Rock bottom to redemption: Titans victory in Denver highlights how far team has come

When the Tennessee Titans walked off the field following Monday's 16-14 victory over the Denver Broncos, they did so with more confidence than the last time they visited Empower Field. It wasn't pretty, but it was a sight better than their last trip to the Mile High City. Fans may remember that visit to Denver as a turning point for this franchise, even if it didn't feel that way at the time.

The Titans lost that game 16-0. It was Marcus Mariota's last appearance as the starting quarterback. Mariota was pulled in the third quarter of that game after leading a dreadful offensive performance. Little did we know that the tide would turn from there. Ryan Tannehill took over and showed flashes of promise in that game, but nobody could have predicted what was to come.

The Titans totaled an abysmal 204 yards of offense that afternoon, and looked nothing like an NFL offense. They somehow outsnapped the Broncos 62-59 in that game yet came away with an embarrassing 3.3 yards per play. Even Derrick Henry mustered just 28 yards on 15 carries.

With virtually no threat of a passing game, the Broncos defense, like many defenses before them, were able to focus on stopping the run. "Stop the run and the Titans offense has no chance"; that was the story of the early part of last season. Even the play action game, which has . . .

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Author: Justin MeloSenior Writer, Interviewer and Podcaster for Broadway Sports covering the Tennessee Titans and NFL draft. For more than five years, Justin Melo has professionally covered all things NFL draft and Titans for The Draft Network, SB Nation and USA Today. Best known for his Interview Series with NFL draft prospects, Justin has interviewed more than 500 NFL players. Co-host of the Music City Audible podcast alongside Justin Graver (@titansfilmroom).