Titans Roll Cincy

The Tennessee Titans (2-2) stuck it to the Cincinnati Bengals (1-3) on Sunday. It was the first time the organization has beaten quarterback Joe Burrow and coach Zach Taylor in four meetings against them. 

Better to be on the right side of a 27-3 final, one would imagine.

“Felt like this was a great all-around team win,” said running back Derrick Henry. “Finally got one on (Cincinnati). It took a little bit, but we finally got one.”

Tennessee thoroughly beat the Bengals down. The irony of the Titans embarrassing a team by the exact same score they fell to the Cleveland Browns by in Week 3 was lost on no one. Henry delivered a signature performance while passing Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Earl Campbell for second place on the franchise’s career rushing leaders list.

Tennessee was awful just seven days ago and responded with their best performance of the season.

The Titans had not scored 21 points in a quarter since the 2021 regular season finale. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw for 240 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Henry eclipsed the 100-yards rushing mark (22-for-122) for the first time in the first four weeks. Coordinator Tim Kelly’s offense missed on early opportunities in its first two drives with both teams trading field goals. 

“I think all the credit goes to the players,” said coach Mike Vrabel. “It does. We make all this up about play callers. Give them a play and they go execute it. It’s up to the players and they did a great job. That’s what I’m saying.”

Henry accounted for two of the scores, running in one and throwing the second.

His rushing strike from 29 yards out was his longest ground gain of the 2023. Henry later got an opportunity in the red zone to line up in a wildcat formation. Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons subbed in as the fullback for the goal line package as the Titans lined up for third-and-goal at the Cincinnati two-yard line.