NASHVILLE – The Titans lost 37-27 to the Bengals on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.
Here's a look at six things that stood out from the contest:
Levis Benched
It was an in-game benching on Sunday for Titans quarterback Will Levis, so technically, I guess you could also say he was "pulled" from the contest in favor of Mason Rudolph. What it means moving forward remains to be seen, because head coach Brian Callahan declined to say whether or not Levis had officially lost his job as the team's starter. An answer could come in the next few days. This much is certain: Sunday was a major setback for Levis, who threw three interceptions and also lost a fumble in the contest. After showing some signs of progress since returning from his right shoulder injury, Sunday's performance by Levis, who went 8 of 12 for 89 yards and three INTs, with a 49.0 rating, was a big disappointment. In the game, Levis threw his fourth pick-6 of the season.
Crowd Reaction
I heard the reaction to Levis being replaced in the third quarter just like everyone else, so I'd be irresponsible not to mention it as something that stood out. It got my attention. There was a loud cheer when Rudolph entered the game, and you can be sure Levis heard it, too. I can't say I was surprised by the reaction. Levis has been a lightning-rod topic for the fan base ever since he was drafted, and he's generated plenty of conversation on social media, talk radio, and in my mailbag over the past 18 months. I hated the reaction for Levis, just like I hated hearing Steve McNair getting booed loudly in a game against the Bengals in Week 1 of the 1999 season. But it spoke to the frustration of this fan base right now, and to where many stand on Levis.
Big T-Sweat
I've seen some pretty nifty stiff-arms over the years, none better than former Titans running back Derrick Henry. But I'll probably also always remember T'Vondre Sweat with the ball in his hands, because that was one of the highlights on Sunday. Sweat picked up a Joe Burrow fumble and raced 30 yards with the ball in his hands before being pushed out of bounds. The 366-pound defensive lineman stiff-armed Bengals guard Alex Cappa before making a few other would-be tacklers miss on the way down the field, showing some speed in the process. (He was clocked at 15 miles per hour). It's OK to celebrate plays like this, even in a loss.
Turnovers and Penalties
Levis wasn't the only guy responsible for turning the ball over on Sunday, although he certainly led the way. In addition to his three picks, he also lost a fumble. And, these led to a lot of Cincinnati points. Running back Tony Pollard also lost a fumble (that should have been returned for a touchdown), and Rudolph also threw an interception. The Titans also committed 12 penalties for 110 yards on the day, and that included some costly penalties (and some questionable ones). It was a bad day at the office for the Titans, once again.
Spears and Okonkwo
The Titans got big contributions from a couple of guys on offense – running back Tyjae Spears and tight end Chig Okonkwo. Spears provided another highlight on his one-yard touchdown run, because he was hoisted high into the air in his own version of crowd surfing on the field. Spears had two touchdowns in the game on a day when he did most of his damage catching the ball – he was credited with six catches for 87 yards, including a 17-yard receiving TD. I thought Okonkwo stood out with some real effort and toughness on Sunday. Okonkwo caught a team-high eight passes for 59 yards, and he had a big catch and run wiped out because of a penalty.
Defense Falls Short
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow entered Sunday's game on a roll, and the Titans didn't do a whole lot to slow him down. The good for the Titans: LB Luke Gifford and safety Daryl Worley both intercepted Burrow. The bad for the Titans: Burrow threw for 271 yards and three touchdowns, with receiver Ja'Marr Chase (9-94) and Tee Higgins (5-88-1) having big days. The Titans couldn't get off the field on third down (the Bengals converted 10-of-13) and they couldn't get Burrow on the ground, as they sacked him just once on a day when the Bengals racked up 24 first downs and 370 yards of offense.
