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Titans Come Up Short in 24-21 Loss to Texans
A second-half comeback energized Nissan Stadium on Sunday, but in the end the Titans fell short in a 24-21 loss to the Texans in a critical AFC South contest.
“It’s hugely disappointing,” said Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill. “I was excited about the opportunity — I think our entire team was, and we didn’t come out and play well early. And when you play against good teams in this league you have to play them for four quarters, not two.”
Tannehill completed 22-of-36 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns in the contest, while running back Derrick Henry carried the ball for 86 yards on 21 carries in the game. Receiver A.J. Brown turned in another stellar performance, catching eight passes for 114 yards and a touchdown.
But the Titans had trouble stopping the Texans on a day when they made too many mistakes in all three phases of the game.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson threw for 243 yards and two touchdown passes for the Texans – receiver DeAndre Hopkins had 119 receiving yards, and receiver Kenny Stills had two touchdown catches. It was too much to overcome for the Titans, who saw a huge 14-point swing early change the game.
The Titans dropped to 8-6 with the loss, and now trail the Texans (9-5) in the AFC South with two games left in the regular season. The loss snapped a four-game winning streak for the Titans, who had won six of seven games heading into Sunday’s contest.
“I am going to try and focus on some of the things that I saw when (players) came back, and fought back, but that’s going to be hard to do right now (after the loss),” Titans coach Mike Vrabel said. “I would say that we have to all do a better job of preparing and ultimately coaching and playing on Sunday.”
With the Titans trailing 14-0 in the third quarter, Tannehill scored on a one-yard touchdown run on a fourth-and-goal play, which capped off a 15-play, 76-yard drive that took 9:26 off the clock to make it 14-7.
With a second-and-goal at the Tennessee four-yard line, the Texans were on the verge of extending their lead. But defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons tipped a pass from Watson and linebacker Jayon Brown intercepted it in the end zone.
The Titans then tied he game at 14-14 on a five-yard touchdown pass from Tannehill to A.J. Brown, which sent the Nissan Stadium crowd into a frenzy. The score was set up by a 57-yard run by Jonnu Smith, who lined up in the backfield, took the pitch, and sprinted deep into Houston territory.
But the Texans reclaimed the lead on a 10-yard touchdown run by Carlos Hyde with 10:34 left, and a field goal by kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn made it 24-14 with 3:26 left.
The Titans cut the lead to 24-21 on a touchdown pass from Tannehill to running back Dion Lewis with 2:04 left, but couldn’t recover the onsides kick and the Texans ran the clock down to just 28 seconds before punting it away. When the Titans got the ball, they couldn’t do anything with it and time expired with the Texans celebrating.
“I think everybody in this whole room is disappointed,” Titans safety Kevin Byard said after the contest. “We just didn’t play consistently enough in all phases. We played good in spurts. Defensively we didn’t make enough plays when it counted and we can’t get down 14 points to a good team like Houston. Credit to the Texans – they made plays and we didn’t stop them enough.”
There were some big swings early.
The Texans put together a nice drive on the opening possession, but it ended with Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro intercepting Watson on the one-yard line.
When the Titans got the ball, they quickly moved into field goal position following a 60-yard pass from Tannehill to Brown. But the possession stalled, and kicker Ryan Succop’s 45-yard attempt was blocked.
Later, the Titans failed to execute a fake punt when punter Brett Kern’s pass to safety Dane Cruikshank fell incomplete.
“I’ll back and take a look at it and see what happened and see what I can do better the next time we are out there,” said Succop, who is now 1-of-6 on the season. “I am out here battling, I am doing everything that I can. Unfortunately, it just hasn’t been as good as it needs to obviously.”
The Titans appeared to be on the verge of jumping ahead early in the second quarter, but a Tannehill pass to tight end Anthony Firkser was dislodged near the goalline by safety Justin Reid and intercepted by linebacker Whitney Mercilus, who returned it to the Tennessee 12-yard line.
Two plays later, Watson connected with receiver Kenny Stills for a 12-yard touchdown pass to give the Texans a 7-0 lead.
It was a huge 14-point swing.
“I didn’t do my job well enough,” Firkser said. “I have to do my job better, complete the catch and hold onto the ball. I’ve got to control it better. Ryan put it on me, and I was trying to make the catch.”
The Texans made it 14-0 on their next possession as Houston capped off a nine-play, 72-yard drive with another touchdown pass from Watson to Stills, this one for 16 yards, and the Texans had a two-touchdown lead at the half.
While the Titans battled back, it wasn’t enough.
The Titans face the Saints next Sunday at Nissan Stadium before ending the season in Houston against the Texans.
12/12/19 — John (JT) Thomas Carter
John (J T) Thomas Carter, of Manchester, passed this life on Thursday,
December 12, 2019 at the Manchester Health Care Center at the age of 88. No
services are scheduled.
J T, a native of Franklin, KY, was the son of the late Edward and Pearl
Miller Carter. He was an Army veteran, serving in the Korean War. He loved
music and could play almost any instrument. He especially loved country
music and playing his guitar. He also enjoyed singing and writing songs.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 47
years, Antina F. Carter and sister, Marie Wiser.
