Coming into their Week 8 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard said this was a ‘must-win’ game, and far bigger than the Bills or Chiefs matchups because of the divisional implications.
The Titans got off to a terrible start, falling behind 14-0 after the Colts scored on their opening position and immediately after intercepting Ryan Tannehill’s first pass of the game.
However, the Titans didn’t panic, clawing their way back to even the score. From there, it was a shootout to the finish line, with the two teams trading punches before the visiting Titans ultimately prevailed in overtime.
“I’ve been in a lot of wild games, but this was definitely a memorable one,” Byard said after Tennessee’s 34-31 OT win. “We just knew going in we were going to have to trade punches. I am just proud of the guys and the way they fought the entire game.”
Byard had four tackles and three pass break-ups, but the Middle Tennessee State product had a costly defensive pass interference toward the end of regulation, with the Titans clinging to a 31-24 lead.
The penalty occurred in the end zone, placing the ball at the Titans’ one-yard line. Colts running back Jonathan Taylor scored on the next play, tying the game with 22 seconds remaining.
“I definitely take a lot of blame for putting my team in that position for even going to overtime,” Byard said. “I was sitting on the sideline just thinking about ‘I have to redeem myself, I have to redeem myself.’ It’s not funny, but I was actually on the sideline preparing my speech if the game went the other way. But I definitely take that on my shoulders.”
Facing a first-and-10 at their own 27-yard line, Colts quarterback Carson Wentz looked in wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.’s direction, but Byard jumped the route, intercepting the ball at the 46-yard line.
The Titans safety returned the ball 14 yards down the Colts’ 32-yard line, setting the stage for Randy Bullock’s game-winning 45-yard field goal.
For Byard, the interception was his fourth of the season, halfway to his career-high set in 2017. When asked what led to the key turnover, the 28-year-old indicated a combination of team and individual effort.
“Honestly, just communication – kind of anticipating what the route was going to be,” Byard said of his interception. “As soon as I saw it, I broke on it. Obviously, I was deep and I was able to cut a cross there. I was kind of surprised he threw it, but that’s the way things happen. I’m just happy to make a play to help the team win.”
Byard and the Titans’ defense will be put to the test yet again next week against a Rams offense ranked second in the National Football League in passing yards.
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