Tennessee Titans beat New York Jets 14-10 to pave playoff way for Cincinnati Bengals – NFL Recap
The Tennessee Titans managed to minimise the number of mistakes they have frequently been repeating since start of the season and this helped them easily beat the visitors New York Jets 14-10 on Monday night (Dec. 17).
Wide receiver Chris Johnson who displayed names of all the Connecticut shooting victims on his cleats during the Jets game was star of the show. His 94 yards run for the longest touchdown was enough to lead the hosts claim a decisive lead into early phase
of the game.
Another touchdown run by the first-time offence leader quarterback Jake Locker extended the Titans lead in third quarter of the game, which the Jets found impossible to recover until end of the low-scoring tie.
The Titans' cause was also helped by mistake-prone Jets’ offence leader Mark Sanchez, who threw four interceptions, and did not look anywhere closer to give a winning performance. This was third straight game that the quarterback failed as a starter.
It was a must-win situation for the Jets to stay in the race for the playoffs through second wildcard of the American Football Conference. The Indianapolis Colts qualify for the first wildcard opportunity, and the Jets were in race for the second one with
the Pittsburgh Steelers and leader of the race the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals now need to just beat Pittsburgh Steelers on a road game this Sunday to confirm their berth in the second round.
This is second year in a row that the Jets have ruined their playoff opportunity. They were clearer contenders for the second round but an unexpected loss by them gave away the chance to the Bengals.
Coach Mike Munchak apparently is pleased with a win by his side, finally. It was Titans’ first victory under reign of new offensive coordinator Tom Moore. Munchak sacked Chris Palmer as an offensive coordinator a week before last week.
Also, it was second victory by the Titans since they were put on an informal notice by owner Bud Adams. Adams has warned all the officials including coaches to face scrutiny if the team does not improve its performance.
A week earlier, Munchak while downplaying criticism said the Titans were consistently improving if not winning, and the Jets’ win came well within his wishes. Yet the official realises it is nowhere closer to the past season’s record of 9-7, which comparatively
was a satisfactory output.
Although the Titans are way out of a playoff berth opportunity, they managed to consolidate their position in the American Football Conference (AFC) South division to an extent. They at present stand at 5-9 on the league’s standings table, and if go on to
win the remaining two games of the season, can improve their overall record at 7-9.
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