NASHVILLE – The Titans beat the Seahawks 16-15 on Saturday night at Nissan Stadium.
Here's a look at six things that stood out in the contest:
NWI's Toughness
There's a reason receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has kept making the squad over and over again. Westbrook-Ikhine provided another glimpse as to why on Saturday night. Initially signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020, Westbrook-Ikhine has gotten better each year, and he's made himself valuable in any way possible on four different teams from 2020 to 2023. On Saturday night, Westbrook-Ikhine took a big hit while making a catch across the middle on a third-down play. He got a first down. Later, Westbrook-Ikhine fought to get into the end zone for a 15-yard score after making a catch from quarterback Mason Rudolph. Westbrook-Ikhine has once again risen to the occasion in training camp for the Titans, and he showed it again on Saturday night. "It was a fun night," Westbrook-Ikhine said. "My (12-week-old) son was in the stands, too. It was the first time getting to watch me score, so it was special."
Narveson's Night
I led the gamer off with rookie kicker Brayden Narveson, but this is a night where I think it's OK to double dip, right? Narveson provided a happy ending to the night when he booted the game-winner from 46 yards out a time expired from the clock. An undrafted free agent from North Carolina State, Narveson said he was sick in the morning, and he didn't know if he was even going to be able to play in the game. "I missed meetings, and I wasn't feeling good," Narveson said. "I was taking a lot of electrolytes and got two IVs, just trying to push through." Earlier in the game, Narveson made a 59-yard field goal with 7:53 left to give the Titans the lead. He also made a 21-yarder early in the fourth quarter. "It felt really, really good to help the team win," Narveson. "This was special."
Mason Rudolph Provides Spark
Quarterback Mason Rudolph came off the bench and gave the Titans a spark while playing from the second quarter to midway through the third quarter. Rudolph would enter the game several more times, including with the game on the line. Rudolph guided the Titans on a 10-play, 78-yard drive that he capped off with the 15-yard touchdown pass to NWI. Later, Rudolph guided the game-winning drive, taking the team 42 yards in nine plays in 1:55. Rudolph completed 10-of-17 passes on the night, for 125 yards, and a passer rating of 101.3. In two preseason games, Rudolph has completed 20-of-34 passes for 251 yards with a passer rating of 91.7. "I was talking my dad the other night, primarily as a backup quarterback," Rudolph said. "You know, you get through the dog days of camp, and you start to get a little tired or rundown. But I try to remind myself, 'Hey buddy, you don't get these reps when the season starts, unless your number is called. Man, I just want to enjoy each and every day this camp. Coach Cally (Brian Callahan), he's done a good job of keeping the guys up, giving us some off days. But, you know attack it, have a good week and then finish it off in New Orleans."
Arden Key Report
Perhaps the biggest news of the night came during pre-game, from Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. It was Simmons who first said on social that edge rusher Arden Key had won his appeal from the NFL. It was reported a few weeks ago that Key was facing a six-game suspension for violating the league's rules pertaining to performance-enhancing drugs. Key filed an appeal, and he continued to practice with the team. According to Simmons, the initial ruling on Key was overturned. If the news is in fact true, it would be a positive development for the Titans. "(My comments are) the same as they were the last time we talked about it," Callahan said. "It's a league matter, and until we get any kind of official word from the league, then I'll refrain from comment, just like I did last time. So, that's about all I can answer on that one. There's nothing I can do or say or we can do as an organization. It's in their hands officially. So, you just wait and yeah, you're hopeful, of course, but you wait and you see what happens."
Malik Willis
Quarterback Malik Willis started the game for the Titans, and after being replaced by Rudolph in the second quarter, he ended up returning again in the third quarter. The two QBs both played a lot. Willis completed 12-of-16 passes for 116 yards, and an interception, with a passer rating of 68.8. He also rushed three times for 19 yards. In two preseason games, Willis has now completed 17-of-23 passes for 154 yards with a passer rating of 73.5. "I think we had opportunities to show some stuff," Willis said, "but I also think we have a lot to work on. More than anything you want to execute when you get an opportunity at this state, because it practice it does not count. This is really the only time you get to show what you can do."
Jaylen Harrell's Impact
Callahan has raved about rookie edge rusher Jaylen Harrell's work in practices, and on Saturday night, Harrell showed why. Harrell, the team's seventh-round draft pick, recorded a pair of sacks against the Seahawks as he continued his bid to earn a roster spot, and playing time. Harrell was credited with three tackles, two tackles for a loss and two sacks in the contest, along with a forced fumble. Harrell has been one of the bright spots of camp, and the preseason. "Still some things I can work on," Harrell said, "but overall, I thought I got better from last week. I feel like I'm getting a good feel of the game. … I feel like I have to go earn everything and I try to be the best version of myself."
