NASHVILLE – The Titans lost to the Indianapolis Colts 19-17 in the home opener on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.
Here's a look at six things that stood out from the day as the team begins to turn its attention to Thursday's game vs the Jaguars:
Coming Up Short
As I worked in the press box following Sunday's disappointing finish, I watched the crazy ending to the Bears-Broncos game. Trailing by a point, the Bears took over at their own 25-yard line, down 1, with 31 seconds left. But they managed to get into position to kick a game-winning field goal at the horn. The Titans had no such luck on Sunday. A drive that began on their own 28 with 1:07 left came up short in large part because a pair of short completions took too much time off the clock and required perfection at the very end. It didn't happen. The reality is the Titans had plenty of opportunities earlier that could've kept it from coming down to the final drive.
McNair/George Tribute
Former Titans running back Eddie George spoke all week about how much having his No. 27 jersey retired meant to him and his family. Seeing George fight back tears while standing next to former teammate Steve McNair's family and former teammates at the halftime ceremony hammered that home for anyone at Nissan Stadium on Sunday. While the result of the game wasn't what anyone had in mind, it was a beautiful day for two of the franchise's legends. The No.9-shaped cloud that appeared in the sky perhaps offered proof McNair approved as well.
Third Down Woes
The Titans had chances to surge ahead against the Colts, but too many times drives stalled before they could get on track. Once again, the team struggled on third down. On Sunday, the Titans were just 1 of 10 on third down, a week after going just 2 of 10 on third down in Cleveland. Mariota blamed the team's issues on first and second down for putting the team in too many 3rd and long situations against Indy, and it's partly true. Everyone agrees 3 for 20 (15 percent) isn't going to cut it.
Cancer Survivor, TD Catcher
David Quessenberry is a 6-foot-5, 305-pound offensive tackle who isn't used to catching touchdown passes. But on Sunday he found himself wide open in the end zone, and then saw the ball coming his way. Quessenberry caught it, of course, and the reaction from his teammates and coaches said it all. It wasn't special because it was a big man touchdown, though. It was special because they all knew what Quessenberry, a cancer survivor, had gone through to be in a position to make the play.
Too Many Sacks
The Titans were forced to rearrange their offensive line at the start of the season, and some issues have come as a result. Mariota was sacked four times on Sunday, and he's now been sacked eight times in the team's first two games. That, of course, has him on track to be sacked 64 this season, which would be a career high. Mariota blamed himself for not getting rid of the ball sooner on some of the sacks, while on others he didn't have enough time. Either way, the Titans are going to need to get this fixed.
Run Defense
The Titans allowed 167 rushing yards on Sunday, including a 55-yard run by Colts running back Jordan Wilkins that set up the winning score in the closing minutes. The previous week in Cleveland, the Titans allowed 102 yards on the ground. After two weeks, the Titans are ranked a very respectable No.10 in the NFL in total defense. But the team is ranked 26th vs. the run, allowing 134.5 yards per game. Next up is a Jacksonville squad that will try and run it down their throats. It's time to tighten up.
The Tennessee Titans take on the Indianapolis Colts in their 2019 home opener at Nissan Stadium. (Photos: Donald Page)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota passes against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith, left, and Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Al-Quadin Muhammad, right, trade jerseys after an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Colts won 19-17. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) carries the ball against Indianapolis Colts defensive end Justin Houston (99) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) rolls out against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel answers questions after an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Colts won 19-17. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Darius Jennings (15) is tripped up by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (34) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota passes against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) flips as he is hit by Indianapolis Colts defenders including Clayton Geathers (26) and Pierre Desir (35) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) flips as he is hit by Indianapolis Colts defenders including Clayton Geathers (26) and Pierre Desir (35) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans' David Quessenberry (72) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans' David Quessenberry (72) celebrates with quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) after catching a touchdown pass from Mariota against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans' David Quessenberry (72) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee Titans' David Quessenberry (72) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel talks with field judge Joe Larrew (73) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel talks with field judge Joe Larrew (73) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson plays against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) dives into the end zone for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Logan Ryan (26) intercepts a pass intended for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) scores a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) dives into the end zone for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Cairo Santos (7) is congratulated by MyCole Pruitt (85) after Santos kicked the extra point after a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) carries the ball against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) celebrates after breaking up a play by the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) leaves the field after losing 19-17 to the Indianapolis Colts in an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) celebrates after breaking up a play by the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Cairo Santos (7) is congratulated by long snapper Beau Brinkley (48) after Santos kicked a 49-yard field goal against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans nose tackle Austin Johnson (94) lines up against Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle (84) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) pitches the ball to running back Derrick Henry (22) in the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Harold Landry (58) celebrates after recovering a fumble by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Deon Cain (11) hugs Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) after an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Colts won 19-17. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Zach Pascal (14) talks with Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tajae Sharpe (19) after an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Colts won 19-17. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24), Indianapolis Colts free safety Malik Hooker (29), and Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard (31) pose together after an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Colts won 19-17. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) talks with Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis, right, after an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Colts won 19-17. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota answers questions after an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Colts won 19-17. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel answers questions after an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Colts won 19-17. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) shakes hands with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) after an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Colts won 19-17. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) and Indianapolis Colts running back Jordan Wilkins (20) trade jerseys after an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Colts won 19-17. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
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Franchise legends Eddie George and Steve McNair have their jersey numbers retired during a special halftime ceremony at Nissan Stadium. (Photos: Donald Page)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans fans watch as the numbers of former running back Eddie George and late Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair are retired during a halftime ceremony at an NFL football game between the Titans and the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Taj George, wife of former Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George, sings the national anthem before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. Eddie George's number is to be retired at halftime. Taj George is a member of the R&B singing group Sisters with Voices. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Taj George, wife of former Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George, sings the national anthem before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. Eddie George's number is to be retired at halftime. Taj George is a member of the R&B singing group Sisters with Voices. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
Former Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George, center, wipes his eyes as his number 27 is retired during a halftime ceremony at an NFL football game between the Titans and the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The number 9 of the late Titans quarterback Steve McNair was also retired. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Tennessee Titans
Former Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George speaks as his number 27 is retired during a halftime ceremony at an NFL football game between the Titans and the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Former Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George speaks as his number 27 is retired during a halftime ceremony at an NFL football game between the Titans and the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
