Overview
- Tennessee surrendered a late game-winning drive that turned a 20-17 lead into a 24-20 loss, with the defense failing to get off the field on key third downs.
- A first-and-goal at the 9-yard line became a 33-yard field goal after a sack and two conservative runs, a sequence coach Robert Saleh called a “toss-up.”
- Cam Ward rebounded from a rough opener with an efficient passing day and two rushing touchdowns, finishing 13-of-20 for 183 yards and keeping the Titans competitive.
- Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons had a dominant game with a sack, three quarterback hits and pressure that led to an interception, but the unit still allowed a 61.1% third-down conversion rate.
- Analytic grades showed uneven play across phases, with Julius Chestnut leading special-teams grades and wide receivers Wan’Dale Robinson and rookie Carnell Tate struggling, as Tennessee now prepares for Week 3 on the road against the New York Giants.