Despite a two-interception performance from Titans quarterback Jake Locker, Tennessee was able to spoil Jeff Fisher's reunion with his old team. The Titans defeated the Rams by the score of 28-21 in a back-and-forth contest that relied heavily on both teams' running games. The Titans' four rushing touchdowns led to all of the Tennessee points on Sunday, while the Rams had two scores on the ground as well.
Titans vs. Rams 2013: Tennessee unleashes run game, Rams come up short again
SB Nation writers are sounding off on the Titans’ win over the Rams in Week 9.
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With the win, the Titans are firmly in the race for a wild card spot in the AFC playoff picture. Tennessee's 4-4 record has them just behind the Jets and in the mix with the Dolphins and Chargers. For the Rams, another loss has them clearly at the bottom of the NFC West standings. The Rams have lost two straight games since losing quarterback Sam Bradford with an ACL tear.
JLomas of Music City Miracles believes Chris Johnson’s performance was vital to the success of the Titans in this game:
Stock Up: Chris Johnson
So, maybe the Titans should subtly threaten CJ every week. The Titans came into this game expecting to split carries between Shonn Greene and Chris Johnson, but little did they know that CJ's time machine is powered by the prospect of losing carries to another running back. When the coaches fueled him up this week he went back in time and grabbed CJ circa 2009. If CJ can actually start to get into the rhythm heading into this stretch of AFC South games (three of next four games) then this could be when we see the Titans be who we thought they were.
Tevin Broner of Turf Show Times makes it sound like Rams’ games are not for the faint at heart:
The Rams’ defensive inconsistencies reared their ugly heads once again, as they allow the Titans to score 28 points; even after Fisher told them to watch out for Chris Johnson and to take the appropriate angles. Johnson ended the game with 150 yards on the ground and 2 touchdowns. The Rams defense contained Jake Locker and picked him off twice, but the run defense has just not been there this season.
So here the Rams are - another week and another heartbreaking loss. The final drives by the Rams tell all you need to know about the their season - almost there, but just not good enough.
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