t have been close. Here’s a look at everything we know from the Week 1 loss.

When They Last Met: Commanders and Cardinals

What happened the last time these two teams met?

“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.

Arizona 30, Washington 15 – Week 2, September 20, 2020

Kyler Murray ran for two touchdowns and passed for another as the Cardinals raced out to a huge lead, coasting to a 30-15 win over Washington at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.

The Cardinals were in complete control in the first half, repeatedly looking a step quicker than Washington. Murray connected with DeAndre Hopkins from 4 yards, then added a 14-yard run for a quick 14-0 lead. Two Zane Gonzalez field goals from 49 and 33 yards extended the Cardinals’ halftime lead to 20-0.

Following a Dustin Hopkins 24-yard field goal, Murray answered with a 21-yard touchdown run, and the Cardinals were running away from Washington 27-3.

Washington scored twice in the final quarter when Dwayne Haskins connected with Terry McLaurin from 24 yards, and Antonio Gibson ran in one score from 11 yards.

McLaurin led Washington with 125 receiving yards on 7 receptions, and Steven Sims followed with 53 yards on 3 receptions. Gibson and J.D. McKissic rushed for 55 and 53 yards, respectively.

Meanwhile, Murray finished with 286 passing yards and 67 rushing. Kenyan Drake rushed for 86 yards on 20 carries.

Kevin Pierre-Louis led the Washington defense with 16 tackles (10 solo and 6 assists). It was the first loss for Washington under Ron Rivera after defeating the Eagles 27-17 at FedEx Field in Week 1.

Biggest takeaways from Titans’ preseason Week 3 win

The biggest takeaways from the Titans’ preseason Week 3 win over the Patriots.

The Tennessee Titans capped off their three-game preseason slate with a win on Friday night against the New England Patriots, giving the team a winning record in exhibition play.

The preseason Week 3 game was the last chance players on the bubble had to show their stuff. The Titans will now look ahead to cutdown day on Tuesday, Aug. 29, when the team will trim its roster down to 53 players.

Following that, Tennessee will put together it’s 16-man practice squad, which figures to consist of mostly players the team parted ways with during final cuts.

Knowing all that, let’s take a look at the biggest takeaways from the preseason finale win over New England.

Photos from Titans’ preseason Week 3 win over Patriots

The photos from the Titans’ victory over the Patriots in the preseason finale on Friday night.

The Tennessee Titans put a bow on their preseason slate on Friday night with an easy 23-7 win over the New England Patriots at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.

The Titans played most of their starters early on, but the Patriots did not. Still, the Titans starters did exactly what you’d expect against a group of backups, and even Tennessee’s reserves played well.

In case you missed any of the action from Friday night, you can check out some of our postgame articles below. If not, keep scrolling for the photos from preseason Week 3.

Titans top Pats: Everything we know

What Titans said about preseason Week 3

Winners and losers from preseason Week 3

What Willis, Vrabel said about QB’s preseason finale

Titans’ winners and losers from preseason finale win over Pats

The winners and losers from the Titans’ preseason finale victory over the Patriots.

The Tennessee Titans wrapped up their 2023 preseason on Friday night with a 23-7 win over the New England Patriots, giving them a 2-1 record during exhibition play.

Up next for the Titans will be cutdown day, when Tennessee will trim its roster down from 90 to the initial 53 on Tuesday, Aug. 29.

We say initial because the team is likely to do some roster shuffling ahead of the 2023 campaign as players from other teams become available after cuts. It’s also possible Kyle Philips starts the season on injured reserve, which would clear a roster spot.

After putting together the 53-man roster, the Titans will have to fill out their 16-man practice squad, which will likely consist of mostly players the team cut.

Knowing all that, the preseason finale on Friday night was the last chance for players on the roster bubble to show they belong on the initial 53. Here’s a look at who came out as winners, losers, and somewhere in between.

What Titans said about preseason Week 3 win over Patriots

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and several players shared their thoughts on the preseason Week 3 win over the Patriots.

The Tennessee Titans closed out their preseason on Friday night with an easy 23-7 victory over the New England Patriots at Nissan Stadium.

While the Titans played the majority of their starters on both sides of the ball, the Patriots did not. However, Tennessee backups managed to outplay New England’s throughout the course of the game.

Quarterback Malik Willis once again had the reins for the entire game, minus the first series. He put up his best statistical game of the preseason, but there were no doubt some negatives, including a pair of interceptions.

Tennessee’s struggles at kicker continue, as Michael Badgley was shaky, at best. The veteran kicker made 3-of-4 field goals but one of his makes was a doink off the left upright that luckily went through.

