Winner: Titans defense
After a stellar start to the season, the Titans’ defense seemed to lose a bit of momentum during the second half, part of that having to do with injuries.
But through two playoff games thus far, Tennessee’s unit has allowed a grand total of 25 points, 12 of which came against the No. 1 scoring offense in the Divisional Round.
Tennessee’s defense forced three turnovers, two via interception and one on a fumble, and made two key stops on fourth-and-1 plays after the Ravens had yet to be stopped in those situations all season long coming into this game. And let’s not forget that the Ravens had multiple long drives that either resulted in field goals or no points at all.
Jeffery Simmons was disruptive up the middle and recovered a fumble. Kevin Byard and Kenny Vaccaro both came away with interceptions, and Vaccaro’s was even more impressive after he jumped a route to come away with the pick.
Tennessee also got great play from its linebackers, including David Long and Rashaan Evans. Of course, we have to mention Adoree’ Jackson and Jurrell Casey, but we’ll get to both of them shortly in the slides to come.
We said it would take a near perfect effort from every player on defense, and the Titans got just that on Saturday night.