Titans win over Ravens proves all wins aren’t the same

How should Titans fans react?

It’s important to not look too much into a single game, but this certainly feels like the Titans’ most meaningful win of the season. Not only were they able to defeat another AFC contender, they were able to keep pace with the rest of the conference and now sit 7-3 heading into an important rubber match against the division rival Indianapolis Colts.

Record aside, this win speaks volumes about an imperfect team being able to overcome their imperfections. Halftime adjustments neutralized the Ravens’ pass rush, as Tannehill had more time in the pocket and produced a passing offense somewhat reminiscent of what we enjoyed in September.

The identity of this team is still intact, one of resiliency and mental toughness. Perhaps it was an embarrassing second-half performance against Indianapolis that provided this wake-up call, but with the season hanging in the balance and down 11 points with just a quarter-and-a-half remaining, the Titans kept chipping away at a tiring Ravens defense as they have against countless previous opponents.

More importantly, though, is that Ryan Tannehill has rediscovered the briefly misplaced mojo that has made him one of the most efficient and impactful passers over the past year and a half.

With less than ideal circumstances not only surrounding him but blocking for him, as well, Tannehill and his rocket right arm overcame earlier struggles and guided this team to their most important victory of the season.

Nobody would argue the importance of Derrick Henry’s running to this team’s success, but successful quarterbacking wins playoff games, and this game had as much of a playoff feel as any Week 11 game possibly could.

Tannehill carried this team through its most threatening moment of adversity faced this season and, with a division title still up for grabs, gives hope that this team’s preseason expectations can still be made a reality.