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Titans head coach Mike Mularkey and quarterback Marcus Mariota talk about Tennessee's 12-7 loss to the Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium, Dec. 10, 2017. USA TODAY NETWORK-Tennessee

 

The best and worst from the Titans’ 12-7 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium. 

BEST

The Titans’ defense: It was outstanding, particularly in two sudden-change situations — after a fake punt was stopped and a Marcus Mariota interception — in which it kept the Cardinals out of the end zone and forced short field goals. When you hold a team to four field goals, 261 total yards and 3-for-14 success on third down, and you collect eight sacks, you sure as heck shouldn’t lose that game. But lose it the Titans did.

► 5 things: Mariota's interceptions, fake punt follies and more

Defensive depth: Erik Walden got the start for injured linebacker Derrick Morgan (knee) and immediately made his presence felt with a sack. With DaQuan Jones out for the season with a torn bicep, David King got his first action of the season at defensive end and made some plays. Kevin Klug picked up a huge third-down tackle for loss. And Kevin Dodd even got in the mix a little bit. It’s that time of year when reserves are crucial, and the Titans’ made some important contributions Sunday.

Tennessee Titans at Arizona Cardinals
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Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) walks off the
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) walks off the field after turning the ball over to the Cardinals on downs near the end of the 12-7 loss at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) walks off the
Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) walks off the field after the team's 12-7 loss to the Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) walks off the
Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) walks off the field after the team's 12-7 loss to the Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) walks dejectedly
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) walks dejectedly off the field after the team's 12-7 loss to the Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) hug Cardinals
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) hug Cardinals quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) after losing to the Cardinals 12 to 7 at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.co
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Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) breaks a tackle
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) breaks a tackle before being sacked during the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) walks off the
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) walks off the field after turning the ball over to the Cardinals on downs near the end of the 12-7 loss at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) pulls in a first-down
Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) pulls in a first-down catch in the fourth quarter as Cardinals safety Budda Baker (36) defends at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Cardinals linebacker Josh Bynes (57) races up the field
Cardinals linebacker Josh Bynes (57) races up the field with an interception during the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Cardinals linebacker Josh Bynes (57) races up the field
Cardinals linebacker Josh Bynes (57) races up the field with an interception during the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) sits on the bench
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) sits on the bench during the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) sacks Cardinals
Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) sacks Cardinals quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is sacked during
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is sacked during the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Cardinals safety Antoine Bethea (41) breaks up a pass
Cardinals safety Antoine Bethea (41) breaks up a pass intended for Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans guard Quinton Spain (67) and offensive tackle
Titans guard Quinton Spain (67) and offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) knock Cardinals linebacker Josh Bynes (57) out of bounds as he runs back an interception during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Cardinals place kicker Phil Dawson (4) kicks a field
Cardinals place kicker Phil Dawson (4) kicks a field goal to make the score 12-7 over the Titans in the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans nose tackle Sylvester Williams (96) stops Cardinals
Titans nose tackle Sylvester Williams (96) stops Cardinals running back Kerwynn Williams (33) in the fourth quarter of the Titans' 12-7 loss at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) pulls in a first-down
Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) pulls in a first-down catch in the fourth quarter as Cardinals safety Budda Baker (36) defends at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Cardinals place kicker Phil Dawson (4) is congratulated
Cardinals place kicker Phil Dawson (4) is congratulated by punter Andy Lee (2) after his field goal to put the Cardinals ahead 9-7 during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans linebacker Erik Walden (93) celebrates the Cardinals'
Titans linebacker Erik Walden (93) celebrates the Cardinals' missed field goal during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Cardinals place kicker Phil Dawson (4) misses a field
Cardinals place kicker Phil Dawson (4) misses a field goal during the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans wide receiver Eric Weems (14) celebrates on
Titans wide receiver Eric Weems (14) celebrates on the sideline after making a first down on a fake punt during the third quarter against the Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. The play was later overturned by the referees causing the Titans to turn the ball over on downs to the Cardinals.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) pulls down
Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) pulls down Cardinals running back Kerwynn Williams (33) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) sacks Cardinals
Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) sacks Cardinals quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans head coach Mike Mularkey argues a call during
Titans head coach Mike Mularkey argues a call during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) walks off the
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) walks off the field after throwing an interception during the third quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws an interception
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws an interception during the third quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans wide receiver Eric Decker (87) tackles Cardinals
Titans wide receiver Eric Decker (87) tackles Cardinals cornerback Tramon Williams (25) after the interception during the third quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans wide receiver Eric Decker (87) tackles Cardinals
Titans wide receiver Eric Decker (87) tackles Cardinals cornerback Tramon Williams (25) as he races up the field with an interception during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) removes his helmet
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) removes his helmet during the timeout to review the fake punt in the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans place kicker Ryan Succop (4) watches his field
Titans place kicker Ryan Succop (4) watches his field goal fall just short to end the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) dives for a
Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) dives for a touchdown during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) dives for a
Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) dives for a touchdown during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) celebrates his
Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) celebrates his touchdown with tight end Jonnu Smith (81) and guard Dennis Kelly (71) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews (18) gains yards
Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews (18) gains yards defended by Cardinals cornerback Tramon Williams (25) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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The Titans defense swarms Cardinals running back D.J.
The Titans defense swarms Cardinals running back D.J. Foster (37) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) gains yard during
Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) gains yard during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) rushes for eight
Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) rushes for eight yards for a first down during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans linebacker Erik Walden (93) sacks Cardinals
Titans linebacker Erik Walden (93) sacks Cardinals quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) rushes up the
Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) rushes up the field with a catch during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) sacks Cardinals
Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) sacks Cardinals quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) rushes through
Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) rushes through the Cardinals defense during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) scrambles out
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) scrambles out of the pocket during the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans offensive tackle Taylor Lewan (77) heads to
Titans offensive tackle Taylor Lewan (77) heads to the locker room after an injury during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans offensive tackle Taylor Lewan (77) heads to
Titans offensive tackle Taylor Lewan (77) heads to the locker room after an injury during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws a pass
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws a pass in the second quarter against the Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.co
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Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) watches the action
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) watches the action during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) is stopped by
Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) is stopped by Cardinals safety Budda Baker (36) and linebacker Chandler Jones (55) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) moves the ball
Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) moves the ball defended by Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones (55) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.co
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Titans head coach Mike Mularkey watches the team during
Titans head coach Mike Mularkey watches the team during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) leads the
Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) leads the team in a huddle before the game at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws a pass
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws a pass during warmups before the game at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews (18), whose nickname
Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews (18), whose nickname is "Shark," wears cleats that look like sharks before the game at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) leads the
Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) leads the team in a huddle before the game at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) gets ready
Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) gets ready before the game at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans wide receiver Eric Decker (87) makes a catch
Titans wide receiver Eric Decker (87) makes a catch during warmups before the game at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans head coach Mike Mularkey signs autographs before
Titans head coach Mike Mularkey signs autographs before the game at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk greets fans before the
Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk greets fans before the game at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans head coach Mike Mularkey walks the sidelines
Titans head coach Mike Mularkey walks the sidelines before the game at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) warms up before
Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) warms up before the game against the Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) warms up before
Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) warms up before the game at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans fans cheer before the game against the Cardinals
Titans fans cheer before the game against the Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) warms up before
Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) warms up before the Cardinals game at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans head coach Mike Mularkey signs autographs before
Titans head coach Mike Mularkey signs autographs before the game at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) signs autographs
Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) signs autographs for fans before the game against the Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) warms up before
Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) warms up before the game against the Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.   George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans wide receiver Taywan Taylor (13) pulls in a
Titans wide receiver Taywan Taylor (13) pulls in a catch during warmups at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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Titans fans watch the team before the game against
Titans fans watch the team before the game against the Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.  George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
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    WORST

