Two 4th quarter plays that were the dagger for the Titans

The Titans didn’t do themselves any favors when they dug a 21-0 hole in the first half yesterday, but they fought back and still had a chance to win the game in the 4th quarter. Unfortunately they weren’t able to pull off the comeback. The reason for that, in part, is because they didn’t make a couple of key plays late in the game.

The first came with 2:45 left in the game. The Titans faced a 4th and 1 from the Indianapolis 19. They had already converted one 4th and 1 on the drive when Marcus Mariota found Harry Douglas for a 3 yard gain. This time they gave the ball to DeMarco Murray and he was stopped for no gain.

I don’t have a problem with the play call or the fact that it was Murray and not Derrick Henry getting the ball. This team prides itself on getting the tough yard and Murray has been one of the best running backs in the league this year.

The second play came with 2:35 seconds left in the game. The Colts faced a 3rd and 5 after the Titans used their final timeout. A stop would have given the Titans the ball back with at least 2 minutes left- possibly more if they could have forced an incomplete pass.

Andrew Luck dropped back to pass, scrambled out of the pocket, and found T.Y. Hilton for an 11-yard gain. Game over.

Those are plays that a winning team makes. There is no doubt the Titans have taken a step forward this year. They are not an easy out for anyone they face. Now they just have to learn how to take the next step forward and make the plays that can win a close game.