Titans Won, But May Lose Mariota

The Tennessee Titans (9-6) defeated the Washington Redskins (7-8), 25-16 and stayed in the playoff picture, while on the other hand, the DC-based franchise is practically left without the postseason in this campaign.

Now, this win came at a huge cost, because Titans’ quarterback Marcus Mariota left the game with 50 seconds to go until the end of the second quarter after being hit.

https://twitter.com/VersaceBoyEnt/status/1076610625801981952

His condition is still not known, but it appears that Mariota hit the right elbow when falling to the ground, during that sack. He is currently under evaluation, and if it turns out to be some bigger injury which demands rest, Titans’ plans for the playoffs are going to be heavily endangered.

Up until the point where he had to go out, Mariota had 10 of 13 for 110 yards without a touchdown or an interception.

Blaine Gabbert, the 29-year old back up stepped on the pitch and did an amazing job, by keeping the Titans in the playoff hunt, though he didn’t make some spectacular plays, Gabbert was more than useful in all of his actions, and he simply didn’t allow for the pressure or the Redskins to break him.

“You work hard, day in and day out, and sometimes, you don’t get the chance to play, so whenever I’m out there, I just try to make the most of the opportunity.” said the 8th season veteran from Missouri.

Gabbert completed 7 of his 11 passes, for a total of 101 yards for one touchdown.

And it turned put to be a decisive one which, brought back the lead on Titans’ side once again. The home team was trailing at the halftime, and it stayed like that until Gabbert tossed a 2-yard pass to MyCole Pruitt, with 4:30 to go in the last period. The momentum shifted at that point, and Tennessee was boosted with positive energy.

Mike Vrabel on Blaine Gabbert replacing Mariota, leading #Titans to a win: “That’s why he’s here. That’s his job.” pic.twitter.com/x2IQfLMsz5

— Erik Bacharach (@ErikBacharach) December 23, 2018

After that, they had two interceptions in the next two attacks, from which the latter one sealed the fate of the guests when Malcolm Butler made a 56-yard TD return, after picking up Josh Johnson’s pass.

Redskins’ quarterback was solid, with 153 yards and 13 of 23, for one TD. Those two interceptions he had came in the last two drives when he simply had to be more aggressive, and take the risk regardless of the circumstances in front of him.

Coach Jay Gruden praised the veteran, saying that he deserved a better ending than this one.

“I’m just very proud and sick for the way it ended for him tonight because he really just played (great), displayed great courage, leadership all in three weeks,” Gruden said.

One other guy was very good, but his personal achievement was left aside because Washington lost. Adrian Peterson became the 12th player in the history with 8+ seasons in which he reached 1,000 rushing yards in the NFL. Last night AP carried the ball for 119 yards. Still, that wasn’t something which could cheer him up after losing all playoff hopes.

“Falling short of having that opportunity is weighing heavy on my heart right now. I’m just going to let this one sink in and bounce back and finish the season off on the right note.” one of the best running backs ever told the reporters.

Derrick Henry continued to play good, posting one touchdown and 84 rushing yards in 21 carries.

His Titans now need to defeat the Indianapolis Colts at home, and hope for Baltimore or Pittsburgh to lose one game until the end. If that happens, they will get the wild card spot.

Redskins @ Titans – Over/Under 38

Life’s too short to bet the Under pic.twitter.com/uyWSMi3jrG

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) December 23, 2018

Meanwhile, the injury-prone Washington opened this season very well, and they were leading the NFC East for a long time, before falling down after Alex Smith’s injury. At the moment, the Redskins lost 5 of the latest six contests, and they need a miracle to take place to grab that wild-card spot. It would include among all, for both the Seahawks and the Vikings to lose their games.

Up next they play at home with the Eagles, while Titans, as we said host Indianapolis.