NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Six things standing out for the Titans after Sunday's comeback win over the Jets, and heading into Thursday's game against the Jaguars at Nissan Stadium.
Gutsy Mariota
Say what you want about Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota's performance at the beginning of Sunday's game. Mariota threw a pick-6 early, and at the half he had just 62 passing yards. But Mariota once again rose to the occasion in crunch time. Mariota guided the 12th game-winning drive of his career, and the eighth in the past two seasons, as the Titans rallied for the win. Mariota gets it done when the game is on the line.
O-Line Switcheroo
Titans coach Mike Vrabel proved on Sunday he's not afraid to make changes. Vrabel pulled guard Quinton Spain from the lineup when Corey Levin entered the game at center, and Ben Jones bounced to left guard -- Spain's spot. It remains to be seen what happens from here, and who will line up where when the Jaguars visit. But it's clear Vrabel recognized something needed to be done in the moment to shake things up on the o-line. Will he continue to tinker with the lineup?
Derrick Henry's Physicality
Following a bruising second half run, Titans running back Derrick Henry was greeted by Vrabel as he made his way back to the sideline. Vrabel shook hands with Henry, and told him he loved how he was playing -- with a physical presence. Henry has been a different back in the second half of the season. He's been decisive, physical, and much more effective. I suspect we're going to see more of him moving forward. Let's not forget Henry has had some big moments against the Jaguars.
Tight Ends
The Titans miss Delanie Walker, there's no getting around it. But the team has received solid play from the position in recent weeks, starting with Jonnu Smith. While Smith had a solid day against the Jets, it was tight end Anthony Firkser who really rose to the occasion, and into the spotlight, especially in big moments. Firsker caught a 12-yard touchdown pass in the first half, and he had a big 25-yard catch to set up the game-winning touchdown catch by Corey Davis.
Return of the Defense
Titans defensive coordinator Dean Pees blamed himself for subpar outings at Indianapolis and Houston. His health forced him to leave the Colts game early, and caused him to miss practice time leading up to the game vs. the Texans. The Titans looked more like themselves against the Jets, repeatedly forcing field goals. If not for some defensive stops throughout the contest, the Titans wouldn't have been in a position to come back. Now, the defense needs to rise up again vs a Jaguars team that gets back Leonard Fournette.
Receivers
Titans receivers were guilty of plenty of drops early in the season, but the group has settled down. What I really liked about Sunday is how everyone contributed. Davis, of course, provided his second game-winning catch of the season. But receiver Taywan Taylor stepped up with a pair of long grabs on a day when he finished with 104 receiving yards. Tajae Sharpe also provided a big spark, and finished with three catches for 51 yards. The Titans will need the group to be good against a feisty Jacksonville secondary.
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)
