Unbeaten Panthers too much for Titans

[title_box title=”Unbeaten Panthers too much for Titans”]

The Titans suffered their 10th-straight home loss Sunday when they fell to Cam Newton and the Panthers, 27-10.

It was Mike Mularkey’s first game in Nashville as interim head coach and he knew if his team wanted a shot at Carolina, it would need to contain star quarterback Newton.

Tennessee’s initial plan of attack was to blitz Newton to put pressure on him and leave it to the defensive backs to make plays in the secondary. It didn’t work. Newton completed his first 11 attempts and secured a 14-10 haltime lead.

The Titans were unable to get anything going on offense after halftime, as they tallied only 19 yards and one first down in the third quarter. The defense didn’t give up though, holding the Panthers on the one-inch line early in the third quarter and allowing only a field goal instead of another touchdown.

Tennessee followed up the impressive defensive stand by going three-and-out, allowing the Panthers to embark on a 10-play, 64-yard drive which was ended by another Newton touchdown, sealing the Panthers ninth win this season.

Quarterback Marcus Mariota threw 16-of-24 for 185 yards and an interception. He didn’t have a terrible game, but as the leader of the offense, he will be the center of the blame. Delanie Walker was the leading receiver with 52 yards on three catches.

Newton went 21-of-26 for 217 yards and a touchdown and also had 23 yards on the ground, adding another touchdown. Jonathan Stewart led the Panthers on the ground with 91 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown and Greg Olsen led the Panthers in receiving with 80 yards on eight receptions.

The Titans (2-7) will travel to Jacksonville to take on the divisional rival Jaguars (3-6) on Thursday night. Kickoff is set for 8:25 p.m. ET.

Featured image by Casey Fleser

Edited by Cody McClure