Nate Washington's circus catch for a 71-yard touchdown helped the Titans defeat the Lions 44-41. (US Presswire)

The Tennessee Titans earned their first victory of the season in a wild, pulsating 44-41 overtime win over the Detroit Lions. The Titans offense showed it can put points on the board, problem is the defense can't prevent them.

Here's our grades from Sunday's win. 

Offense: A-

Jake Locker had two touchdowns of 60 yards or more and six completions of at least 24 yards. Locker made the proper checks and pre-snap adjustments, and the offensive line provided Locker ample time to find his receivers. Locker fit a number of throws into tight windows on explosive gains. The second-year quarterback finished with 378 yards and a QB rating of 113.0. Only reason for the minus-sign: The running game struggled again. Chris Johnson had 14 carries for only 24 yards.

Defense: C+

If CB Alterraun Verner continues his play throughout the season, the third-year defensive back should be considered for the Pro Bowl. Verner held Calvin Johnson to one catch for six yards in the first half by employing physical press coverage. Johnson exploded for nine catches for 158 yards after halftime, but Verner had other coverage responsibilities for the most part. Verner and Jason McCourty exhibited perfect technique on key tackles late in the win. Verner wrestled the ball from Lions' TE Brandon Pettigrew and raced 72-yards for a touchdown. Linebacker Akeem Ayers made a critical error at the end of regulation. Safety Robert Johnson, not Ayers, was supposed to bat the ball down on Titus Young’s Hail Mary catch for a touchdown.

Special teams: A+

Shades of the Music City Miracle appeared at LP Field when Darius Reynaud hit Tommie Campbell on a home run throwback in the first quarter. Campbell ran 65 yards down the right sidelines for a touchdown. Reynaud set a Titans’ record for longest kickoff return in franchise history on a 105-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. The special teams saved the Titans from what could have been a devastating loss.

Coaching: A-

Credit coach Mike Munchak for rallying his players after two lopsided defeats. Offensive coordinator Chris Palmer effectively moved WRs Kenny Britt, Kendall Wright and Nate Washington around to cause confusion for the Lions defense. Defensive coordinator Jerry Gray designed a strong game plan in efforts to limit Johnson and Pettigrew. Special teams coach Alan Lowry deserves a steak dinner from the rest of the staff for the Titans’ two touchdowns on returns.

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Tennessee Titans, follow Matt Rybaltowski @CBSTitans.