NASHVILLE, Tenn. – To wrap up our first-half season recap, we'll finish with a rundown of the top five Titans plays through their first eight games.
For a play to be eligible for selection it has to meet one of two criteria (or both). The first criterion for selection is that the play has to be an extraordinary individual effort. The other is the implication the play had on the outcome of the game.
Let's begin.
5. Delanie Walker Scores First Titans Touchdown of Season in Kansas City
It's fitting that Delanie Walker found the end zone first for the Titans in 2014. Down 3-0 to the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, Tennessee marched down to the Chiefs' five-yard line after a Cairo Santos missed field goal. On second and goal from the five, Jake Locker found Walker in the middle of the end zone with the tight end hauling in an acrobatic grab.
4. J-Mac Strip, Avery Williamson Recover and Return Against Jacksonville
Down 16-7, the Jaguars had marched down field deep into Titans territory. A Blake Bortles 16-yard pass to Cecil Shorts got the Jags to the Tennessee 10-yard line before Jason McCourty stripped the ball out of the receiver's hands. Avery Williamson recovered the loose ball and returned it 41-yards to midfield to clear the danger.
3. Justin Hunter Burns the Browns for 75 Yards
Tennessee's defense forced a stop and Charlie Whitehurst wasted no time taking a shot downfield. Justin Hunter completely torched Browns cornerback Buster Skrine on an out-and-up for a 75-yard touchdown. The reception/pass were career-longs for both Hunter and Whitehurst. The score capped a monster 28-point first half for the Titans.
2. Walker Goes Beast Mode against the Cowboys
Down 16-3 early in the second half, Delanie Walker found the end zone for the second straight week on an impressive 61-yard catch and run. As Walker caught the ball, a Cowboys DB tried to blow up the Titans tight end. However, Walker bounced off the would-be tackle and sprinted away from the Dallas defense on his way to the end zone. The score brought the Titans within six at 16-10.
1. Sammie Hill's Right Hand Seals Titans Win vs. Jaguars
After a last minute touchdown to pull within 16-14, an onside kick recovery and two pass plays that covered 21 yards put Jacksonville in position for a game-winning 55-yard field goal try for Josh Scobee.
The Titans seemed doomed for their second straight week of heartbreak until Sammie Hill's big right paw found the football and blocked the kick to put a bow on Tennessee's second win of the season.
"The moment when my hand touched it, I turned around to make sure I didn't just tip the ball," said Hill following the game. "So when I saw it fall, I'm thinking 'Thank you, God. Thank you, Jesus.' It felt great. But there is no feeling in the world right now that I can say makes me feel good and any better than just getting the win today. Forget the block. Just win. That's the biggest part for me. I don't care how we did it, as long as we did."
Honorable Mentions
Kendall Wright Jukes KC Defense on his way into the End Zone
Nate Washington Lays-Out for a 43-Yard Gain
Jason McCourty Picks off Alex Smith for the Second Time
Derek Hagan Scores his First Touchdown as a Titan from 38-yards Out
