NASHVILLE – The Titans face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.
Here's a look at six things to watch in the contest:
Can Cam Continue Momentum?
Titans quarterback Cam Ward has thrown at least two touchdown passes in three straight games after no such games over his first 12 starts. In his last two starts combined, Ward has posted a 111.6 passer rating and a 68.4 completion percentage while throwing four touchdowns vs two interceptions. Ward's 2,866 passing yards leads all NFL rookies, and they're the second-most by a Titans/Oilers rookie since Warren Moon (3,338). Ward has gone five consecutive home games without throwing a pick. Aside from being more accurate, Ward has done a better job avoiding sacks of late – he's been sacked just three times in the last two games combined after being sacked at least four times in eight of the previous 12 contests. Ward and the Titans will aim to keep the good vibes going on Sunday against the Saints.
Another Surging Rookie QB
While Ward's play has given fans a reason to be more optimistic in Nashville, Saints quarterback Tyler Shough has done the same in New Orleans for the surging Saints. Shough's 1,792 pass yards are a Saints rookie record, and he's thrown seven touchdowns vs four interceptions with a 91.6 passer rating in his seven starts, when the team has posted a 4-3 record. Are we in store for a shootout at Nissan Stadium? Well, when Ward and Shough faced one another last October, Ward threw for 319 yards and four touchdowns and Shough threw for 342 yards and four touchdowns in Miami's 52-45 win over Louisville.
Pollard's Production
Can Titans running back Tony Pollard make it four straight games with 100-plus rushing yards? Pollard has toppled the 100-yard in three straight contests, which is the longest active streak in the NFL. Pollard has 949 rushing yards on the season, and he leads the NFL in rushing (367 yards) since Week 14. With 51 yards, Pollard will record his fourth straight season with 1,000-plus rushing yards, which would tie Derrick Henry for the NFL's longest active streak. Last week, the Titans also got a big performance from Tyjae Spears, who had 105 rush/receiving yards combined. They'd love to see the one-two punch working again.
Rookie Trio Seeks Mark
The Titans have gotten a lot of production from their rookie class, and now they have a tandem on the verge of doing something special. Receive Elic Ayomanor (34 catches, 428 yards, three TDs), receiver Chimere Dike (41 catches, 341 yards, four TDs) and tight end Gunnar Helm (43 catches, 356 yards, two TDs) can become just the second rookie trio in NFL history to each record 30 receptions, 300 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. One more touchdown catch by Helm would secure the accomplishment. The only other time it occurred was in 1960, when the Dallas Texas trio of Abner Haynes, Johnny Robinson and Chris Buford did so.
More Domination
Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons has been a game-wrecker, with nine sacks, 54 quarterback pressures and 16 tackles for a loss on the season. Simmons will look to continue his dominance on Sunday against the Saints. Here's a fun stat: With one more sack, Simmons would become the fifth NFL player since defensive sacks were tracked in 1982 to earn 10 sacks and a touchdown in the same season. The last player to do so was JJ Watt in 2014.
Can the Titans Win Two in a Row?
It's been a long time, but it's time to end this ugly streak. It's hard to believe, but the Titans haven't won back-to-back games since October of 2022. The Titans have won 13 games since then, but after the past 12 wins they haven't been able to win the following week. Eventually, this streak has to end, right? We'll have to wait until the end to see the scoreboard. The Titans are 2 ½ point underdogs in the home finale.
