Special Teams And Defense Carry, Offense Falters As Titans Lose 27-20 At Home

Nashville, TN — In their return to Nashville, the Tennessee Titans showed fight, flashes and fireworks but not quite enough finish. Despite early momentum and standout performances from young playmakers, Tennessee fell to the Los Angeles Chargers, 27–20, dropping to 1–8 on the season.

 

Overview

The Titans opened this game with something to prove, and for a moment, it looked like a statement was coming.

Veteran linebacker Cody Barton jump-started the afternoon with an interception for a touchdown, the first of his career.  The defense swarmed over Chargers’ quarterback, Justin Herbert, all game, registering six sacks on the day.

Sebastian Joseph-Day, Dre’Mont Jones, Jihad Ward and Cedric Gray all logged sacks. Dennard Wilson’s unit looked aggressive, confident and disruptive.

Special teams provided their best performance of the year. Rookie returner Chimere Dike returned a 67-yard punt for a touchdown, the first since 2012 and their first special teams touchdown of any kind since 2018. Through nine weeks, Dike leads the NFL in all-purpose yardage.

Offensively, Tennessee struggled.

Mike McCoy’s offense produced just six points, their second-worst output of the year. The Titans couldn’t find rhythm or sustain drives.

Quarterback Cameron Ward struggled early on with errant throws, hesitation and missed opportunities before settling in and showing flashes in the second half. He finished 12-for-21 for 145 yards.

The Titans fought all game but penalties and dropped passes showed up again, slowing down momentum every time it started to build.

 

Positives:

• Special Teams, Special Plays, Special Players: Tennessee scored 14 points via defense and special teams — their highest total from those two units this season.
• Young and Hopeful: The 2025 draft class continues to show real promise. Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, Kevin Winston Jr. and Marcus Harris all delivered impact plays.
• Bruised but Not Broken: For the first time all season, Tennessee had no new injuries to report. A small miracle through nine weeks.

Negatives:

• Shield With No Spear: Six total offensive points and 206 yards won’t win many NFL games, even with elite defensive play.
• Penalty Marked: Seven penalties for 60 yards stalled drives and stole momentum yet again.

Tennessee heads into Week 10 on a much-needed bye. They return to action in Week 11 for an AFC South rematch against the Houston Texans.