The Tennessee Titans got nothing going against the New York Giants and once again came up short, falling 12-7 at rainy MetLife Stadium in Week 3 action.
Cam Ward and the offense did come to life in the second half to make it close. But two failed trips into the red zone, including throwing a game-sealing interception in the waning seconds, did the Titans in.
The Titans' defense played another strong game, but the lack of offense in the first half did them in.
Final Score: Giants 12, Titans 7
Keys to the Game
- Weather: With a nor'easter plaguing the Northeast, conditions at MetLife Stadium were sloppy, and the Giants took advantage by controlling the line of scrimmage, controlling the ball, and winning field-position battles.
- Penalties: Any time the Titans got anything going, they committed a penalty that set them back. In a game where field position and ball control mattered, Tennessee got the worst of it.
- First half offense: The Titans offense again couldn't get anything going and wasted a solid game from the defense, which, despite the score, did everything it could to keep Tennessee in the game. In a game where every yard mattered, the Titans' offense couldn't make the play when it mattered.
- Turnovers: The Titans committed two turnovers against the Giants, and they both came at inopportune times: on the opening kickoff and in the end zone with 17 seconds left in the contest.
It was over when...
Cam Ward threw a game-sealing interception with 17 seconds remaining. The Titans had two timeouts remaining, and instead of living to play another down, Ward tried to force the ball to Elic Ayomanor and threw the pick.
Players of the Game
- Jeffery Simmons: Simmons was again a man on a mission and was his dominant self. He finished with 10 tackles and one sack, but his impact went far beyond the box score. The emotional leader of the defense, he stepped up every time Tennessee needed a play.
- Tommy Townsend: Townsend came through and consistently helped change field position when called upon. The veteran punter needed to be a weapon in the weather, and he was.
- Wan'Dale Robinson: Robinson had his best game with the Titans, and although it was not a huge statistical day, he was a focal part of the offense and made even more plays than his stat line would indicate. He led the Titans with seven catches for 58 yards and one touchdown.
Injuries
The Titans suffered a massive loss early when starting guard Fernando Carmona
injured his ankle and did not return. Cornerback Alontae Taylor and running back Tyjae Spears both left the game with injuries, but returned to action.
What's next?
Titans head coach Robert Saleh will meet with reporters on Monday afternoon to wrap up the week and set the stage for Week 4. Select players may be made available after Saleh's press conference.
Tennessee will return to practice on Wednesday ahead of a Week 4 game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Kickoff is scheduled for Noon CDT.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Titans comeback falls short as Cam Ward tossed last-second INT vs. Giants
