NASHVILLE – The Titans lost 34-26 to the Saints in the home finale at Nissan Stadium.
Here's a look at six things that stood out from the contest:
Cam's Day
It was another step in the right direction for Titans quarterback Cam Ward on Sunday. Ward threw two touchdown passes for the fourth straight game while completing 21-of-40 passes for 250 yards. Ward kept plays alive with his legs, and he made some throws on the move. I thought he looked very comfortable in the pocket, even when he was under pressure. Now Ward wasn't perfect – he wasn't able to finish off drives down the stretch, and he had the football taken away from him on what ended up being a defensive touchdown for Saints defensive end Chase Young. But with 3,117 yards on the season, and one game to play, Ward now owns the first rookie 3,000-yard passing season in franchise history and the 21st overall 3,000-yard season in team annals — the first since Ryan Tannehill in 2021. "There were definitely some wow plays in there," Titans interim coach Mike McCoy said of Ward. "Just continues to get better. Week in and week out, he's starting to show everybody those type of plays that he's going to make, and not just the easy ones, but the ones that are really difficult to make. So, it's great to see him do that."
Go Chig Go
Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo made the play of the day on offense. On a fourth-and-two from the New Orleans 43, the Titans went for it and Ward found an open Okonkwo, who did the rest. After catching the ball, Okonkwo raced downfield, and after shoving off would-be tackler Kool-Aid McKinstry at the 12-yard line, he raced into the end zone for a touchdown. Okonkwo danced, and the Titans joined him to celebrate in the end zone. "I loved it, man," Ward said of the play. "That's a free touchdown for the quarterback, but that's all Chig right there. I'm talking about spinning out of somebody, do a cartwheel, going in end zone, hit his dance. So, that's a Chig play. That the plays that what we expect out of him. I'm just happy he's able to do it and I'm looking forward to it next week."
Dike Mark
Titans returner Chimere Dike has had bigger, more explosive days. Still, he led the Titans in receiving yards (55) and he tallied four catches against the Saints. One of the catches was a 43-yarder, and don't forget Dike drew a defensive pass interference call that resulted in a 50-yard penalty. But Dike is making this category because it brings more light to what he's accomplished this season. On Sunday, Dike surpassed Tim Brown (2,317 yards in 1988) for the most all-purpose yards in a season by a rookie in NFL history. Dike now sits at 2,371 after recording 33 kickoff return yards, seven punt return yards, 55 receiving yards and seven rushing yards against New Orleans. "I am just thankful for my teammates, and my coaches, the belief that they have in me," Dike said. "But at the end of the day, we're trying to win the game."
Defense Ups and Downs
The Titans defense came out like gangbusters, forcing three-and-outs on two of the first three possessions for the Saints. Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons had a sack and forced fumble early, linebacker Cedric Gray led the team with 12 tackles, edge Jaylen Harrell continued to make an impact and seeing cornerback Kemon Hall force a fumble that was recovered by Kaiir Elam was a big play that I thought might be a difference-maker. But the Titans couldn't get stops on defense in the second half, as the Saints racked up a whole lot of points (34) and yards (423) in the game. Saints quarterback Tyler Shough threw for 333 yards on a day when running back Audric Estime ran for 94 and Chris Olave caught eight for 119. It left Saints fans chanting "Who Dey?" in the end.
Cam's Knee
After leading for three quarters, the Titans found themselves playing catch-up late. Their best chance came when they got the ball with 3:49 left, trailing 34-26. After seven plays, the Titans had the ball at the New Orleans 37-yard, facing a 4th and 10. That's when Ward fought to keep a play alive, and he tossed the football to running back Tyjae Spears for what looked like a 17-yard gain, which would have given the Titans the ball at the Saints 20, first and 10 with 2:09 left. The crowd at Nissan Stadium was celebrating. But after an official review it was deemed Ward's knee was down. The threat ended, and the next time the Titans got the football they couldn't really threaten, and it was soon game over. "Just trying to give us a play on fourth down to not let it be a sack, just try to put the ball in a playmaker's hand," Ward said. "Did that, unfortunately got overturned. Defense gave us a stop to give us a chance to get another drive in. We just didn't come up with it."
Not Again!
I've mentioned this before, and because of Sunday's result, I'll have to mention it again at some point next season: The Titans can't seem to find a way to win two in a row. It's a perplexing reality for players, coaches and fans. It's hard to believe, but the Titans haven't won back-to-back games since November of 2022. The Titans have won 12 games since then, but since Nov. 2022, they're now 0-12 following wins. I thought this streak might end on Sunday, but it didn't. "I wish I knew," Simmons said of the team's inability to win two in a row. When coach McCoy said last night we hadn't won two in a row in a long time, that was surprising. I'm like: What the heck? I want to get back to winning football games, and that has to be our mindset (moving forward): How can we stack wins? Because we haven't done that in a long time."
The Tennessee Titans take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 17 at Nissan Stadium.
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald PageTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Beau BruneTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Beau BruneTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Beau BruneTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Beau BruneTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Beau BruneTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Beau BruneTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald PageTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Beau BruneTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald PageTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Beau BruneTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Camden HallTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Beau BruneTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald PageTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald PageTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald PageTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Beau BruneTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald PageTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Beau BruneTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Beau BruneTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Beau BruneTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald PageTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Beau BruneTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald PageTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald PageTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald PageTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald PageTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Beau BruneTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Beau BruneTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints compete at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Photo By Jessie RogersTennessee Titans
