Tag: tennessee titans football

Every Georgia Bulldog with a shot make the Super Bowl

Two Georgia Bulldogs are left in the NFL Playoffs: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. and Tennessee Titans center Ben Jones

There aren’t as many Georgia Bulldogs in the 2020 version of the NFL Playoffs. The New England Patriots, home to several UGA products have been eliminated unusually early. There are only two former Georgia Bulldogs left in the NFL Postseason: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. and Tennessee Titans center Ben Jones.

The pair will face off against each other in the 2020 AFC Championship Game, which the Kansas City Chiefs will host at Arrowhead. The Tennessee Titans memorably came back to defeat Kansas City 22-21 in the 2018 playoffs. The AFC Championship will be a clash of styles, with UGA greats leading the way in the stoutest areas for both teams.

Titans center Ben Jones has commanded a dominant Titan offensive line this year. The Titans are quick off the snap and helped Tennessee’s Derrick Henry lead the NFL in rushing this year.

Henry has run for 180 or more yards in three consecutive regular season or postseason games for the first time in NFL history. Jones and Tennessee’s powerful offensive line have paved the way for Henry in three different hostile environments. Impressively, Jones and the Titans have played a divisional winner in each of these games.

The Titans will face a new challenge this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, who are built around an unstoppable deep and intermediate passing attack. Receiver Mecole Hardman sparked a Chiefs comeback against the Houston Texans with an explosive kick return.  Hardman caught two balls for 19 yards against the Texans, but helped open up space across the middle when he ran numerous deep routes.

Will Kansas City stop Ben Jones, Derrick Henry, and the Titans run game? Will the Titans slow Patrick Mahomes, Mecole Hardman, and Tyreek Hill? Both of these questions are keys to the AFC Championship.

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Former Georgia Bulldog Benjamin Watson likely retiring

New England Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson is likely retiring following a defeat in the NFL playoffs. Watson is a former Georgia Bulldog

New England Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson is likely retiring following a loss in the Wildcard Round of the NFL Playoffs. The Patriots fell to the Titans 20-13 in a stunning game. Watson, a former Georgia Bulldog, turned 39 years old last month.

Watson finished the season with 17 catches for 173 yards and no touchdowns. Against the Titans, Watson caught three passes for 38 yards. Watson had an explosive play called back due to an ineligible receiver down field:

Tom Brady and New England’s offense struggled in the second half against Tennessee’s stout defense. It was the Patriot’s first Wildcard exit in a decade.

Now, Watson is likely retiring. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported his retirement:

This report may not be 100% accurate. During postgame interviews, Watson wanted to discuss his future with his family. Watson says, “He wants to be back here, but probably won’t be playing”:

Watson retired as a New Orleans Saint after last season’s defeat in the NFC Championship against the Los Angeles Rams. His future remains unclear at the moment.

If it’s the end of Watson’s long career (2004-2019), then he’ll finish with 547 receptions, 6,058 yards, and 44 touchdowns. Watson is an excellent representative of the University of Georgia and what it means to be a Georgia Bulldogs.

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