CLEVELAND – The Titans beat the Browns 31-29 on Sunday at Huntington Bank Field.
Senior Writer and Editor Jim Wyatt takes a look at six things that stood out from the contest.
Pollard's Day
Tony Pollard was a force to be reckoned with. The Titans running back carried the ball 25 times for 161 yards in the contest, including touchdown runs of 32 and 65 yards. It was a career high for Pollard, who recorded his 11th career 100-yard rushing game. It was also the team's first game with a 150-yard rusher since Derrick Henry (153) against the Jaguars on Jan. 7, 2024. It had been too long, huh? "It was big for us, getting that momentum going on the ground," Pollard said. "Relying on those big guys up front, moving the line of scrimmage, creating a lot of space for the runners to make plays, and that's what we did today."
First Blocked Punt Since 2012
Speaking of breaking a long streak, the Titans blocked a punt for the first time since the 2012 season on Sunday when linebacker James Williams Sr. got one in the fourth quarter. "We'd been preparing all year for this, waiting on the right opportunity," Williams said, "and it finally presented itself today." The last Titan to block a punt before Sunday was former Titans linebacker Tim Shaw, against the Steelers in 2012. Titans special teams coordinator John Fassel had been reminding players of this all season. Williams said he dedicated the block to Shaw, who has remained a fixture around the team despite battling ALS. "He's always giving me pointers, and tips," Williams said of Shaw. "He's going to love (seeing this), he might jump out of his chair. That ball is for him. It's a blessing to do that for somebody like Tim, who comes out every day and coaches us. That was for Tim."
Big Jeff
Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons was a wrecking ball, finishing with a team-high 1.5 sacks, seven tackles (second on the team), and an additional quarterback hit and a pass defensed. When Simmons brought down Shedeur Sanders on third down to force a Browns punt in the fourth quarter, it increased his team-high total to eight sacks in 2025. Simmons said he fed off the environment, which included some instigating Browns fans. "I guess they didn't really know about me," Simmons said with a smile. "But I'm going to talk smack (back) to them. Just because the fans give you the bird, whatever it may be, that kind of makes me get going." With 39.5 career sacks, Simmons passed Kyle Vanden Bosch for 12th place in franchise history and fifth place for the organization during its "Titans" era (1999-present).
Cam's Day
Titans quarterback Cam Ward had some ups and downs in the contest. Ward finished the day completing 14-of-28 passes for 117 yards. Ward capped the team's first possession off with a 14-yard touchdown toss to receiver Elic Ayomanor, and later he connected with receiver Chimere Dike for a five-yard touchdown pass. The opening drive for a touchdown was a first for the Titans in 13 games this season. But Ward wasn't perfect, something he was quick to admit. Ward was intercepted by Browns linebacker Devin Bush at the Cleveland 18-yard line, and he missed on some other throws. "It feels good to win," Ward said, "but winning still hides stuff. There are flaws we have to continue to get over, personally, and just as a team. And we have to come in with the right mindset."
Containing Garrett
The Titans did a nice job on Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who I thought might create havoc on Sunday. As it turned out Garrett was pretty quiet – he managed just four tackles and one sack in the game, and was credited with two quarterback hits. Garrett entered the game with an NFL-best 19 sacks through 12 games, with three games with at least three sacks. "We were able to neutralize him in the run game, and we had a good game plan for him in the pass game, some chip help, some movement passes, trying to move the pocket," Titans left tackle Dan Moore said. "We executed well." Moore heaped praise on Garrett, a fellow Texas A&M Aggie, and a player he faced many times during his days with the Steelers. "He's a good dude," Moore said of Garrett. "I've played him a lot. I have a lot of respect for that dude and the way he works."
Creating Turnovers (That Led to 17 Points)
The Titans played complementary football on Sunday, and that included forcing a pair of turnovers on defense. Safety Xavier Woods intercepted Sanders, and rookie cornerback Marcus Harris forced a fumble that was recovered by linebacker Cedric Gray. Both led to touchdowns for the Titans, who also got three points out of the blocked punt from Williams. "That helped a lot," Gray said. "Those were huge turning points in the game that really helped our offense get going, giving them shorter field and being able to capitalize on those moments. Those are the type of plays you have to make to win in this league."
The Tennessee Titans take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 14 at Huntington Bank Field.
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns compete at Huntington Bank Field on December 07, 2025 in Cleveland, OH. Photo By =422023009065=/Tennessee Titans
