NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Titans playoff bid ended at home on Saturday when the Cincinnati Bengals’ kicker, Evan McPherson, hit a 52-yard walk-off field goal as time expired to send the Bengals to their first AFC Championship game since 1988.
The 19-16 final score was probably lower than many expected when these two teams faced off.
The Titans’ offensive struggles prevented them from moving the ball for most of the game, and the return of running back Derrick Henry from the IR did not produce the spark that the team anticipated. Henry carried the ball 20 times for a total of 62 yards and only averaged 3.1 yards-per-carry.
Quarterback for the Titans, Ryan Tannehill, opened the game with an interception, his first of three, before throwing another pick to open the second half of play, but it was the final interception that bounced off the hands of his receiver that sealed the Titans fate. Tannehill finished 15/24 with 230 yards and one touchdown along with his three interceptions.
The Titans defense did everything it took on the defensive side to win the game, nine sacks and forcing one turnover is typically a recipe for victory but the Bengals found a way.
It was Joe Burrow, Joe “Shiesty,” “Joey Burr” or whatever nickname you choose for the young quarterback that stole the show.
Burrow, the second year QB out of LSU who missed the second half of the season last year due to a torn ACL, has put together an unlikely season with the help of his young offensive weapons. The quarterback put together an impressive game, throwing 28/37 for 348 yards no touchdowns and one interception.
With the stage now set for the NFL Conference Championship weekend, the Kansas Chiefs will host the Cincinnati Bengals for the AFC crown and a trip to the Super Bowl to face off against the eventual NFC champion Los Angeles Rams or San Francisco 49ers.
