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Tennessee Titans winners and losers from Week 16 loss to Saints

By Michael Moraitis

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 22: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans discusses a fumble call with a referee during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Nissan Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. New Orleans defeats Tennessee 38-28. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 22: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans discusses a fumble call with a referee during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Nissan Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. New Orleans defeats Tennessee 38-28. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 22: Tajae Sharpe #19 of the Tennessee Titans Saints celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown in the second half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at Nissan Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Saints defeated the Titans 38-28. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 22: Tajae Sharpe #19 of the Tennessee Titans Saints celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown in the second half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at Nissan Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Saints defeated the Titans 38-28. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Winner: Titans receivers

Tajae Sharpe was the Titans’ leading receiver on Sunday, with team-highs in catches (five), receiving yards (69) and touchdowns (two). His highlight of the game came in the third quarter when he caught a pass from Tannehill and took it to the end zone for a 36-yard score.

A.J. Brown also continued his hot streak. Although he was held to just one catch for 34 yards, Brown took a reverse in the first quarter 49 yards to the house that showcased his strength and speed. At this point, Brown could be the front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Loser: NFL Officials

The referees handed the Saints two touchdowns in this game.

The first of the two came in the second quarter on a play that saw Brees connect with Jared Cook for a 61-yard touchdown play. Kamalei Correa was clearly held as he tried to get to Brees, which helped the Hall of Fame quarterback buy enough time to find Cook in the middle of the field, ultimately leading to a touchdown. There’s no doubt the play was a breakdown on defense by the Titans, but the play should have been called back regardless.

The other assist came in the fourth quarter when Kalif Raymond caught a pass in Saints territory but took a hard hit, forcing a fumble. After looking at the replay, it was clear Raymond took an illegal hit as a defenseless receiver, and despite the receiver laying seemingly unconscious on the field, the officials missed it entirely.

The fumble was recovered by the Saints and taken back into Titans territory. The Saints would go on to score just plays later, and it turned a 31-28 game that saw the Titans driving to score into a 38-28 game. That was undoubtedly the dagger that finished the Titans off.

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