CINCINNATI – The Titans lost 43-36 in overtime to the Bengals here on Sunday at Paycor Stadium.
Here's a look at six things that stood out in the contest:
Amani Hooker's Hat Trick
Titans safety Amani Hooker recorded his first hat trick since high school, recording three interceptions in the contest. Hooker became the first Titan to record three interceptions in a game since Kevin Byard at Cleveland on Oct. 22, 2017. "He gave me opportunities," Hooker said of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. "It's just preparation throughout the week. I try to stress to the guys all week long, if you know what the offense is doing at least 20 percent of the game, that is 20 opportunities for you." It was the first three-interception performance in the NFL since Jordan Whitehead did so on Sept. 11, 2023, for the Jets against the Bills. "Amani is playing at a Pro Bowl level," Coach Robert Saleh said. "I think he's got five interceptions this year. He is impactful in the back end. … He is playing at an elite level from a safety standpoint."
Pollard's Angry Run, and Big Day
Titans running back Tony Pollard produced a highlight-reel run in the first quarter on Sunday, and it was part of a really big day. Pollard ran the ball 21 times for 117 yards and two touchdowns in the contest. It was Pollard's second straight 100-yard game, and he now has five touchdowns in the last two games. Pollard's 40-yard touchdown run was a dandy – five different Bengals put at least one hand on him, and Pollard put his right hand on two others with some pretty impressive stiff-arms. Pollard threw Bengals safety Bryan Cook off him on the way to the end zone.
Cam's Day
Titans quarterback Cam Ward turned in his best day as a pro on Sunday, and it was an encouraging sign heading into the bye week. Ward completed 26-of-40 passes for 304 yards with two touchdowns in the game, with a passer rating of 104.6. It was Ward's first 300-yard game. "He looked awesome today," Saleh said of Ward, who threw touchdown passes to Chimere Dike and Wan'Dale Robinson in the contest. Ward looked as comfortable as he's looked in Tennessee, but there were a few moments he'd like to have back: Ward lost a fumble on a sack, and he was sacked in the closing minute of regulation, which ended Tennessee's potential game-winning drive. "It was a good game," Ward said. "But at the end of the day we are trying to win games here – that's what the fans want, and that's what we want."
Jacob Martin's Impact
Speaking of hat tricks, Titans defensive end Jacon Martin had one himself. Martin tallied three sacks in Sunday's game, and he now had 6.5 sacks on the season. Martin's biggest sack of the game came on a fourth and two play from the Tennessee five-yard line, when he sacked Burrow for a 15-yard loss. Martin had four tackles, three tackles for a loss and six quarterback pressures in the contest. "I felt like our guys came out and battled," Martin said. "Hell of a game by us, but it really sucks not to win."
Tribute to Jeffery Simmons
The Titans played for the first time without defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons since he was traded to the Chicago Bears. If you watched Sunday's game, you probably saw the Titans defensive linemen wearing red sleeves. It was actually a tribute to Simmons, who regularly wore a red sleeve during his playing days with the team. "We just wanted to put on red sleeves to let Jeff know we are thinking of him, and love him," Thomas said. "Jeff was an unbelievable leader in our room, and he created a beautiful bond with the guys. … We wanted to show him how much we love him, and how much he means to us. I hope he sees how much we appreciate him."
Costly Mistakes
The Titans were nearly two touchdown underdogs on Sunday, and their valiant effort should be commended. Unfortunately for the Titans, however, it was another painful loss. Credit to the Bengals, who have some serious weapons on offense. But if the Titans are going to start winning games like this, they're going to have to stop hurting themselves with mistakes. The Titans lost two fumbles on Sunday, and receivers dropped too many passes. The Titans were penalized 10 times for 73 yards in the game. The Titans looked better on Sunday than they've looked all season, but these all too familiar mistakes have to go.
