NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- On center stage, Titans safety Kevin Byard took the snap, and lobbed a beautiful left-handed pass to Dane Cruikshank for the play of the day in Sunday's win over the Texans.
Byard, lined up short and to the left of snapper Beau Brinkley on the punt team, hit Cruikshank in stride. Cruikshank, lined up uncovered outside as a gunner, caught the ball and raced into the end zone for a touchdown.
Just like the Titans had practiced all week, right?
Well, not exactly.
"Nah," Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson said with a smile. "It was never that pretty in practice. KB was throwing ducks. I was like, 'Man, you sure you can do this? That doesn't look too good."
Byard's response: "Wait to the game."
And on Sunday, Byard delivered.
In fact, Byard's 66-yard touchdown pass to Cruikshank was the longest touchdown pass by a defensive player in the Super Bowl era, per the NFL. The previous record of 18 yards was held by Los Angeles Rams defensive back Ed Meador (November 19, 1967).
Byard said he rushed the throw in practice, and couldn't get a hold of the laces.
He didn't have that problem on Sunday.
"Everyone was saying during the week: It looks ugly, it looks ugly," Byard said with a smile. "Today, everyone was telling me on the sideline was like "Wow, What a play!
"My passer rating is crazy right now."
Yep, a perfect 158.3.
The play gave the Titans a 7-0 lead in their eventual 20-17 win.
Byard said his last pass was in high school, when he threw a touchdown pass of roughly 50 yards to a receiver on a trick play.
Cruikshank, a rookie, said it was a thrill.
After making a move on a Texans defender in the open field, Cruikshank raced into the end zone and celebrated with a leap into the Nissan Stadium crowd.
"It was a surreal feeling, just crazy," Cruikshank said. "It was such a great atmosphere. I've never really been a part of something like this. To score my first touchdown of my career, it's awesome. I thank God I am in a position to do this for the Titans and my family."
The Tennessee Titans take on the Houston Texans in Week 2 of the 2018 season on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 at Nissan Stadium. (Photos: Donn Jones, AP)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Taywan Taylor (13) scores a touchdown ahead of Houston Texans defensive tackle Brandon Dunn (92) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn.(AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) hugs center Ben Jones (60) before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel shakes hands with running back David Fluellen (32) before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans players take the field before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert (7) and Marcus Mariota (8) talk before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) stands for the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) passes against the Houston Texans in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) intercepts a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, on the ground, in the end zone during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Fans celebrate with Tennessee Titans' Dane Cruikshank (29) after he scored a touchdown on a fake punt against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Taywan Taylor (13) scores a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Houston Texans tight end Ryan Griffin is stopped by Tennessee Titans defenders Wesley Woodyard (59), Malcolm Butler (21) and Tye Smith (23) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Ryan Succop, pateador de los Titans de Tennessee, convierte un gol de campo de 31 yardas en el cuarto periodo del encuentro del domingo 16 de septiembre de 2018, ante los Texans de Houston (AP Foto/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel celebrates with wide receiver Taywan Taylor (13) after Taylor scored a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
The Tennessee Titans play the Houston Texans in Nissan Stadium during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) tries to get past Houston Texans defensive back Johnathan Joseph (24) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel celebrates with wide receiver Taywan Taylor (13) after Taylor scored a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Taywan Taylor (13) scores a touchdown ahead of Houston Texans linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Dane Cruikshank runs for a touchdown after catching a pass on a fake punt play against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Dane Cruikshank (29) gets past Houston Texans defensive back Natrell Jamerson (31) as Cruikshank scores a touchdown after catching a pass on a fake punt play in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs the ball against the Houston Texans in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Dane Cruikshank catches a pass on a fake punt play as he runs 66 yards for a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) passes against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Gabbert started the game in place of the injured Marcus Mariota. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
The Tennessee Titans play the Houston Texans in Nissan Stadium during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) passes as he is pressured by Houston Texans defensive back Aaron Colvin (22) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
The Tennessee Titans play the Houston Texans in Nissan Stadium during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert passes against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans' kick returner Adoree' Jackson (25) breaks a tackle by Houston Texans' Brian Peters (52) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
The Tennessee Titans play the Houston Texans in Nissan Stadium during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans center Ben Jones (60) prepares to snap the ball against the Houston Texans in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans center Ben Jones (60) prepares to snap the ball against the Houston Texans in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis plays against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Taywan Taylor scores a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn.(AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert passes against the Houston Texans in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tajae Sharpe warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Taywan Taylor (13) scores a touchdown ahead of Houston Texans defensive tackle Brandon Dunn (92) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn.(AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
The Tennessee Titans play the Houston Texans in Nissan Stadium during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Taywan Taylor (13) scores a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn.(AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Fans and teammates celebrate with Tennessee Titans' Dane Cruikshank (29) after he scored a touchdown on a fake punt against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) passes against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel watches players warm up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
The Tennessee Titans prepare to take on the Houston Texans in Week 2 of the 2018 season on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 at Nissan Stadium. (Photos: Donn Jones, AP)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) stands for the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert warms up before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Michael W. Smith sings the national anthem before an NFL football game between the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Rashaan Evans warms up before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Emergency responders carry a flag onto the field before an NFL football game between the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
James Shaw Jr., who wrestled the gun away from a man who opened fire in a Nashville Waffle House restaurant in April, 2018, enters the field as the Tennessee Titans 12th Man before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
James Shaw Jr., who wrestled the gun away from a man who opened fire in a Nashville Waffle House restaurant in April, 2018, plants the sword as he serves as the Tennessee Titans' 12th Man before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Emergency responders carry a flag onto the field before an NFL football game between the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Injured Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Taylor Lewan watches from the sideline in the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Emergency responders carry a flag onto the field before an NFL football game between the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
A Metro Nashville Police officer helps to carry a flag onto the field before an NFL football game between the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel watches players warm up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans players take the field before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel shakes hands with running back David Fluellen (32) before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel walks on the field before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Malcolm Butler warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Dane Cruikshank warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel watches players warm up before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien, left, talks with Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel before an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, left, greets Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien before an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) hugs center Ben Jones (60) before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert (7) and Marcus Mariota (8) talk before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien, left, talks with Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel before an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien, left, talks with Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel before an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, left, greets Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien before an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Houston Texans fan Kiren Adams, of Houston, stands outside Nissan Stadium before an NFL football game between the Texans and the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, second from right, talks with fans before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Fans tailgate outside Nissan Stadium before an NFL football game between the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Fans arrive at Nissan Stadium before an NFL football game between the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Houston Texans fans David Arriasola, left, and Kiren Adams, both of Houston, arrive at Nissan Stadium before an NFL football game between the Texans and the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, right, talks with fans before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson warms up before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Fans arrive at Nissan Stadium before an NFL football game between the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson warms up before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tajae Sharpe warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson warms up before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert warms up before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson signs autographs for fans as he arrives at Nissan Stadium before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Footballs are stacked on a team bench before an NFL football game between the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert warms up before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert warms up before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert warms up before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
