Your Tennessee Titans are officially heading to the playoffs.
We all knew the one simple task at hand, win in Houston, and you’ll be playing some old fashioned playoff football.
The Titans did just that, winning by a score of 35-14.
This game had all sorts of surprises, groans being groaned, and statistical achievements packed all into one week 17 game.
So sit back and relax, take a seat, and let me unpack it all for you.
Let’s talk about it.
1. The Titans Are In The Playoffs For The First Time Since 2017
Early on, this game gave plenty some uneasy stomachs, and thoughts of 2011 as the Titans struggled on defense early on.
AJ McCarron started for the Texans, and played some really good football early on.
So good, that he led an opening drive touchdown for the Texans, the first time the Texans had achieved that feat.
However, as the game went along, the Titans’ defense found their footing and got stop after stop after stop, handing the ball off to their offense to rack up the points.
End result?
The Titans punching their ticket to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Their opponent next weekend?
A date with the New England Patriots, a team many in the Titans’ organization know very, very well.
2. AJ Brown Hits 1,000 Yards On The Season
There’s really no words left to describe the season AJ Brown is having.
Brown has turned into a legit #1 wide receiver, he’s a superstar in the making, and he’s going to be dominating opposing secondaries for a long time.
The only stat that Brown didn’t have in this phenomenal rookie year, is 1,000 receiving yards.
Check that off the list.
Brown had another big day today, posting 4 catches for 144 yards and another 50+ yard score.
Not only that, he made a sweet catch along the sideline at such a critical time for the Titans.
The Tannehill to Brown connection is gaining a lot of steam, and will be very tough to stop going forward.
INSANE CATCH! 🤯@Brown1arthur | #TENvsHOU pic.twitter.com/z71X2J4r53
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 29, 2019
This guy has been insane for the Titans, understatement of the year. So insane that Brown has a legit shot at winning Rookie of The Year.
I said he needed a strong showing today to really get conversation going about him taking home the award, and he showed out and then some.
It makes you wonder again, how in the world did this guy drop to the 2nd round?
I’m sure the Titans aren’t asking too many questions, instead savoring the rookie riches AJ Brown has brought to their football team.
His potential matchup with Stephon Gilmore will be interesting to watch though, so definitely keep an eye out on that.
3. Derrick Henry Wins The Rushing Title, Hits 1,500 Rushing Yards For The Season.
Derrick Henry rested his sore hamstring last week, as last week’s game had no type of meaning on their playoff hopes.
Boy did that rest look like it paid dividends today.
Henry came in and dominated, specifically in the 2nd half, receiving 32 carries for 211 yards and 3 touchdowns.
It was Henry’s 2nd career 200 yard rushing day, and his 211 yards were the 2nd highest total of his entire career.
I guess you could say Henry had a great day.
Now, he’ll get to play a Patriots team, who for the most part have played good football, are not playing the best football down the stretch.
All eyes on the Patriots’ coaching staff will be on Henry, trying to find a way to shut down the star running back.
It won’t be easy on their part, nor will it be easy on Henry, but it’ll be a fun battle to watch as the game goes on.
👑 KING RUNS 👑 pic.twitter.com/MZ7DkYu3Pr
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 30, 2019
Featured image via Tim Warner/Getty Images