    The Titans’ offense: Save for one drive that featured the running of Derrick Henry, it was an abomination. Henry had 20 yards on eight carries while DeMarco Murray ran it 11 times for 34 yards. Marcus Mariota looked completely out of sorts in the second half, and his one excellent pass during the attempted comeback was kicked out of Delanie Walker’s hands on the sideline.

    Offensive football in the NFL: This league so badly needs more quality quarterbacks and offensive linemen, and a serious issue at both positions was apparent for the Cardinals in the first half. Backup Blaine Gabbert was running for his life against a Titans defense missing its leader in sacks, Morgan. And when he had time to throw, he missed open receivers galore. It’s not the Cardinals’ fault that starter Carson Palmer got hurt, but it’s incredible to consider the lack of viable options at that position in the NFL today. 

    ► Rexrode: Titans' woes put Mike Mularkey in the crosshairs

    Three free points: The Cardinals drove for a field goal on their first possession of the second half, after which the Titans promptly went three and out. A third-and-1 give to Henry was predictable and stuffed. Mike Mularkey then went very unpredictable — a fake punt direct snap to Eric Weems, who got the first down. But then the Cardinals challenged and got a rare replay reversal on a spot challenge. It was surprising to see a spot challenge work, and Mularkey was still complaining about it after the game. 

    Taylor Lewan’s back injury: He was emotional afterward talking about how excited he was to play in front of family and friends in his home state. Lewan will receive tests but does not think the injury is serious.

    Contact Joe Rexrode at jrexrode@tennessean.com and follow him on Twitter @joerexrode.

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    Tennessean writers Joe Rexrode and Jason Wolf break down the Titans' 12-7 loss against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. USA TODAY NETWORK-Tennessee