The Tennessee Titans needed a spark. Mired in a three-game losing streak that dropped them out of first place in the hotly contested AFC South, they turned back to quarterback Mason Rudolph, hoping the former Steeler could provide a much-needed jolt to their sputtering offense. On their opening drive against the division rival Indianapolis Colts, Rudolph delivered in a big way.
Titans Strike Deep on Opening Drive
Facing one-on-one coverage against star receiver Calvin Ridley, Rudolph didn’t hesitate. He launched a majestic spiral that traveled 48 yards through the air before dropping perfectly into Ridley’s waiting arms in the end zone. The 38-yard touchdown connection gave the Titans an early 7-0 lead and ignited the crowd at Lucas Oil Stadium.
For Ridley, it was vindication. The elite wideout had been shut out by the Colts secondary in their earlier matchup this season, failing to register a single catch on 8 targets. But new Titans head coach Brian Callahan schemed to get Ridley involved early and often in the rematch.
“We knew we had to take some shots against their secondary,” explained Callahan. “Mason has the arm talent to push the ball downfield and Calvin is one of the best deep threats in the game. It was the perfect way to set the tone for this critical game.”
Brian Callahan, Tennessee Titans Head Coach
Rudolph’s Resurgence Continues
For Rudolph, the touchdown toss was another positive step in his quarterback renaissance. After washing out as a starter in Pittsburgh, he’s found new life in Tennessee, earning praise for his leadership and toughness. The deep ball prowess he flashed on the Ridley bomb could take the Titans offense to another level.
- Rudolph is now averaging 9.2 yards per attempt as the Titans starter, up from 6.8 YPA last year in Pittsburgh
- His 14 completions of 40+ yards leads the NFL
- The Titans are 3-1 in Rudolph’s starts this season
If Rudolph can continue to stretch defenses and unlock Ridley’s game-breaking potential, the Titans become a much more dangerous team. With superstar running back Derrick Henry commanding attention, the play-action passing game should open up for chunk yardage plays like the touchdown.
Playoff Implications in the Balance
The AFC playoff picture remains crowded heading into Week 16. At 7-6, the Titans find themselves battling for their postseason lives, locked in a dogfight with the surging Jacksonville Jaguars for the AFC South crown. A loss to the Colts would be devastating to their division title hopes.
Rudolph and Ridley’s instant-impact connection could be the X-factor that keeps Tennessee in the playoff chase. If the duo can continue to torch opposing secondaries, it completely changes the complexion of the Titans attack. Defenses will no longer be able to key on Henry, forced to respect the deep ball threat on every snap.
The Titans certainly hope the Ridley touchdown is a sign of things to come, not just in this critical contest against the Colts, but for the stretch run ahead. With winnable games against the Texans and Cowboys remaining, Tennessee controls its own destiny. If Rudolph and Ridley stay hot, a remarkable worst-to-first turnaround in the division remains very much in play.
Won’t you guide our sleigh tonight @Rudolph2Mason#ProBowlVote + @CalvinRidley1
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 22, 2024
📺: Watch #TENvsIND on @NFLonCBS stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/9eAgi0uWph
