NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- It’s the ideal defensive scenario: Get the offense in third-and-long, make a play in front of the sticks, head to the bench as the punt return team comes onto the field.

Too often this season, the Tennessee Titans have made a U-turn, headed back to the defensive huddle and gotten ready for first-and-10.

Twenty-three times on third-and-10 or more, the Titans have given up first downs. That’s an NFL high and it’s a big problem.

Offenses have converted third-and-10 or more at a 37 percent rate against Tennessee. It’s at least 230 yards -- 4.4 percent of all the yards Tennessee has surrendered.

"That’s not good," outside linebacker Brian Orakpo said. "It’s something we have to address not only this game, but for the offseason. Everybody has to play what’s called correctly, limit the mistakes so we can get off the field in those situations where you are supposed to get off the field."

Giving up a conversion on third-and-long can have a big bearing on a game’s flow. Too often the Titans have given opponents a boost.

"It's a momentum-changer," Titans coach Mike Mularkey said. "Last week (in Jacksonville) is a good example of it. We got off the field on our third-and-long. We had a penalty with unsportsmanlike conduct.

"Yeah, it's deflating, there's no question about it. Just as it is when we convert third-and-longs, we know that's good. It's a good drive mover. It does take a little air out of you (on defense)."

The Texans have converted just nine of 49 third-and-10-or-more snaps this season. It’s a team the Titans should stop in such situations.

But every team’s a team they should stop.