Tennessee Titans (1-1) – Los Angeles Chargers (0-2): 27-24 after overtime
Match between two teams having lost by a narrow head last Sunday (defeat of one point for the Titans, two for the Chargers), but the objectives are diametrically opposed. Los Angeles must lock down its defense (36 points conceded in the first week), while Tennessee must, on the contrary, improve in attack (only 16 points scored, and 3 interceptions for Ryan Tannehill).
In this duel of opposites, between the flamboyant Chargers and the rigorous Titans, the locals managed to achieve victory against all odds, thanks to a team that was perhaps less talented, but better coached.
Running-in attacks
In the first act, the Chargers’ attack was well contained by the home team’s defense. The absence of Austin Ekeler is felt with a running game that has never managed to settle in (61 yards rushing and a starving average of 2.9 yards per carry).
The favorites from Los Angeles still managed to put together 11 points in a row, thanks to a field goal and a touchdown converted to two points via lineman Trey Pipkins!
However, the Titans do not admit defeat. After 3 mediocre drives (turnover on downs, 3&out, 3&out), Tennessee sees the light on a 70 yard reception from Treylon Burks. Two actions later, the inevitable Derrick Henry (25 races, 79 yards, 1 touchdown) enters the end zone. An exchange of field goals later and the first period ends: 10-14 for the Chargers.
Los Angeles does not drive home the point
If the offensive impression suggests that LA is well above, it is Tennessee who draws first and takes the advantage for the first time in the match (17-14) on a race from Ryan Tannehill (20/24 , 246 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 rush, 12 yards, 1 rushing touchdown).
Justin Herbert (27/41, 305 yards, 2 touchdowns) is obliged to work, always with the same ingredients: sometimes Mike Williams (8 receptions, 83 yards), sometimes Keenan Allen (8 receptions, 111 yards, 2 touchdowns) . The Chargers are unable to take down Tennessee and are struggling to come back. It was on the last action of regulation time that Cameron Dicker picked up and sent his team into overtime.
By playing with fire, the Californians ended up getting burned: despite winning the toss, Brandon Staley’s men stalled and returned the ball after three incomplete passes from Herbert, muzzled by a rigorous defense. Still with their effective game without being attractive, Tennessee progressed to the point of allowing Nick Folk to score the winning field goal.
The Chargers thus go to 0-2 and are already putting themselves in danger for qualifying for the playoffs in the AFC. On the other hand, it is a good operation for the Titans who continue, as usual, their role as a scratch in the conference.