He is survived by sons, Scott Carter (Lora) of Irvington, KY and George
Bourque of Youngstown, FL; daughters, Holly Sweeney (Mike) of Loudon, NH,
Lori Ann Hanncock of Tampa, FL, Cami Mastors (Bob) of Indian Shores Beach,
FL, Stephanie Nizer (Ray) of Tampa, FL and Karen Pingeton (Jamy) of Tampa,
FL; sisters, Alita Simmons of Hillsboro and Janice Allen of Plant City, FL;
seventeen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.
Please visit our website at www.davesculbertsonfuneralhome.com to leave
online condolences.
12/18/19 — Lt. Col. Robert Lee Swindell III
Retired Lt. Col. Robert Lee Swindell III, 66,
passed away unexpectedly Thursday December 12, 2019 at Unity Medical Center
in Manchester. He was born in Sparta, Tennessee on October 11, 1953 to
Robert L. Swindell II and Wanda Lamb Swindell who preceded him in death.
He was retired from the US Army after 41 years of service. He served in
Vietnam, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle. He was a
member of the VFW, American Legion, Coffee County Veterans Association. He
was president of the Southeast Asia Army Security Agency.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Carol Swann Swindell; step-daughters,
Heather Barnett Pinkard (Chuck Bynum) and Ashley Barnett; step-son, James
(Doris) Barnett; sister, Dana Carter, Sparta; brothers, Eric and Terry
Swindell, Sparta; granddaughter, Gracelyn Pinkard; several nieces and
nephews.
Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Wednesday in the Central Funeral Home
Chapel with burial to follow in the Summitville Cemetery with full military
honors. Visitation: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Tuesday at Central Funeral Home,
Manchester, Tennessee. www.centralfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VFW Post 10904, 130
Shelton Road, Manchester, TN 37355
12/21/19 — Minnie Margaret Cubit
Minnie Margaret Cubit, 80, of Manchester, Tennessee, passed away on December 11 2019.
She was born to parents Vernon Wheeler Jr and Ivy Cleo Wheeler, on May 30 1939 in Mazon, Illinois.
Minnie worked as a shipping and receiving clerk at Rochester Midland. After 41 years of service, she retired in1994.
She enjoyed roller skating, crafts, shopping, gardening, and had received many awards for bowling.
Minnie met John Cubit in 1981. They were married on August 1, 1992 in Aurora, Illinois.
Minnie is survived by her husband John Cubit of Manchester TN, daughter and son-in-law Angie & Curt Jones of Earlville IL, daughter Vickie Idoux-Walz of Gainesville GA, stepsons John Cubit of Pensacola FL and Steve Cubit of Winchester KY, stepdaughter Chris Culhono of Los Angeles CA, brother Al Wheeler of Oswego IL, sister Nyla Hartman of Montgomery IL, brother John Wheeler of Manchester TN , sister Susie Paxton of Aurora IL, 14 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. .
She was preceded in death by her father Vernon Wheeler Jr, mother Ivy Cleo, brother Tommy Wheeler, nephews Eddie and Ronnie Hartman.
The family has entrusted Daves-Culbertson with the arrangements. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for December 21, 2019 2pm at 401 North Jackson St. Tullahoma, TN 37388. A reception will follow at Praters BBQ Manchester, 620 Woodbury Hwy Manchester, Tennessee.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s South-Central Tennessee Office 207 N. Jackson St Tullahoma, TN 37388.
Please visit our website at www.davesculbertsonfuneralhome.com to leave online condolences.
Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Click here to share a memory or send a condolence to Minnie’s family
To learn more about our funeral home, visit Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home
12/14/19 — Roy Howard Fulton
Mr. Roy Howard Fulton, 77, passed away Saturday
December 14, 2019 at the Life Care Center of Tullahoma. He was born in
Normandy, Tennessee on October 16, 1942 to Clarence Lee Fulton and Sally
Nell Rust Fulton who preceded him in death along with his daughter Kimberly
Fulton; sisters, Mary Tucker, Bobbie Fairchild and Betty Pruitt; infant
siblings, Ruby Hazel and Johnny Fulton.
He is survived by his sons, Jerome Fulton, McMinnville and Josh Fulton,
Tullahoma; daughters, Sonya Brown, Tullahoma, Marcie Cantrell, Tullahoma,
Amber Fulton, Tullahoma and Katy Bonner, Estill Springs; brothers, Thomas
Fulton, Centerline, Michigan and Kenneth Fulton, Centerline, Michigan;
sisters, Patricia Hack, Port Huron, Michigan, Delilah Wuestewald, Montana
and Diane Nihranz, Roseville, Michigan; 12 grandchildren; 6 great
grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews.
At his request he was cremated and no services will be held.
Arrangements By: Central Funeral Home, Manchester, Tennessee.
Birthdays – 12/13/19
Holly Jane Matthews – 40
Shirley Wiser
Allison Beachboard – PIZZA WINNER!
