Game Recap – Tennessee Titans at Washington Commanders

October 9, 2022

By Noonefromtampa

First Half

Washington won the coin toss and elected to defer to the second half. The Titans opened on offense and went three an out. Montez Sweat sacked Ryan Tannehill on first down for a 7 yard loss, which the Titans could not overcome. The Commanders also went three and out on their first possession when Curtis Samuel dropped a Carson Wentz pass on third down in tight coverage.

After the Tress Way punt, the Titans were able to pick up a first down on a Sweat neutral zone infraction on third down after two short Derrick Henry runs. The Commander defense stopped the Titans offense on third down when after forcing an incompletion; however, offsetting penalties on both teams gave the Titans a second chance but Darrick Forrest had good coverage on a deep throw to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine which fell incomplete.

On Washington’s next series, Brian Robinson came in and ran for 8 yards on first down; however, Armani Rogers was called for holding, which backed the Commanders up deep in their own territory. Robinson was able to run for 2 yards on the next play, but Washington was not able to overcome the penalty and was forced to punt.

Tennessee started with good field position at their own 48 after a short 34 yard Way punt. Robert Woods caught a 9 yard pass and Henry picked up 6 yards on two rushes. Then Henry caught a swing pass and took it 24 yards down the field breaking several tackles. Tannehill then hit Dontrell Hilliard for a 13 yard touchdown on a counter shovel pass. Randy Bullock converted the extra point.

Washington was able to answer on their next series. The Commanders moved to their best field position in the game so far behind two passes to Samuel of 32 and 11 yards.  The drive petered out after a bad snap from Nick Martin which Wentz was able to recover.  Joey Slye was able to kick a 50 yard field goal to cut the Titans lead to 7-3.

On the next Titans’ series, Washington held Henry to 5 yards on first down and forced an incompletion on second down. Sweat then sacked Tannehill again for a 7 yard loss to force a punt. Robinson came back in on first down after the punt and Washington ran a play action pass counting on the Titans to expect a Robinson run. Wentz hit Dyami Brown on a deep throw for a 75 yard touchdown pass giving Washington their first lead of the game.

The team traded punts on the next two series. Then, the Titans were able to put together a long drive behind Tannehill’s passing and Henry’s running. The drive was also aided by a huge third down roughing the penalty call which gave Tennessee a first down. Three straight touches by Henry moved the ball down to the 1 yard line, and Henry was able to score from there on third and goal with twenty seconds left in the half.

Washington elected to take a knee and end the half.

Titans 14, Commanders 10

Second Half

Washington opened the second half with a 34 yard pass to Terry McLaurin, but only managed 5 yards after that play. Way had a great punt, pinning the Titans back at their own 4 yard line.  The Washington defense was able to force a three and out behind a great third down tackle by Kamren Curl. After the Titans punt, the Commanders had the ball in Tennessee territory.

Even with great field position, was unable to move the ball against the Titans defense, who deflected two passes and forced a turnover on downs. The Washington kept the Titans offense in check though, tackling Henry for a 4 yard loss and Efe Obada sacking Tannehill for a 2 yard loss. After a third down incompletion under a fierce pass rush, Washington got the ball back at their own 20 following a Dax Milne 8 yard punt return.

After holding the Titans to negative 6 yards on their first two series of the second half, Washington’s offense came to life. Antonio Gibson caught passes of 15 and 9 yards and tight end John Bates caught a 20 yarder from Wentz. Robinson gained three yards on first down;  then, Wentz hit a streaking Brown down the sidelines who made an awesome one-handed catch for a 30 yard touchdown giving Washington their second lead of the game.

On the Titans’ next series, Tannehill, while under a strong pass rush, hit Westbrook-Ikhine for a 61 yard completion on a desperation throw down the field. The Titans were able to move the ball into the red zone behind a Henry run and catches by Woods and Austin Hooper. Henry went over the top for a 1 yard touchdown, letting the Titans reclaim the lead.

Washington’s next series was marred by mistakes, including penalties and offensive lineman giving up easy sacks. Washington could not overcome 19 yards in losses and had to punt the ball away. On the next series, the Commanders put the Titans into a 4^th and 2 situation, but Henry picked up 4 yards when Tennessee went for it on fourth down. The Titans moved the ball down into field goal territory at the Washington 34, but on third down James Smith-Williams sacked Tannehill for a 16 yard loss. With the Titans out of field goal range, they punted the ball down to the Washington 10 yard line.

Washington was unable to move the ball despite getting a first down with a roughing the passer penalty call on Jeffrey Simmons. Andrew Norwell got a false start penalty and Simmons got a sack. The Commanders were unable to convert the third and nine play and had to punt.

Tennessee started with a false start penalty and ended up going three and out on their next series, but took valuable time off the clock.  Washington got the ball back at their own 11 yard line. Washington had to go for it on fourth down on their own 20 yard line after a controversial challenge of failed a Cam Sims catch. This would come into play later in the drive. The Commanders went into a hurry-up offense and moved the ball down the field by taking the short throws available in the Titans’ prevent defensive scheme. They were able to overcome a 10 yard penalty on Nick Martin for illegal use of hands. A defensive pass interference against the Titans on McLaurin moved the ball down to the 2 yard line with 24 second left and no timeouts. With the timeout lost to the challenge, Washington was unable to try a running play and passed three straight time. Wentz threw an interception on the last attempt.

The defensive player was ruled down after review and the players had to be brought back onto the field to play the last play of the game.

Titans 21, Commanders 17

Game Thoughts

Nick Martin does not belong on a starting offensive line in the NFL. Bad snaps, poor blocking and penalties cost the Commanders all game long. Andrew Norwell is not far behind him.

The defensive line put pressure on Ryan Tannehill all game long. Both Montez Sweat and Jonathan Allen played very well during the game.

Dyami Brown finally showed some of what he did so well in college at North Carolina with two long touchdown receptions. His stat line was 2 catches on 4 targets for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns. Yes, that’s a 52.5 yard per catch average.

Given all of Carson Wentz‘ mistakes, one has to wonder how long Ron Rivera stays with him.