Titan Up/Titan Down: Winners & Losers From Titans Week 13 Loss to Indianapolis Colts

The Tennessee Titans had some disaster moments against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13, but there were a lot of good moments mixed in as well leading to a diverse list of winners in losers in this week's Titan Up, Titan Down.

The Tennessee Titans played one of the wildest games we have seen all season when they lost in overtime to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13. The game was full of exciting swings and heart-wrenching mistakes. It was a game so crazy a coach even got fired afterwards.

That is a great place to start for this week's Titan Up, Titan Down.

Titan Down

Craig Aukerman

Feels only right to start with the Titan downs this week. Aukerman was fired on Monday after the complete embarrassment his special teams units displayed on Sunday. With two blocked punts, a missed extra point and star punter Ryan Stonehouse getting injured, I'd say it was appropriate for Aukerman to get sacked.

Kyle Philips

Philips was inactive in this game although he was healthy. That is a wild fall for Philips who some considered to be a key player for this team in the offseason. The reality is, Philips is a one-down player in this offense due to his size and as a fifth-rounder, if he isn't providing value on special teams, he simply doesn't have enough value to be on the roster.

Jaelyn Duncan

Duncan was drafted in the sixth round in this year's draft as a development offensive tackle. He was never expected to play in 2023, but injuries and ineptitude have forced it and through two starts, Duncan doesn't look like a guy who should be in consideration for a starting role in 2024. Duncan gave up nine pressures and three sacks against the Colts.

Titan Up

Tyjae Spears

The rookie running back and Titans fans got a taste of life without Derrick Henry and it...wasn't too bad? Spears went for 75 rushing yards on 16 carries and consistently made the most out of his blocking. Spears even broke off a 19-yard run on the team's final offensive drive to set up a game-leading field goal before ultimately losing. The running back position is safe going forward.

Jack Gibbens

Gibbens has had his struggles this year due to his lack of athleticism compared to most athletes in the NFL, but he sure makes up for it with intelligence and toughness. Gibbens was excellent against the Colts, earning a defense-high grade of 90.6. Gibbens made 13 tackles while only allowing 24 yards in coverage.

Titans Draft Spot

According to a recent release by the NFL, the Titans are now set to have the seventh pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. While it may be tough to stomach, losing and getting a higher pick may be what's best for the Titans long term. Not only did the Titans lose, but the Chargers and the Buccaneers won.  

Titans-Colts Related Stories

• VRABEL FIRES AUKERMAN: The Tennessee Titans saw some disastrous moments against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13 including two blocked punts and injuries to their three top players in Jeffery Simmons, Derrick Henry and Ryan Stonehouse. Mike Vrabel gave updates on all those on Monday, including firing special teams coach Craig Aukerman. CLICK HERE
• VRABEL SPEAKS AFTER LOSS: Special teams blunders and big plays allowed on defense made it hard for the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, and they let one slip away in a 31-28 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts. CLICK HERE
• WATCH HOOKER TWO-POINT INT: The Tennessee Titans turned an embarrassing moment into one of the craziest sequences of the season when Amani Hooker intercepted a two-point attempt and returned it for a score after the Titans gave up a blocked punt for a Colts' score. CLICK HERE
• WATCH LEVIS-HOPKINS EXCHANGE: The Tennessee Titans are in a battle with the Indianapolis Colts and with tensions being so high we saw a dust-up on the sideline between Will Levis and DeAndre Hopkins. CLICK HERE
• WATCH LEVIS HELICOPTER: The Tennessee Titans' rookie quarterback has looked good through one quarter against the Indianapolis Colts including picking up a first down with his legs, but after being spun in mid-air, Levis will think twice about his aggressiveness going forward. CLICK HERE
• WATCH LEVIS HIT OKONKWO: The Tennessee Titans got things going early on offense when Will Levis hit tight end Chig Okonkwo for a 39-yard gain on the opening drive that set up the Titans' first touchdown. CLICK HERE