Next Gen Stats breaks down A.J. Brown’s 57-yard touchdown

The Tennessee Titans outlasted the Indianapolis Colts in an absolute thriller on Sunday. It was a game that featured several lead changes and jaw-dropping moments. It was a game that felt like Tennessee both won it and lost it on several occasions. The Titans have been pretty good in these types of games since Mike Vrabel took over as the head coach. Tennessee is now 5-1 in overtime games since Vrabel took the reins.

Next Gen Stats is an excellent tool. Its advanced model often tells an in-depth story that the basic statistics don’t, and one of this week’s reveals for the Titans is an exciting one regarding the explosive passing play that resulted in a touchdown for A.J. Brown. Facing a first-and-10 from their own 43-yard line, Brown ran an out route against Colts cornerback Xavier Rhodes. The completion from Ryan Tannehill traveled just 14 yards, and Brown took it for 43 yards after the catch for a score. Brown’s 43 yards gained post-reception were 38 yards more than expected, per Next Gen Stats’ expertly tested xYAC model.

Brown is an exceptional player after the catch. It feels like he scores at least two of these types of touchdowns per season. His combination of speed, size and strength in the open field makes him an incredibly difficult assignment for the opposition. He essentially turned this play from a decent little gain into a one-play score, ending the drive with a TD on its very first play.

The Titans have won four in a row, and are a perfect 5-0 in 2021 against teams that advanced to the playoffs in 2020. They just completed the sweep over the Colts, and are 3-0 in the division. They haven’t played Houston yet, and have a game left against Jacksonville. They should go 6-0 in the AFC South.