The Seahawks have a clear incentive heading into the final three games of the regular season as they chase an NFC playoff spot.
Already out of playoff contention, the Tennessee Titans will finish the regular season with some quarterback uncertainty.
Only a week ago, the Titans were rejoicing after a thrilling 28-27 victory over the Miami Dolphins on “Monday Night Football.”
Six days later, the Titans jumped out to an early 13-0 lead against Houston on Sunday thanks to a pick-six by former UW standout Elijah Molden. But the Texans rallied late in the fourth quarter to tie the game, then won it on a walkoff field goal in overtime to defeat the Titans 19-16 in Nashville.
This is the earliest the Titans (5-9) have been eliminated from the playoffs since 2015, raising questions about how they will approach the final three games, which begin Sunday at home against the Seahawks.
“It’s a new experience for me, you know?” According to The Associated Press, Titans coach Mike Vrabel stated this week. “So I have to give it some thought and try to make sure that we’re doing everything that we can do to continue to try to teach them, to develop them, inspire the ones the best that we can.”
The Seahawks are visiting Nashville for the first time since September 24, 2017. That game was won by the Titans, 33-27.
Week 16
Seahawks (7-7) vs. Titans (5-9) at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee, 10 a.m. PT Sunday
Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan, and AJ Ross (CBS)
The Seahawks began as a 2.5-point favorite.
Another quarterback in doubt
The Seahawks are hoping Geno Smith can return from a groin injury this week, but the Titans’ starting quarterback is less certain in Nashville.
Rookie Will Levis was injured during overtime of the Titans’ 19-16 loss to the Houston Texans after being bent backward on a sack. Levis was sacked seven times during the defeat.
This week, his situation is uncertain.
Levis will not practice on Wednesday, according to Vrabel. If Levis is unable to play, veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill will take first-team snaps at practice and will be the starter against the Seahawks.
Tannehill’s backup would most likely be Malik Willis, a third-round pick in 2022.
Levis, a second-round pick this year, emerged as the Titans’ obvious QB of the future midway through the season, throwing four touchdown passes in his NFL debut to lead the Titans to an Oct. 29 victory over Atlanta.
Levis has only thrown four touchdown passes in his last seven games, completing 59% of his passes overall this season, with four interceptions and an 85.3 passer rating.
Is Henry’s journey coming to an end?
Derrick When these two teams last met, Henry rushed 35 times for 182 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Titans to a 33-30 overtime victory over the Seahawks early in the 2021 season in Seattle.
“He’ll hit it if we give him a little bit of a crease.” Because he’s that good,” said Seahawks safety Jamal Adams following the game. “I mean, he started rolling. And he’s dangerous when he gets going.”
At 6-foot-3 and 247 pounds, Henry, 29, is one of the league’s most imposing backs. He is in his final season with the Titans. After this season, he will be a free agent.
“Yeah, definitely today you had that feeling [that it could be the end of my career with the Titans],” Henry told reporters following Sunday’s loss to Houston. “I was hoping to sneak into the playoffs and then be eliminated with three games left.” I’ve spent my entire career here. I definitely wanted to finish strong, which isn’t the case.”
The Texans limited Henry to 9 yards rushing on 16 carries, his lowest output as a starting running back. His four catches yielded only one yard, and his 10 yards from scrimmage were the fewest for a player with at least 20 touches in an NFL game since 1948.
This season, injuries have weakened Tennessee’s offensive line. According to the Associated Press, the Titans are starting two rookies on the left side of their offensive line and are down to their third starter at right tackle.
“We understand that Derrick’s got a certain running style and great skill set,” Vrabel went on to say. “We have to get him moving, give him space, and get him to the second level.” He, in turn, must be able to assist the offensive line and receivers.”
Henry has 884 yards and 10 touchdowns on 230 carries this season, averaging 3.8 yards per touch.
“I’ll try to give it my all in these last three games and leave everything on the field,” Henry told ESPN.
Defense remains formidable.
The Titans defense is one of the best in the league against the run, allowing opponents 3.9 yards per rush, which ranks seventh in the NFL this season.
They are also ranked 10th in third-down defense, with opponents conversing at a rate of 36.8%. (The Seahawks defense ranks 30th in the league, allowing 46.6%.)
The Titans, on the other hand, have only 12 takeaways in 14 games this season, and their four interceptions are the fewest in the league. Against the Titans, opposing quarterbacks have a 96.7 passer rating and complete 67.2% of their throws.
