NASHVILLE – The Titans beat the Patriots 20-17 in overtime on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.
Here's a look at six things that stood out from the contest:
An Emotional Brian Callahan
In his first season as head coach, Brian Callahan has been about as transparent as they come. He's been open and honest, whether it's dealing with injuries, his evaluations on players, and his decisions on his coaching staff. After losses, he's been visibly upset. After Sunday's game, Callahan was emotional. He fought back tears on several occasions following a game when his team didn't quit, despite the adversity. It was as emotional as I've ever seen a Titans head coach after a win. "I mean, look at me," Callahan said as his eyes began to produce tears. "I needed it bad man. It was a—yeah, we needed it." Callahan said he got emotional because he's proud of his team, and players. "I think it's everything that we want to be about, just the program itself, how we want to look, how our team looks. And, we've had moments of really resilient play," he said. "But this was a really resilient performance by our guys. To go give up a ball at the last second to tie the game and then have to go to overtime and then to respond. I thought we did a good job really for the first time all year of really complementing each other when something happened. If something bad happened, we picked them up, if something didn't go right on offense or defense picked us up, our special teams play well. Those things were important for us. I just think that to see that happen and to see our guys play the way I know we're capable of playing was really good."
Tough and Rugged Tony Pollard
Callahan's voice first cracked when he mentioned Pollard's name. In many ways, Pollard has been the heart and soul of the team this season. On Sunday, Pollard ran for 128 yards on 28 carries, including a long of 32. It seemed like Pollard was ripping off four and five yard runs every time he got the football, this following a week when he didn't practice because of a foot injury. Pollard now has 622 yards and three touchdowns in eight games this season. The impact he's made on the team has been more important than the yards. "I mean, 154 total yards, didn't practice once this week," Callahan said. "He's everything. He's everything that our locker room is about. Proud as (crap) of him."
NWI, the Honda Accord of WRs
Make that four touchdowns in four games for receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who seems to be turning into one of the team's most popular players. Westbrook-Ikhine caught five passes for 50 yards on Sunday, including a five-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Mason Rudolph with 4:27 remaining in the fourth quarter. At the time, it looked like it might be the game-winner. Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Titans in 2020, Westbrook-Ikhine caught his 100th career pass on Sunday, and he kept on going. His steady performance over the years led ESPN's Turron Davenport to call him the Honda Accord of the team's receiving corps because of his reliable play. Westbrook-Ikhine embraced that description. In fact, he bought a Honda Accord t-shirt on eBay, and wore it to the game on Sunday. "I am just trying to be Mr. Reliable," Westbrook-Ikhine said. "I didn't make that nickname, but I like it."
Defense Making Plays
The Titans defense has been ranked No.1 in the NFL all season, but the group didn't feel satisfied because they weren't making game-changing plays, or winning games. The defense changed that on Sunday, as they sacked Patriots quarterback Drake Maye four times, and intercepted him twice. Safety Amani Hooker got the two picks, including the game-sealing interception in overtime. Harold Landry and Jeffery Simmons sacked Maye, Jack Gibbens and Sebastian Joseph-Day combined for a sack, and Arden Key sacked him late, resulting in a fumble that was recovered by Simmons. It was all part of a day when the defense made plays to help the team win.
Injuries
The Titans entered the game with eight players on Injured Reserve, but compared to recent seasons, had mostly avoided a rash of season-ending injuries to key players. That changed on Sunday, however. The Titans lost safety Quandre Diggs to a foot injury in the first half, and he was carted to the locker room. Later in the contest, center Lloyd Cushenberry went down with an ankle injury. He also headed to the locker room. There was no optimism regarding those injuries after the game. "Two guys that probably don't look great right now," Callahan said. "We'll still take the time to look at them. We'll get the imaging, but not real positive on those two at this point."
Some Things to Clean Up
Just like not everything is terrible after a loss, not everything is great after a win. The Titans have some things to clean up after this one. There were more issues on special teams, including two more sizeable punt returns by the Patriots, and penalties. The Titans made a red zone blunder – Rudolph was intercepted in the end zone on a ball that went off Chig Okonwko's hands – and there were penalties at inopportune times, including a third down facemask on cornerback Roger McCreary. On the day, the Titans were penalized 10 times for 67 yards. There were also two drops by Calvin Ridley. The sequence at the end of the first half, when the Titans had a chance for points, was poor. And, allowing a touchdown on the final play of regulation could've doomed the Titans. On this day, however, the Titans found a way to win in spite of all this. Now, the team needs to keep finding ways to get better.
The Tennessee Titans take on the Patriots in Week 9 at Nissan Stadium.
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByDonald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByDonald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByDonald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo By/111025001167//Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo By/111025001167//Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo By/111025001167//Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByNate Sparks/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByNate Sparks/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByNate Sparks/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByNate Sparks/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByDonald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByDonald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByDonald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByNate Sparks/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByNate Sparks/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByNate Sparks/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByNate Sparks/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByDonald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo By/00f6cd//Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByNate Sparks/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByJessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByNate Sparks/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByDonald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByDonald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByDonald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots compete at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Photo ByDonald Page/Tennessee Titans
