PFF Grades: A Prime-Time Passing Performance

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill beat the blitz and consistently connected on deep throws in Thursday's victory over the Green Bay Packers.

In flashing an explosive passing attack for the first time this year, the Tennessee Titans produced all kinds of season-best numbers against Green Bay on Thursday.

They totaled the most first downs (21), their best third-down percentage (58.3), most total net yards (408), most net passing yards (320) and most total plays (64) of any game this season.

The Titans even managed to score a touchdown in every quarter for the first time this season.

Those numbers were reflected in Pro Football Focus’ grading of the Titans’ offense, as the skill players dominated the top spots on offense.

Here’s a look at some of the key PFF highlights/lowlights from the 27-17 win over the Packers:

• Top Five Offensive Grades (at least 15 snaps) – Tight end Austin Hooper led the way at 85.2 with his first two-touchdown performance since Sept. 22, 2019, when he was with Atlanta. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill was next at 82.7, followed by wide receiver Treylon Burks (80.6), running back Derrick Henry (75.0) and wide receiver Robert Woods (66.4).

• Top Five Defensive Grades (at least 15 snaps) – Undrafted rookie cornerback Tre Avery led the way at 91.0, followed by linebacker David Long (91.), defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker (87.0), safety Kevin Byard (67.7) and linebacker Joe Schobert (64.4).

• Burying the Blitz – It was no surprise the Packers came after Tannehill on Thursday, considering the Titans’ problems in pass protection at times this season. In addition, the Titans were without starting center Ben Jones. But Tannehill made the Packers pay and completed 14 of 15 passes when blitzed, totaling 232 yards, one touchdown and a 141.0 quarterback rating.

• Hitting Deep Shots – Heading into Thursday’s game, Tannehill had completed just six of 15 passes thrown 20 yards or more downfield this season. That changed against the Packers, however, as Tannehill hit on four of six thrown 20 yards or more downfield. Those completions produced 141 yards, one touchdown and one interception along with a 109.7 NFL quarterback rating.

• Catching the Deep Pass – Prior to Thursday’s game, Burks had been targeted three times with passes thrown 20 yards or more downfield. He hadn’t caught any of those passes. Against the Packers, Burks caught two of the three deep balls thrown to him, totaling 94 yards.

• Run-Game Struggles – The Titans’ running game struggled against Green Bay, evidenced by Henry averaging just 3.1 yards on his 28 carries. His longest run was nine yards. Tennessee’s offensive line had trouble clearing space. Right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere had the offensive line’s top run-blocking grade at 60.2, followed by right guard Nate Davis (53.7), left tackle Dennis Daley (50.4), center Aaron Brewer (47.0) and left guard Dillon Radunz (42.3).

• Daley Allows Two Sacks – PFF attributed two of the Titans’ three sacks allowed to Daley. He’s surrendered six sacks this season, tied for second-most in the NFL. The other sack of Tannehill was attributed to Henry.

• Pressuring the Passer – The Titans’ streak of games with at least three sacks came to an end at six, as Tennessee only took Rodgers down once. Simmons produced that one, giving him 6.5 this season, half a sack behind Denico Autry for the team lead. The pass-rush pressure leaders for the Titans against Green Bay were Autry with three (one quarterback hit, two hurries) and Mario Edwards with three (three hurries).

• Tough Night for Fulton – Cornerback Kristian Fulton surrendered just four completions on seven targets for 33 yards. However, it was Fulton who was beaten for both Green Bay touchdown passes, per PFF, which is why he had a 41.3 grade in coverage – the lowest of the Titans’ defensive backs on Thursday and his lowest of the season.

Avery Steps Up – The myriad Titans injuries at defensive back position led to Avery getting 20 snaps – his most since Week 2 in Buffalo. The undrafted rookie responded well, allowing just one completion – for minus-1 yard – on four targets. He also broke up two passes.