Although the Tennessee Titans are only playing for pride over the final weeks of the regular season, Chris Johnson hasn’t stopped working.
Last week, Johnson said that if his teammates needed to use the uncertainty of coach Mike Munchak’s job status for motivation they shouldn’t even put on a uniform. In Monday’s 14-10 win over the New York Jets, Johnson scored on a 94-yard touchdown run in the second quarter -- the longest rushing touchdown in franchise history. The All-Pro running back owns the NFL record for touchdown runs of 80 yards or more with six.
The run provided the top highlight of a win that was far from pretty. Tennessee (5-9) forced a season-high five turnovers but couldn’t capitalize on the other end.
Still, the Titans snapped a season-long three-game streak.
Offense: C+
A stellar block by C Kyle DeVan on a weakside, inside zone play sprung an opening for Johnson up the middle on the long touchdown run. Johnson reportedly covered the distance in 10.8 seconds, according to ESPN, which is impressive considered he cut slightly to his right. Jake Locker finished with more passing yards than Mark Sanchez, but only had 149 on the night. After generating their first four turnovers, the Titans responded with four three-and-outs on drives that produced 12 yards combined. After the fifth, the Titans took a knee to end the game. WR Kenny Britt had just one catch on three targets. Previous game's grade: B-
Defense: A-
Rookie LB Zach Brown is coming into his own. The Titans’ second-round pick recorded two sacks and recovered a fumble that clinched the win. The strong pressure created by the Titans’ front seven forced a number of errant throws by Sanchez. CB Jason McCourty picked off two passes, including an impressive effort to remain in bounds on a comeback route intended for Jets WR Jeremy Kerley in the second quarter. FS Michael Griffin also finished with two interceptions, both of which ended potential game-winning drives in the fourth quarter. Previous game's grade: B-
Special Teams: D
P Brett Kern entered the game with one of the highest averages in the AFC but easily had his worst game of the season. Kern set up the Jets’ lone touchdown drive with a 30-yard punt in the third quarter. Late in the fourth quarter, Kern shanked a punt 19 yards off the side of his foot that could have cost the Titans the win. K Rob Bironas had a 46-yard attempt partially blocked in the first quarter. RB Darius Reynaud had a solid night on kickoff returns with three for 75 yards. Previous game's grade: B-
Coaching: B-
DC Jerry Gray employed a steady mix of blitzes and drops to effectively confuse Sanchez. With the Jets focused on pounding the ball on the ground, Gray’s defensive backs took more chances than usual. It resulted in the four interceptions. Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains was hamstrung by another injury on the offensive line, as C Kevin Matthews left the game with a sprained ankle. The Titans’ offensive line has been beset by injuries all season. Munchak’s decision to punt on 4th-and-1 from the Titans’ 49 with 5:28 left now seems like the right call. At the time, the decision was debatable. Previous game's grade: C-
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