Ugly loss puts Titans in position to draft No. 1 overall

Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) catches a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. Mariota scored a touchdown on the play. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) catches a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. Mariota scored a touchdown on the play. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

By Associated Press December 15, 2015 4 min read

Tennessee Titans running back Dexter McCluster (22) avoids umpire Richard Hall (49) while rushing during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Online

AP NFL websites: pro32.ap.org and twitter.com/AP-NFL

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Titans can take some measure of comfort from possibly their ugliest performance this season. It put them back in position to draft No. 1 overall in 2016.

If they play the final three games like they did losing to the New York Jets, that spot should be pretty safe.

Unfortunately, the Titans still have their toughest road game left, as they visit the New England Patriots (11-2) on Sunday in a game that has been dredging up painful memories of a 59-0 loss there in 2009.

So interim coach Mike Mularkey said Monday the Titans (3-10) have two choices after being routed 30-8 by the Jets.