Titans vs. Bengals: 5 Things We Learned from Tennessee's 24-17 Loss

The Cincinnati Bengals came into LP Field and survived a 17-7 deficit at the half to beat the Tennessee Titans 24-17.

The Bengals (6-2) took over as one of the top teams in the AFC with their victory, while the Titans (4-4) fell one game further behind the Houston Texans in the AFC South.

Ahead are five things we learned in Tennesse's ugly loss to the Bengals.

1. Chris Johnson Is on His Way Back

Chris Johnson has seen the light.

Cincinnati holds one of the stingiest running defenses in the league, allowing just 85 yards per game to opposing backs. Johnson found some running room Sunday afternoon against the Bengals en route to 64 yards on 14 carries, including a long of 20 yards.

While his numbers don't jump off the page, Johnson showed more effort than he has all season, spinning and juking his way to daylight against the Bengals defense.

Johnson averaged 4.6 yards per carry Sunday afternoon, easily his best output on this young season and will look to continue his ascent back to elite status next week against the Carolina Panthers.

2. Tennesse Is Showing Improvements in Run Defense

The Tennessee Titans defense has struggled to stop opposing run games over the past few weeks.

After a stellar first four weeks of the season, the Titans defense had allowed 554 yards in their past three contests, including three rushing touchdowns.

The late substitution in the starting lineup of Derrick Morgan over Dave Ball at defensive end gave the spark they needed, as Tennessee only allowed 102 yards rushing to the duo of Cedric Benson and Bernard Scott.

Tennessee will need more performances like this if they hope to climb back into the ranks of the top NFL defenses.

3. Jared Cook Needs More Time to Develop

Jared Cook has been one of the most talked about players on the Tennessee Titans rosters in recent years.

Cook had put together a good collection of games this season in his best as a professional, but Tennessee's ability to rely on the 6'5" 248-pound tight end will be in question due to a bonehead play Sunday afternoon.

As the Titans began a late drive from their own 12-yard line down 21-17 with just over four minutes left in the game, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck hit Cook with a short pass over the middle of the field for nine yards. Cook was pushing forward for extra yards as he was stripped by defensive back Nate Clements.

The recovery by the Bengals allowed them to milk the clock all the way down to just under two minutes, giving Tennessee virtually no chance to come back from the seven-point deficit.

4. Tennessee Has No Idea What to Do in the Two-Minute Offense

The Tennessee Titans had an opportunity to tie the ballgame with one minute and 55 seconds left in the game as they started the drive at their own 20-yard line.

With no timeouts and a banged up Nate Washington, the Titans relied on short pass attacks toward the middle of the field, instead of deep attempts or difficult sideline throws. On the drive, Matt Hasselbeck completed five of seven passes for 62 yards, was sacked once, and the offense was hit with one false start penalty.

If the Titans hope to develop into serious contenders in the AFC, their two-minute offense must improve.

5. Andy Dalton Is the Real Deal

The Cincinnati Bengals survived a 10-point deficit at the half to beat the Tennessee Titans by seven on the road with rookie quarterback Andy Dalton at the helm.

Dalton has proved himself to be one of the most valuable rookies on any team this season, as he has led the Bengals to five-straight victories.

In his latest showing, Dalton threw three touchdowns, zero interceptions, and completed 22 of 39 passes for 217 yards. Dalton deserves recognition for what he has done this season and surely will be one of the top clutch quarterbacks for years to come.