Ward and Dike Shine in 30–24 Heartbreaker In Nashville

Nashville, TN — The Tennessee Titans entered the matchup as heavy underdogs against the visiting Seattle Seahawks. Despite a valiant effort, the Titans fell 30-24 at home, dropping to 1-10 on the season.

 

Overview

Tennessee elevated undrafted free agent wideout Xavier Restrepo for his NFL debut. He was quiet in the first half but came alive with several key catches in the second half to support Cameron Ward and the offense.

Restrepo finished the day playing 18 snaps with six targets, recording two receptions for 26 yards.

Meanwhile, Ward looked the most comfortable he has all season. He opened the game with a methodical 15-play, 58-yard drive that ended in a field goal — one of four scoring drives led by the rookie quarterback.

Ward finished with an impressive 28-of-42 passing for 256 yards and a touchdown, including 37 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Fellow rookie Chimere Dike also left his mark on the game, returning a 90-yard punt for a touchdown in the third quarter and adding a receiving touchdown in the fourth.

His punt return tied Pacman Jones’ record for the longest punt return by a Titans player. The Florida product is now a touchdown away from tying the franchise record for return touchdowns.

Dennard Wilson’s defense appeared to have Seattle’s number for most of the day, except when the ball went to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Tennessee held the Seahawks to just two third-down conversions on seven attempts besides allowing 353 total yards and a staggering 167 yards and two touchdowns coming from Smith-Njigba alone.

Tennessee seemingly outperformed Seattle in several key areas but couldn’t make enough timely plays to close out a tight contest.

 

Positives

• Best Is Yet to Cam! — Ward put on a show and continues to solidify himself as the future of the franchise.
• Bright Future — The rookie class continues to shine as the team builds it’s identity.
• Four for Four — The Titans posted four scoring drives, their most in a game this season.

 

Negatives

• A Loss Is a Loss — The Titans battled but still came up short when it mattered most.
• Dynamite in the Hand — The defense allowed multiple explosive plays that ultimately sealed their fate.

The Titans return to Nissan Stadium next week, where they’ll face the Jacksonville Jaguars for the first time this season.