NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Things didn't look good for the Titans for most the game on Sunday.
They trailed from the beginning, until nearly the end.
But in a New York minute, everything changed. The Titans made plays when it mattered most, and pulled out an improbable win.
"It's an amazing feeling," Titans tight end Jonnu Smith said. "It started out ugly, no doubt. But that's what this game is about. You just have to keep playing hard, and good things will happen. We battled until the end today."
The Titans rallied for 26-22 win over the Jets after trailing 16-0 early, and 22-13 heading into the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota connected with receiver Corey Davis for an 11-yard touchdown with 36 seconds, capping a six-play, 86-yard drive that took 1:10.
It was the 12th game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime in Mariota's career, and the eighth in the past two seasons. The Titans took over with just 1:46 left, trailing 22-19. Mariota guided a six-play, 86-yard drive that included the third down completion to Davis.
"I believe in every single one of those guys, and I knew the guys up front were going to give us a chance, and the guys outside were going to find a way to get open," Mariota said. "Guys just made plays, and we were able to get it done. It wasn't pretty, but sometimes you have to win like that in this league."
The Titans improved to 6-6 with the win. The Titans face the Jaguars on Thursday night at Nissan Stadium.
Cornerback Malcolm Butler sealed the win with an interception.
"We never try to use "must win," but like coach preached yesterday, we win and we're back in it," Titans receiver Taywan Taylor said. "That was our motto – just win this game, and move on to the next game and see how that goes. We got a great win today, and it feels good, putting us back in the race.
"Now we got momentum … but we have to get ready for a short week against the Jags."
The Titans looked bad early, falling behind 16-0.
After a 54-yard field goal by kicker Jason Myers, disaster struck on the Titans next possession when Mariota was intercepted by Jets cornerback Trumaine Johnson, who returned it for a touchdown. The Jets stretched the lead to 16-0 on two more field goals by Myers in the second quarter.
The Titans finally got in the scoreboard late in the second quarter on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Mariota to tight end Anthony Firkser. A 22-yard pass from Mariota to Davis, followed by a 14-yard run by Mariota, put the drive in motion. But the extra point was blocked, and the Titans trailed 16-6 at the half.
The Jets extended the lead to 19-6 early in the third quarter on another field goal by Myers.
But the Titans responded with a six-play, 75-yard drive that was capped off with a one-yard touchdown run by Derrick Henry, which made it 19-13 with 7:44 left in the third quarter. Mariota connected with receiver Tajae Sharpe for completions of 20 and 28 yards on the drive, which ended with a pair of nice runs by Henry.
After another field goal from Myers made it 22-13 at the end of the third quarter, the Titans cut the lead to 22-16 on a 24-yard field goal by kicker Ryan Succop, and then trimmed it to 22-19 with 5:39 left on another Succop kick. Both field goals were set up by long completions from Mariota to Taylor.
The Titans then rallied for the win.
The Titans were just 1-of-11 on third down in the contest on a day when Mariota was 20-of-35 for 282 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception. Mariota also ran for 43 yards on four carries, including a 27-yard run.
"I give the players all the credit in the world," Titans coach Mike Vrabel said. "It wasn't pretty. We talked about not beating the Titans, and unfortunately, we did our best early on out there to beat the Titans. Then, for the defense to be able to do what they did, continue to get stops, give our offense a chance at the end of the first half to get some points, and then to keep slugging away in the second half.
"It sure beats losing. I don't know what to tell you, but we're going to try to get back to work early and enjoy this here. But, we've got a heck of a challenge on Thursday night."
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)
Titans cheerleaders take the field for the team's Week 13 game against the New York Jets on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018 at Nissan Stadium. (Photos: Donn Jones, AP)
Tennessee Titans cheerleaders perform 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 cheerleaders perform 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)