Jessie Brown
12/17/19– Betty Jean Carter
Betty Jean Carter, of Manchester, passed this life on Thursday, December
12, 2019 at his residence at the age of 77. Funeral Services are scheduled
for 1:00 PM, Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home
with burial to follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will
receive friends on Monday, December 16, 2019 at Daves-Culbertson Funeral
Home from 5 – 8 PM.
Betty, a native of Rutherford County, was the daughter of the late Carson
and Mattie Bell Joyce Epperson. She loved her family and being with her
kids and grandkids. She enjoyed cooking and sewing. She also enjoyed
attending Dirt Track Races.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by son, Mark
Fletcher; brothers, Bill, Jim, Lee, and Milton Epperson and sister, Louise
Neeley.
She is survived by husband, Richard Carter of Manchester; sons, Michael
Carter (Linda) of Huntland and Richie Carter (Melissa) of Hillsboro;
daughter, Rebecca Neeley (Terry) of Manchester; sister, Dorothy Smith of
Shelbyville; eleven grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren and several
nieces and nephews.
Please visit our website at www.davesculbertsonfuneralhome.com to leave
online condolences.
Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
12/14/19 — James Calvin Rhea
Mr. James Calvin Rhea, 81, of the Hubbard’s Cove
Community in Grundy County passed away Wednesday December 11, 2019 at Alive
Hospice in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He was born in Hubbard’s Cove on
January 14, 1938 to Claude Calvin Rhea and Gladys Marie Adams Rhea who
preceded him in death.
He was retired from Batesville Casket Casket Company. He was a member of
the Wesley Chapel Church for over 40 years and later the Asbury United
Methodist Church and a US Air Force veteran.
He is survived by his wife, Linda J. Shafer Rhea; son, James Calvin Rhea
Jr. Morrison, TN; sister, Sue Rhea (Robin) Hood, Bon Aqua, TN.
Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Saturday at the Wesley Chapel Church in
Hubbard’s Cove with burial to follow in the Wesley’s Chapel Cemetery.
Visitation:
12:00 noon – 1:00 PM Saturday at the Wesley’s Chapel Church. Arrangements
by: Central Funeral Home, Manchester, Tennessee. www.centralfuneralhome.com
12/14/19 — Patricia Cloud
Patricia Cloud, age 80, of Hillsboro, Tennessee, formerly of Red Bank, New Jersey, passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2019, at her residence. Patricia (known as Patsy) was born March 15, 1939, in Long Branch, New Jersey, the daughter of David and Agnes (Nolan) Donahue. She married Robert Lee Cloud on November 15, 1958, in Red Bank, New Jersey.
Patricia is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Robert of Hillsboro, Tennessee; daughter, Theresa Johnson (Andrew) of Laytonsville, Maryland; daughter, Linda Weinstein (Cliff) of Pensacola, Florida; son, Brian Cloud (Gloria) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; sister, Joanne O’Neill of Dunnellon, Florida; several nieces, nephews, and Godchildren. Patricia is preceded in death by her parents, David and Agnes Donahue; one son, Robert Thomas Cloud.
Patricia was employed by the United Parcel Service for 16 years. She also owned and operated a Carvel ice cream store in Middletown, New Jersey for 10 years.
Visitation for Patricia will be held at Manchester Funeral Home on Friday, December 13, 2019, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 AM on Saturday, December 14, 2019, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, in Manchester.
The family requests for donations to be made in Patricia’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, by phone, 800-805-5856, or by their website, www.stjude.org
The family will be hosting a reception with friends following the service at 2:00 PM on Saturday, at 2828 Bains Road, Hillsboro, TN.
Manchester Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cloud family.
Coffee County Wrestling Splits 1st Home Matches of the Season
Hosting their first home matches of the year, the Coffee County CHS wrestling team welcomed Forrest and LaVergne to the Raider Academy on Thursday for a tri-match. The Red Raiders opened the night with a 46 to 30 loss to LaVergne. The Lady Raiders got a 36 to 6 win over LaVergne. In the night cap, Coffee County’s boys beat Forrest 46 to 30.
Against LaVergne, Mary Anne Walker got a pair of pins while Alana Coker got a pin and an injury forfeit win. Lyra Leftwich and Mary Wolfram each scored pinfall wins for the Lady Raiders. For the Red Raiders, Jeremiah Wardell(113 pounds), Cardin Stump(285), Chris Speegle(220), Zach Speegle(170) and Hunter Massey(126) all got pin fall wins.
Against Forrest, Jeremiah Wardell(106 pounds), Gavin Prater(152), and Cardin Stump(285) got pinfall wins. Hunter Massey(132) got a 13 to 2 decision win while Shon Taylor(160), Zach Speegle(170), Russell Ralph(182) and Chris Speegle(220) all won via forfeit.
The Raider grapplers will suit up on Saturday in Tullahoma as they take part in the Garner-Dyer Invitational. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams will be in action. First matches are set to get underway at 9 AM at Tullahoma High School.