Written by Special Contributor John Glennon
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - It turned out to be quite a homecoming for Titans kicker Ryan Succop at Kansas City.
Succop, who spent the first five seasons of his career in Kansas City, drilled a 53-yard field on the last play of the game to defeat his old team. Succop's initial attempt from 53 yards had fallen short, but he got a second chance because Chiefs coach Andy Reid had called a time-out just before the kick.
In his career, Succop had been 14-for-26 on attempts over 50 yards before beating the Chiefs. He'd been three-for-seven over 50 in the last two seasons before the game-winner.
Earlier in the game, Succop had made his franchise-record 34th straight field goal from within 50 yards.
SACK MASTER: Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo continued his memorable season in Tennessee's 19-17 victory over Kansas City.
Orakpo registered his 11th sack of the season against the Chiefs, tying the career high he set as a rookie playing for Washington in 2009. The 30 year-old Orakpo has four sacks in the last five games, and has recorded one sack in each of the last two contests against Denver and Kansas City.
STEPS TOWARD SUCCESS: One week after another, the Titans are taking backs toward being a successful team.
The Titans' victory against Kansas City not only gave Tennessee its first three-game winning streak since 2011, but also ensured that the Titans (8-6) won't have a losing record for the first time since that same year, when Tennessee finished 9-7.
FRIGID FOOTBALL: The official kick-off temperature for the game in Kansas City was 1 degree, which tied a 33 year-old record for the coldest contest in the history of Arrowhead Stadium.
It also marked the coldest game the Titans had ever played, colder even than their Jan. 10, 2004, playoff loss to to New England, which was 4 degrees at kick-off.
GROUND AND POUND – In defeating two of the AFC's best teams over the past two weeks, the Titans relied heavily on their powerful rushing attack. It was a smart move, considering both the Broncos and Chiefs were strong pass-rushing teams – but weak against the run.
In the Titans' win over Kansas City, Tennessee ran 29 times for 148 yards, averaging over five yards per carry. DeMarco Murray led the way for the Titans with 18 carries for 89 yards, also adding five catches for 52 yards. Rookie Derrick Henry contributed as well, punishing Kansas City defenders en route to nine carries for 58 yards and two touchdowns.
Henry's two touchdowns doubled his season total and his rushing yards were within two of his career high. He ran for 60 yards against both Jacksonville and Chicago.
A week earlier, the Titans had run 42 times for 180 yards against Denver.
THE INJURY FRONT – The good news for the Titans on the injury front was that defensive end Jurrell Casey returned to the lineup after missing the previous week's contest against Denver with a foot injury.
Unofficially, Casey was credited with two tackles – one for loss.
On the other hand, the Titans suffered at least three injuries during the game.
The team announced that cornerback Jason McCourty left the contest with a chest contusion and that defensive end Karl Klug was knocked out with an ankle injury. Safety Da'Norris Searcy, per media reports, was evaluated for a potential concussion.
STREAK STOPPERS: Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce came into the game having gone over the 100-yard mark in pass receptions four straight weeks – tying an NFL mark for tight ends.
But that streak came to an end against the Titans, who held Kelce to three receptions – on five targets – for just 41 yards.
-- Reach John Glennon at jg1sport@aol.com and follow him on Twitter @glennonsports.
