5 Things We Learned from the Tennessee Titans 23-17 Win over Tampa Bay Buccaneer

In a matchup of playoff hopefuls, the Tennessee Titans won a sloppy Week 12 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at LP Field, 23-17.

Tennessee (6-5) and Tampa Bay (4-7) combined for nine turnovers and the Tennessee defense held strong on a key fourth-and-one to close the game. The Titans stayed two games back of the Houston Texans in the race for the AFC South division crown as both teams won.

Ahead are five things we learned from the Titans crucial victory.

1. With Some Motivation, CJ Is Just as Good as Ever

Analysts, including myself, questioned the Tennessee Titans reasoning for cutting current Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back LeGarrette Blount.

I expected Blount to run hard in his return to Tennessee, but it ended up being Chris Johnson who made the biggest impact Sunday. 

Johnson rushed for a season-high 190 yards on 23 carries, involving eccentric cuts and speed Titans fans have become used to. CJ's yardage total from Sunday was the most he has had in a game since November 1, 2009, where he ran for 228 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Although he fumbled twice, Johnson's burst and runs of 24, 25, and 34 yards kept Tennessee in the game and helped set up three separate scores.

2. Damian Williams Is a Red Zone Machine

Tennessee Titans receiver Damian Williams is having his best statistical season as a pro. 

With Kenny Britt out for the year, Williams has become the Titan's best red zone threat, recording three of his four touchdowns inside their opponent's 20-yard line.

Williams ability to make tightrope catches along the sideline and in the back of the end zone have made him a staple in the Titans red zone offense.

3. When the Titans Win the Turnover Battle, They Win the Game

The Tennessee Titans are 4-0 when they have more takeaways than the opposing team. 

Tennessee forced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to turn the ball over an impressive five times, including two LeGarrette Blount fumbles. 

The Titans have beaten the Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers and now Tampa Bay by playing stifling defense and forcing key turnovers.

4. The Trio of Titans Corners Will Continue to Carry the Defense

Tennessee Titans defensive backs Alterraun Verner, Jason McCourty and Cortland Finnegan have carried the defense thus far in the 2011 regular season.

In Week 12, McCourty and Finnegan recovered one fumble each and the trio of defensive backs combined for six tackles and two pass deflections.

Unlike 2010, they are not allowing the big play and Finnegan has been mild tempered in his on-field attitude. Tennessee will rely on consistent production from the three standout defensive backs as they push toward the playoffs.

5. Colin McCarthy Is the Answer at Middle Linebacker

With 2:24 left in the game and the Tennessee Titans up 20-17, rookie middle linebacker Colin McCarthy shut down quarterback Josh Freeman with a clutch interception to help Tennessee set up a field goal to extend the lead to six.

In just his second start of the season, McCarthy is proving to be the answer Tennessee needed in replacement of veteran linebacker Barrett Ruud. 

McCarthy has led the team in tackles in each of his two starts and helped to shut down veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez over the middle after Ruud left with an injury against the Atlanta Falcons during Week 11.