The Titans powerful 28-12 upset over the league's top regular season team, the Ravens, has the world taking notice of our little Tennessee team that could. There were so many impressive parts of the Titans march to the Super Bowl Saturday that the President tweeted congratulations. (they usually don't do that till after a team wins it all)
But let's talk about why everyone's taking notice of the Titans. There were so many incredible things. First, there was the Tennessee defense that kept the most prolific offense to just 12 points total. Making that happen was incredible 4th and inches stands, making Lamar Jackson (the presumed league MVP) run sideways instead of for touchdowns, and a ball hawk defense that took the ball away. Exhibit A: Kevin Byard picking off Jackson early in the game.
Now let's talk about the touchdown when the Raven's heads must have been spinning. Backup QB Marcus Mariota lines up as a wide receiver. Derrick Henry lines up as if we're just going to chuck it to him for a bull rush into the endzone.
But no, the King gets the ball, jumps 22 feet into the air (approximately), and throws a touchdown pass.
Now how about Ryan Tannehill making some incredible throws for touchdowns AND running for another? He's the real deal. And he's calmer in the big moments than a surfing wave on Old Hickory lake.
And there's the talk of Raven's defender Earl Thomas II before the game. He said things would be different than the Patriots game because ”THE PATRIOTS DIDNT SEEM THEY WANTED TO TACKLE DERRICKHENRY”.
Then when it was his chance to tackle Derrick Henry, he wanted no part of it.
The Titans will now go to either Kansas City or Houston for the game that could send them to the Super Bowl.
In the meantime, breath deep and hold this picture of a Ravens fan in your dreams. The Ravens have undone Titan dreams in the past, so savor it.
all photos: Getty Images