Those were just some of the notable things from preseason Week 3. You can check out a full recap of the game with plenty of analysis right here.

Now, a look at what the Titans had to say about preseason Week 3.

Titans finish preseason with win over Patriots: Everything we know

The Titans closed out the preseason slate with a 23-7 win over the Patriots on Friday night.

The Tennessee Titans completed their three-game preseason slate on Friday night with a 23-7 victory over the New England Patriots at Nissan Stadium.

The Titans did play more starters than they had in the previous two preseason games, including quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who was hilariously in for just one series that saw him hand the ball off three times before being done for the night.

The defense saw the majority of its starters play early on, and the unit was as dominant as you’d expect against Patriots backups. It was also a good night for the reserves on that side of the ball, as the Pats couldn’t get much going at all and were shut out in the second half.

Malik Willis took over for Tannehill after the lone series and it was another roller coaster of a game for the young signal-caller, who had some ugly interceptions but some bright spots, also.

Here’s a look at everything we know from preseason Week 3.

Commanders PFF grades: Best and worst performers vs. Ravens in preseason game

Jake Fromm was among those who stood out in Monday’s preseason game vs. Baltimore.

The second preseason game is in the books for the Washington Commanders. Washington ended the Baltimore Ravens’ 24-game preseason winning streak with a last-second 29-28 win on Monday night.

The second game was the dress rehearsal for Washington’s offense in preparation for Week 1. Head coach Ron Rivera played his starting offense, outside of three players, for the entire first half. Quarterback Sam Howell was excellent, completing 19 of 25 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns.

Third-string quarterback Jake Fromm, who played the majority of the second half, led the Commanders to a pair of fourth-quarter scoring drives to end Baltimore’s streak.

The Commanders only played three of their defensive starters on the night: Linebackers Jamin Davis and Cody Barton and first-round cornerback Emmanuel Forbes.

Here are some of the Commanders’ highest- and lowest-graded players from Week 2 of the preseason.

Commanders’ QB Sam Howell impressive in the preseason win

Sam Howell with another strong preseason performance.

If you wanted Sam Howell to get some work on Monday night, you got your wish.

Howell, playing the first half against the Ravens in the Commanders’ second preseason game, attempted 25 first-half passes.

And why not? My goodness, Howell has only appeared in one regular-season game. He is learning a new offense with a new offensive coordinator. Howell needed game reps tonight, and he was able to complete 19 of his 25 passing attempts for 188 yards, two passing touchdowns and a 123.4 passer rating.

There were some plays where Howell held the ball too long, yes. They will be addressed, but when he delivered the ball, it visibly has more velocity. Howell also displayed an ability to move and maintain composure, looking downfield and attempting to find his receivers.

In the opening quarter, Howell completed six of seven attempts for 64 yards (9.1 yards per attempt), compiling a 104.8 passer rating.

Howell, in the second quarter, completed 13 of 18 attempts for 124 yards and two touchdowns.

Jahan Dotson led the way with five receptions for 76 yards, and Terry McLaurin caught three receptions for 39 yards, injuring a toe on his last reception and limping to the locker room.

Howell’s two touchdown passes were to Antonio Gibson from nine yards and to Dyami Brown from 11 yards. Gibson’s touchdown concluded a 45-yard drive, and Brown’s concluded a 79-yard drive, providing Washington a 17-14 halftime lead.

A good night of some much-needed work for Washington’s second-year quarterback.

5 takeaways from Commanders’ preseason win over the Ravens

What did we learn from Washington’s win over Baltimore? Here are five takeaways.

The Washington Commanders improved to 2-0 in the preseason with Monday night’s 29-28 win over the Baltimore Ravens. While preseason wins mean nothing in the grand scheme of things, Monday night’s win was a bit different as the Commanders ended the Ravens’ 24-game preseason winning streak.

Washington chose to play its offensive starters for the entire first half. That meant a lot of work for newly-named starter Sam Howell. Howell responded, completing 19 of 25 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns.

The Commanders did not play their starters on defense, with the exception of linebacker Cody Barton and Jamin Davis and first-round cornerback Emmanuel Forbes.

Washington will wrap up the preseason Saturday against the Cincinnati Bengals. It’s doubtful the starters will play for the Commanders. NFL teams will cut rosters down to 53 players next week, giving them one last chance to evaluate potential roster hopefuls.

What did we learn from Washington’s win over Baltimore? Here are five takeaways from Monday’s victory.