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Tennessee Titans running back Jeremy McNichols played a significant role in the Titans’ passing game in Sunday’s 27-24 overtime loss against the New York Jets.
McNichols, 25, hauled in a career-high eight catches for 74 yards, including an impressive catch and run on third-and-21 in the first quarter. He also converted another first down on second-and-13 in the third quarter.
Both plays were the Titans’ longest of the day.
“When those opportunities come, you have to make them,” the Titans running back said. “I’m all about winning. Whatever it takes to win at the end of the day, that’s my job, and that’s why I’m here.”
With wide receiver A.J. Brown and Julio Jones sidelined, the Titans needed others to step up in their place, and McNichols did his part, pacing all Tennessee pass-catchers in receiving yards.
And it’s not just McNichols — the Titans are getting both of their running backs more involved in the passing game this year. Henry has 14 receptions for 125 yards and is only five catches shy of matching his single-season career-high. He had two catches for 20 yards on Sunday.
McNichols with the moves! @JeremyMcNichols
📺: Watch #TENvsNYJ on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/MTKPTyu37O
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) October 3, 2021
Still, it wasn’t enough, as the Titans failed to convert in the red zone, and the defense allowed big plays downfield.
“Losing always hurts, no matter what,” McNichols added. “We just have to execute, not just in overtime, but the whole game. When we get the opportunities, we have to capitalize and obviously just finish the game.”
McNichols hasn’t played a significant role in the Titans’ rushing attack, notching just one carry for 11 yards against the Jets. The former fifth-round pick of the Buccaneers has six carries for 29 yards on the season.
Even when Brown and Jones return to the lineup, the Titans need to keep McNichols involved in the passing game — especially in short-yardage situations — to keep the chains moving.
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