Tennessee Titans: Three Takeaways from the MNF win against the Cowboys

3 of 4

ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 05: Harold Landry #58 and Kevin Byard #31 of the Tennessee Titans stop Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys short of the goal in the first quarter of a football game at AT&T Stadium on November 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

#2 – Defense stepped up huge

The Tennessee Titans defense stepped up huge last night throughout the game. For the Titans defense to hold the Cowboys offense to just seven points after two fumbles inside the 50-yard line were huge. The defense found ways to make big-time plays when they most needed them.

Kevin Byard came up big yet again, picking off his second interception of the year. Byard pulled off TO’s classic move after the interception, running to the Cowboy’s star in the middle of the field.

https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1059625368653627392

The Titans forced the second turnover after the strip sack from Brown early in the third quarter which was recovered by Wesley Woodyard, giving the Titans the ball on the Cowboys 40-yard line.

As I mentioned early, the Titans picked up a huge sack from Landry, giving the Titans a chance to increase their lead midway through the fourth quarter.

The Titans did a good job of containing the Cowboys playmakers throughout the game. Ezekiel Elliot has been one of the best running backs in the league since he got to the NFL in 2016, but the Titans were able to contain him last night. He has been streaky at times this season but had also put together three games where he rushed for over 100 yards.

After a hot start, the Titans held Elliot to just 61 rushing yards on 17 rushing attempts. Elliot had 36 rushing yards through the Cowboys first two possessions but was held to just 25 rushing yards on their next seven possessions.

Amari Cooper, who the Cowboys traded for before the trade deadline, suited up for the first time in a Cowboys uniform last night. After a hot start catching two passes on their first two drives, including a touchdown, the Titans did a good job of slowing him down. During Cooper’s first few years in Oakland, he was well known for his playmaking ability, so the Titans were able to do a good job of slowing him down in his Cowboy’s debut.

Next week gets harder for the Titans defense, as they have to go against Tom Brady and the high-powered New England Patriots. I’m sure Butler, Lewis and Coach Vrabel will be looking to get a win against their former squad.

Home/Tennessee Titans