The Tennessee Titans played hard and pushed the Cincinnati Bengals into overtime before coming up short again in another disappointing loss.
Tennessee’s offense was on fire, with Tony Pollard having another 100-yard game, and Cam Ward breaking out for a career day, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, like many teams, the Titans’ defense had no answer for Joe Burrow or the high-octane passing attack, and that was the difference.
Here are four things we learned from the overtime loss to the Bengals.
Saleh had no answer for Burrow
Without Jeffery Simmons for the first time since the trade, the defense had an up-and-down, emotional afternoon. While they forced multiple turnovers, including three interceptions by Amani Hooker, the cornerbacks couldn’t consistently
match up with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
It was a mixed performance, and the unit must figure it out moving forward.
Cam Ward was better, but…
Cam Ward had the best game of his career and looked poised and in control throughout. Without Carnell Tate and with Wan’Dale Robinson struggling, Ward used the middle of the field and got a lot out of Gunnar Helm, Daniel Bellinger, and Chimere Dike, but there were still missed opportunities and a crucial fumble.
Ward definitely took a step forward against the Bengals, but he still has areas to improve.
Officiating was, well, questionable
Although the team played well enough to win, they couldn’t finish it off and once again came up short. But in this one, fans have started asking questions about the officiating and its impact on critical plays that definitely changed the complexion of the contest.
Many are talking about the missed false start on a key fourth-quarter play, but a deeper dive shows multiple missed or questionable calls throughout the game, mostly against the Titans.
This isn’t isolated to the Titans; putrid officiating across the NFL has many fans saying the league is turning a blind eye because of legalized betting, and that officiating crews are making the NFL unwatchable.
Goodbye Big Jeff
The Titans missed Jeffery Simmons against the Bengals, and although the defensive front held up against the run and added some decent pass rush, the loss of their emotional leader was apparent throughout. Heading into the bye, the Titans will have a chance to regroup and adjust. But it’s going to be a tough road.
The defensive line wore red sleeves in honor of their captain; now they must channel his playmaking abilities and make plays in the crunch.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: What we learned from Tennessee Titans' 43-36 OT loss to Cincinnati Bengals
