The Titans got on the scoreboard first on an 83-yard drive that ended with a Dontrell Hilliard touchdown reception from Ryan Tannehill. The Packers got their first points on a touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Christian Watson. The extra point was blocked, leaving the score at 7-6. A Derrick Henry rushing touchdown just before halftime gave the Titans a 14-6 lead. Not only did Henry make an impact on the ground, but he also showed off his quarterback skills, throwing a touchdown pass to Austin Hooper. The Packers pulled within three thanks to another Watson touchdown and a successful two-point conversion. Moments later, the Titans answered with Hooper’s second touchdown of the night, this time on a toss from Tannehill. The Titans sealed the win with a defensive stop on fourth-and-short, giving them the ball back with just over two minutes left in the game. They ran one play before the two-minute warning, a 51-yard touchdown pass to Treylon Burks that put the finishing touches on an impressive victory. Tannehill has now won his last five starts and the Titans have won seven of their last eight games.
Because the Titans won
The Titans were dominant throughout most of the game and did not lose once in the “Thursday Night Football” matchup. They beat the Packers in total first downs, total yards, passing yards, rushing yards, yards per game and time of possession. When you come out on top in so many categories offensively, that usually means you get the win as well. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill had a great game, going 22-of-27 for 333 yards and two touchdowns. He had an interception, but it didn’t change the game. Derrick Henry was the other star of the game, totaling 87 yards on 28 carries, with one rushing touchdown and one touchdown (more on that in the Play the Game section). This creative offense threw the Packers defense away. Rookie Treylon Burks led the team in receiving with 111 yards on seven catches, including a 51-yarder to officially seal the win. Robert Woods was also effective through the air, amassing 69 yards on six receptions.
Why the Packers lost
The Packers were coming from behind all game and could never do enough to catch up with a Titans team that is improving as the season goes on. The Titans came out more comfortable and ready than the hosts. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers went 24-for-39 for 227 yards and two touchdowns, but it was the most confused and damaging receivers that were lost. The Titans don’t feature the toughest secondary in the league, but the Packers made it look pretty good with their offensive struggles. Rodgers’ longest pass was a 28-yard toss to Randall Cobb. The defense couldn’t contain Tannehill, and even when he got him away, the offense couldn’t take advantage.
Turning point
The Titans’ second touchdown, a four-yard rush by Henry, extended their lead before halftime and gave them momentum heading into the third quarter. The defense then held the Packers to a post to open the second half. It’s always a win to keep Rodgers to three points when he’s on the field, even in a year where the Packers aren’t playing up to their usual standards.
The game of the game
Henry is a remarkable running back, but he’s also proving to be a decent quarterback. On second down, Henry got the ball and looked like he was going to do what he does best: punch it into the end zone. However, the attack had a trick up its sleeve. Henry threw the ball to Austin Hooper for the TD to extend the Titans’ lead. After the game, Henry praised Hooper for the catch and noted that the play was thanks to coach Mike Vrabel and the offensive staff.
What’s next
The Titans host the Cincinnati Bengals next week, who are 5-4 entering the weekend. The Bengals are hoping Ja’Marr Chase can return in Week 12 against Tennessee. Chase has been sidelined with a hip injury. The Packers head to Philadelphia to face the Philadelphia Eagles. Philly just dropped their first game of the season, losing to the Washington Commanders in Week 10. That puts them at 8-1 at the end of the weekend and in first place in the NFC, holding the tiebreaker over the 8-1 Minnesota Vikings.
