Titans Win At Home 26-9 Behind Rookie Record Setting Performances and Defensive Masterclass

Nashville, TN — On a crisp Sunday afternoon, the Tennessee Titans secured their first home victory in 412 days, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 26–9 at Nissan Stadium.

Overview

The Titans entered the contest seeking momentum in a season that has been largely unfavorable, much of it due to persistent injuries. Tennessee’s defense was without its leading tackler, Cedric Gray, as well as other key contributors including Xavier Woods and Kevin Winston Jr.

Despite those absences, the team delivered one of its most complete performances of the season.

Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson orchestrated an exceptional game plan, holding the Chiefs without a touchdown for the first time since 2023.

Jeffery Simmons anchored the effort with a dominant performance, recording multiple tackles for loss, two batted passes, and the first safety of his career.

“Now it’s time to go make a play. I switched up my technique a little bit to where I know I’m about to get a double team,” stated Simmons.  “It was supposed to be a double team, you know, and I swimmed the hell out of him. I swimmed him pretty good, whiffed him, and my eyes got big. I was just praying not to miss the tackle.”

Simmons’ performance exemplified his season-long impact, as he has emerged as one of the league’s premier interior defensive linemen. His intensity and leadership have resonated throughout the roster, particularly as the season approaches its conclusion.

Offensively, Tennessee delivered its most efficient performance of the year. The Titans played a balanced, complementary game that resulted in their second-highest point total of the season.

Quarterback Cameron Ward recorded his strongest professional outing, completing 21 of 28 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns. The performance marked his third consecutive game with at least two passing touchdowns and his first game completing 75 percent or more of his attempts.

Ward also set a franchise record, surpassing Marcus Mariota (2,818) for the most passing yards by a rookie in Tennessee Titans/Houston Oilers history with 2,866 yards on the season.

Wide receiver Chimere Dike also reached a significant milestone, joining A.J. Brown, Vince Young and Chris Johnson as the only rookies in franchise history to record six or more total touchdowns.

The victory offered a glimpse into the Titans’ future potential as the team continues to develop its young core while seeking increased production from veteran players.

 

Positives

• Offensive Production: Tennessee recorded more than 350 total yards of offense (228 passing, 164 rushing).
• Historic Performances: Ward and Dike both achieved franchise milestones as rookies.
• Defensive Dominance: The Titans did not allow a touchdown, marking the second time the Chiefs have been held without an end-zone score at Nissan Stadium.
• Home Breakthrough: Tennessee earned its first home win of the season.

Negatives

• Injuries: Marcus Harris is undergoing evaluation for a knee injury sustained during the game.

The Titans will attempt to secure consecutive home victories when they host the New Orleans Saints on December 28 in their Week 17 matchup.