Gabbert steps up to keep Titans’ hopes alive

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans finally have a victory in a game where quarterback Marcus Mariota left injured and Blaine Gabbert did much more than just win.

Gabbert kept Tennessee’s playoff hopes alive.

The veteran threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to MyCole Pruitt with 4:30 left, and the Titans rallied to beat Washington 25-16 on Saturday for their fourth consecutive victory.

“I don't know,” Gabbert said when asked if this was the biggest win of his eight-year career with four teams. “It was a fun win. We got a big game next week.”

The victory was Tennessee's first in the seven career games that Mariota has left with an injury.

Coming off the bench for the third time this season, Gabbert threw for 101 yards after Washington knocked Mariota out of the game late in the first half with a stinger. Gabbert hit Taywan Taylor for 35 yards to jumpstart the winning drive, Derrick Henry ran four times for 33 yards, his last an 18-yarder to the 2. Gabbert then hit Pruitt at the back of the end zone.

The Titans (9-6) must beat Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts and have either Baltimore or Pittsburgh lose once to earn the AFC's second wild-card spot for a second consecutive playoff berth.

Safety Kevin Byard intercepted Josh Johnson's pass on thirdand-3 with 1:17 left. Then Malcolm Butler picked off a pass as time expired and ran 56 yards for an emphatic TD.

Washington (7-8) has lost five of six, and coach Jay Gruden said the team could not ask for anything more from Johnson, who came off his couch only weeks ago.

Washington needs losses by Minnesota and Seattle to avoid being eliminated.

“I'm just very proud and sick for the way it ended for him tonight because he really just played (great), displayed great courage, leadership all in three weeks,” Gruden said of Johnson, who threw for 153 yards and a TD. “I hate for him to be judged on that one pass (Byard's interception), but overall just very, very proud of the way he came in here and led this team.”

Mariota had thrown for 110 yards when sacked with 48 seconds left in the first half by defensive end Jonathan Allen. His right, throwing shoulder and arm were examined, then he walked to the locker room and was replaced by Gabbert.

The stinger is the same injury that knocked him out of Tennessee's loss Nov. 18 at Indianapolis. He also was knocked out of the season opener with an elbow injury that cost him a start. Vrabel said Mariota was still being evaluated after the game.

Byard said the Titans have full trust in Gabbert.

“It's really no panic on the sideline,” Byard said.

Henry finished with 84 yards and a TD on 21 carries.

Dustin Hopkins kicked field goals of 50, 40 and 46 yards, and Washington finished with three sacks.

RAVENS 22, CHARGERS 10

Lamar Jackson threw for 204 yards and had the longest touchdown pass of his brief career as Baltimore defeated Los Angeles at Carson, Calif., to strengthen its chances of clinching a playoff spot.

The Ravens (9-6) — who have won five of their last six with Jackson as the starter — dominated for most of the night to remain in possession of the last wild-card spot. They briefly trailed 10-6 early in the third quarter before Jackson completed a 68-yard touchdown pass to Mark Andrews.

Justin Tucker’s third field goal extended the lead to six and they put it away late in the fourth quarter when Patrick Onwuaso forced Antonio Gates’ fumble and Tavon Young returned it 62 yards. Jackson, who was the 32nd overall pick in April, had his first 200-yard passing game, completing 12of-22. Gus Edwards had 92 yards on 14 carries.

The Chargers (11-4) have clinched a playoff spot, but their hopes of winning the AFC West suffered a major blow. Kansas City can wrap up the division with a win on Sunday at Seattle.