Tennessee Titans (4-8) – Indianapolis Colts (7-5): 28-31, AP
In a thrilling divisional match, the Indianapolis Colts obtained a precious victory in the race for the playoffs in the AFC. As harmless as they were effective on the special team, the Colts finally found the path to the touchdown at the best time, in overtime.
If Gardner Minshew (26/42, 312 yards, 2 TD) held the attack, it was Alec Pierce (100 yards, 1 TD) and Michael Pittman (105 yards, 1 TD) who dynamited the opposing defense. The first made a 55-yard reception in overtime before a touchdown from the second for the victory. In defense the mention is for the duo Samson Ebukam/Kwity Paye, for a total of 4 sacks.
On the other side Will Levis did what he could (16/33, 224 yards), even after the injury to Derrick Henry (102 yards, 2 TD). The Titans had a good game but the lack of overall talent ended up being too much.
If the Colts dream of the playoffs, the Titans will have to focus on next season barring a miracle. Mike Vrabel has his quarterback, but we will have to surround him, especially on the line.
An offensive start
The start of the match is an offensive festival. The Titans strike first, with a long pass to Chigoziem Okonkwo (62 yards) then a ground finish from Derrick Henry (7-0). The response is immediate, with a touch down for Alec Pierce who sends the two teams back to back (7-7).
If the pace calms down, Tennessee continues its undermining work. After a field goal, it's Derrick Henry who doubles the takedown (17-7). Gardner Minshew and the Colts don't give up, and Michael Pittman And Kylen Granson (72 yards) advance with the ball. Enough to score two field goal, and return to the locker room with a delay of 4 points (17-13).
Elbow to elbow
Returning from the locker room, the Colts control the match with a 10-minute drive! Unfortunately Indianapolis is still as ineffective in red zone, and only scores one kick (17-16).
It is finally the special teams which unlock the match. THE punt of the Titans is blocked by Nick Cross, transformed into touch down defensive by Grover Stewart. But this crazy match is not over, since on the two-way conversion dots cis Amani Hooker who intercepts Minshew and goes all the way up the field for two points (19-22)! For the first time in the match, Indianapolis is in front.
And Indianapolis continues its domination as a team special with a second punt blocked. But as too often in this match, Indy does not finish in the last yards and only scores one field goal (19-25).
In this crazy match, the Titans regain their strength and go on the attack again despite Derrick Henry's injury. After a 6 minute drive, Will Levi's find Deandre Hopkins (75 yards, 1 TD). Nick Folk completely misses the transformation, giving us a more indecisive match than ever (25-25). For the record, the punter of the Titans being injured c'is Ryan Tannehill was holder on this action.
No points thereafter, head to overtime.
In the latter, Tennessee will score a field goal, but it will not be enough. Alec Pierce crosses the field, Michael Pittman concludes, and the Colts score the winning touchdown in a breathtaking thriller.
