NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans needed a play on defense, and they got one in the end.
The Butler did it. Titans cornerback Malcolm Butler, that is.
Butler intercepted Jets quarterback Josh McCown's pass with just 29 seconds left, sealing the win for the Titans. It was the second interception of the season for Butler – and it was his first since the season opener vs the Dolphins.
"It is what is expected of me, and anybody else on the team," Butler said. "Just to keep working and never give in, cut it to the metal at all times. That one's for my teammates, my coaches, my son, my family. Just want to be successful, man."
Butler, signed this offseason after playing previously with the Patriots, has been the subject of criticism at times this season. Along the way, he's been very critical of his own play. Leading up to the game, Titans defensive coordinator Dean Pees praised Butler for his resiliency, and determination while battling through early season struggles.
But Butler was there to make a play when it mattered most on Sunday, as the Titans held on for the 26-22 win.
Butler smiled when asked what was going through his mind as the ball headed in his direction. He knew he had to make the play.
"It was … an end-the-game situation," Butler said.
Coach Mike Vrabel praised Butler after the contest. Butler also made a big third down tackle earlier in the game, and he was credited with six stops on the day.
The Titans got a number of key stops on defense throughout the game, holding the Jets to five field goals. A stop on New York's second-to-last possession allowed the Titans an opportunity to put together a game-winning drive at the end.
"(The defense) was put in some tough positions, but that's what you do – you play defense," Vrabel said. "Great defenses go out there and play defense wherever you have to.
"Malcolm, he battled. And it's great for him to come out there and ice the game. It was huge."
The Tennessee Titans take on the New York Jets in Week 13 of the 2018 season on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018 at Nissan Stadium. (Photos: Donn Jones, AP)
Tennessee Titans running back Dion Lewis (33) carries the ball against the New York Jets in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes as Tennessee Titans running back Dion Lewis (33) blocks New York Jets strong safety Jamal Adams in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota passes against the New York Jets in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes against the New York Jets in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes against the New York Jets in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro, left, brings down New York Jets running back Trenton Cannon (40) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota passes against the New York Jets in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey (99) lines up against the New York Jets in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
New York Jets offensive guard Dakota Dozier (70) lines up against the Tennessee Titans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Jets offensive guard Dakota Dozier (70) lines up against Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is brought down by the New York Jets in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) is stopped by New York Jets inside linebacker Avery Williamson (54) and inside linebacker Darron Lee (58) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
New York Jets cornerback Darryl Roberts (27) defends against Tennessee Titans tight end Anthony Firkser (86) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
New York Jets running back Isaiah Crowell (20) runs the ball against Tennessee Titans linebacker Harold Landry (58) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Jets running back Isaiah Crowell (20) runs the ball against Tennessee Titans linebacker Harold Landry (58) and cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is brought down by New York Jets inside linebacker Darron Lee (58) and defensive tackle Mike Pennel (98) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown (15) passes against the Tennessee Titans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Logan Ryan (26) hangs onto New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa (81) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is brought down by the New York Jets in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) carries the ball against New York Jets inside linebacker Avery Williamson (54) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis plays against the New York Jets in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) carries the ball against the New York Jets in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is sacked in the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey looks at the scoreboard in the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) carries the ball against New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins (48) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) congratulates wide receiver Corey Davis (84) after a play against the New York Jets in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans cornerback LeShaun Sims (36) stops New York Jets' Andre Roberts (19) as Roberts returns a kickoff 59 yards in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Jets running back Isaiah Crowell (20) runs the ball against Tennessee Titans linebacker Harold Landry (58) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel talks to his players in the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Taylor Lewan (77) looks up at the scoreboard in the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes against the New York Jets in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel talks to his players in the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans offensive guard Josh Kline (64) plays against the New York Jets in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown (15) is brought down by Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Wesley Woodyard tries to pump up the crowd in the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) scores a touchdown on a 1-yard run against the New York Jets in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Wesley Woodyard tries to pump up the crowd in the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) scores a touchdown on a 1-yard run against the New York Jets in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) scores a touchdown on a 1-yard run against the New York Jets in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Jets running back Isaiah Crowell (20) tries to get past Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) scores a touchdown on a 1-yard run against the New York Jets in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans offensive guard Josh Kline (64) plays against the New York Jets in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) scores a touchdown on a 1-yard run against the New York Jets in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) carries the ball for a 12-yard gain against the New York Jets in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
The New York Jets and the Tennessee Titans line up in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on an 11-yard pass against the New York Jets in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The touchdown gave the Titans a 26-22 win. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) celebrates with inside linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) after Butler intercepted a pass in the final seconds of the fourth quarter to end the New York Jets' final drive in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 26-22. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, center, walks to the locker room with quarterback Marcus Mariota, left, after an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 26-22.(AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) takes down New York Jets running back Elijah McGuire (25) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) celebrates with Taywan Taylor (13) after Davis scored a touchdown on an 11-yard pass against the New York Jets in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The touchdown gave the Titans a 26-22 win. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on an 11-yard pass against the New York Jets in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The touchdown gave the Titans a 26-22 win. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) celebrates with tight end Anthony Firkser (86) after Davis caught the winning touchdown against the New York Jets in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 26-22. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Malcolm Butler, left, celebrates with inside linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) after Butler intercepted a pass in the final seconds of the fourth quarter to end the New York Jets' final drive in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 26-22. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tajae Sharpe, right, jumps on wide receiver Corey Davis (84) as Davis in interviewed after the Titans beat the New York Jets 26-22 in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Davis caught the winning touchdown. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tajae Sharpe (19) jumps on wide receiver Corey Davis (84) as Davis in interviewed after the Titans beat the New York Jets 26-22 in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Davis caught the winning touchdown. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes as he is pressured by New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins (48) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) takes down New York Jets running back Elijah McGuire (25) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) scores a touchdown on an 11-yard pass against the New York Jets in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The touchdown gave the Titans a 26-22 win. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) gets past New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins (48) as Mariota scrambles for a gain of 25 yards in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Taywan Taylor (13) catches a pass in front of New York Jets cornerback Darryl Roberts (27) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
The Tennessee Titans and the New York Jets line up in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on an 11-yard pass against the New York Jets in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The touchdown gave the Titans a 26-22 win. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) gets out of the grasp of New York Jets inside linebacker Darron Lee (58) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) leaves the field after the Titans beat the New York Jets in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 26-22.(AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes as he is pressured by New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins (48) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) is stopped by New York Jets inside linebacker Avery Williamson (54) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans tight end Anthony Firkser (86) catches a pass for a 25-yard gain as New York Jets cornerback Rashard Robinson (30) hangs on in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) scores a touchdown on a 1-yard run against the New York Jets in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles, front right, leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 26-22. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Jets cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) gets out of the grasp of New York Jets inside linebacker Darron Lee (58) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) carries the ball against New York Jets strong safety Jamal Adams (33) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) carries the ball against New York Jets strong safety Jamal Adams (33) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown is chased by Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) and inside linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop kicks a field goal against the New York Jets in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) scores a touchdown on a 1-yard run against the New York Jets in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) scores a touchdown on a 1-yard run against the New York Jets in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel watches the action in the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 26-22.(AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel answers questions after an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 26-22.(AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota answers questions after an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 26-22.(AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
More than 80 former Titans players return to Nissan Stadium as part of the team's 2018 homecoming weekend in Nashville. (Photos: Gary Glenn)
Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson serves as the team's 12th Man before an NFL football game between the Titans and the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
