Titans' Stephen Gostkowski: GW FG vs. Broncos 'An Opportunity I Didn't Deserve'

Tennessee Titans kicker Stephen Gostkowski salvaged an otherwise forgettable night by making the game-winning field goal with 17 seconds left to secure a 16-14 win over the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. 

Gostkowski, who signed with the Titans in early September after 14 years with the New England Patriots, missed three field goals, one of which was blocked, and also missed an extra point before the last-minute heroics.

"It's tough. It's part of the position. It's a very fickle position," he told reporters. "It's definitely an opportunity I didn't deserve, but grateful that I got it for the team and the guys that went out there and busted their butt. I really put them in a tough spot."

Gostkowski was reliable during his career with the Patriots, including six seasons where he played at last eight games and missed three or fewer field goals. Monday marked the first time in his career he missed three field goals in a single contest.

The 36-year-old Louisiana native, who landed on injured reserve last October with a hip injury before being released by the Pats in March, was happy for a chance at redemption.

"You don't always get that lucky to get a chance to redeem yourself," Gostkowski said. "But I'm just happy that the guys got to celebrate. I'm disappointed in myself and embarrassed and frustrated, but at the end of the day, we won, and luckily, guys are happy going home."

Tennessee had an otherwise efficient night. It racked up more total yards (377-323) and first downs (26-19), won the possession battle (32:40-27:20) and didn't turn the ball over in 10 offensive possessions.

Gostkowski's struggles turned what should have been a comfortable two-score victory into a battle to the final whistle.

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel said there's work to do on special teams beyond his kicker.

"I'm very confident that will get corrected," Vrabel told reporters. "It's not all one guy."

Although it doesn't sound like Gostkowski's status with the team is in imminent danger, he likely can't afford another performance like Monday's to stick around for the long haul. The team has Super Bowl aspirations and will need a kicker it can trust for the latter stages of the regular season and the playoffs.

The Titans are back in action Sunday when they welcome the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) to Nissan Stadium for an AFC South clash to determine the early division leader.