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Wiedmer: Falcons and Titans headed in different directions

Tennessee Titans cornerback Logan Ryan (26) is congratulated after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady during the first half of Sunday's game in Nashville.
Tennessee Titans cornerback Logan Ryan (26) is congratulated after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady during the first half of Sunday's game in Nashville. Tennessee Titans cornerback Logan Ryan (26) is congratulated after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady during the first half of Sunday's game in Nashville.

By Mark Wiedmer 5 min read

photo Mark Wiedmer

Upon learning today’s column would focus on the diametrically opposite Sunday performances of the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans, assistant sports editor Marty Kirkland made the following observation: “Those two games were a good lesson on why not to bet on the NFL.”

Few truer words have ever been spoken.

Favored by five points and riding a three-game winning streak after a 1-4 start, the Falcons lost 28-16 at Cleveland.

Solid 6.5-point underdogs to the New England Patriots, the Titans wore out the lordly Pats inside Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, winning 34-10.

“We took a step back today,” said Falcons coach Dan Quinn, whose team’s playoff chances took a giant leap backward, considering Atlanta must yet visit Carolina, Green Bay and New Orleans. “That’s tough to see and tough to say.”