EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – On another big day by running back Derrick Henry, the Titans picked up another big win.
Henry ran for 170 yards and two touchdowns on 33 carries, one week after rushing for a franchise-record 238 yards against the Jaguars, as the Titans rolled to a 17-0 win over the New York Giants here at MetLife Stadium.
The Titans improved to 8-6 after their third straight win. It was the first shutout by the defense since December 25, 2000 vs. the Cowboys.
"I am proud of our team for coming out and starting the way we started in tough conditions," Titans coach Mike Vrabel said. "And I am proud of our football team for finishing."
Henry broke the franchise record for rushing yards (408) in back-to-back games, breaking Houston Oilers running back Earl Campbell's record of 405 yards.
"When I came out for pregame, the rain was coming down, and it was windy," Henry said. "I knew if we were going to run it, I had to go out there and make something happen.
"Hat's off to everybody – the offensive line, receivers, tight ends, blocking. For me to have this opportunity, it is all of us."
The Titans took a 7-0 lead on a one-yard touchdown run by Henry, which came on fourth-and-goal. Quarterback Marcus Mariota connected with receiver Corey Davis for third-down completions of 11 and 17 yards on the drive, which ended up being 15 plays for 75 yards in 7:45.
Later, the Titans got another one-yard touchdown run by Henry. Kicker Ryan Succop kicked a 22-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to account for the final points.
Defensively, the Titans held the Giants in check.
Giants running back Saquon Barkley managed just 31 yards on 14 carries. Quarterback Eli Manning was just 21-of-44 for 229 yards with a 54.1 rating, and he was sacked three times.
"We knew if we stopped the big plays from (Saquon) Barkley, we could have success," Byard said. "And that's something we did. We corralled him, and we did a great job swarming to the ball. We didn't let their offense make any big plays."
Byard and Titans cornerback Logan Ryan each recorded sacks of Manning in the first half, giving the team's defensive backs the record for sacks in a season.
Early in the second half, Byard stepped up and made a big interception for the Titans, stopping a Giants drive deep in Tennessee territory.
The defense got an even bigger play later, when linebacker Kamalei Correa sacked Manning, forcing a fumble that was recovered by defensive lineman Jurrell Casey at the Giants 14. Five plays later, Henry found the end zone again for the one-yard touchdown.
It was a big day for the defense, which came just one week after the Giants scored 40 points in a win over the Redskins. Titans defensive coordinator Dean Pees was awarded a game ball in the locker room after the contest.
The Titans return home to face the Redskins on Saturday at Nissan Stadium. The Titans need to win, and they still need help from others to reach the postseason.
"Playoffs came a month early for us – that's our mindset and mentality," Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard said. "We have to win to stay in, and we're taking it week by week. Today, we were able to do that."
