TEAM NOTES
· The franchise launched its 25th season since becoming the Titans in 1999.
· Mike Vrabel began his sixth season as Titans head coach.
· The game was the franchise's first with Ran Carthon as general manager.
· Out of the 45 players who saw action in the game for the Titans, 22 made their regular-season debuts with the team. That included six offensive starters (tight end Trevon Wesco, left tackle Andre Dillard, left guard Peter Skoronski, right guard Daniel Brunskill, right tackle Chris Hubbard and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins) and a pair of defensive starters (linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting).
· The Titans won the time-of-possession battle 31:20 to 28:40.
· The Titans defense notched four total sacks in the first half for the first time since doing so in the 2022 season opener against the New York Giants (Sept. 11, 2022). The number also tied for the second-most sacks of Derek Carr in any half of his career.
· The defense allowed 69 rushing yards on 27 attempts by the Saints for an average of 2.6 yards per carry. It was the seventh consecutive game the Titans did not allow their opponents to reach 100 rushing yards, which is the longest active streak in the NFL.
· The defense notched its 17th consecutive game without yielding 100 or more rushing yards to an individual player on the opposing team.
· The defense limited the Saints to one touchdown in four trips inside the red zone.
· Amani Hooker helped the Titans open the game with a forced fumble and fumble recovery on the opening kickoff. It was the first time the Titans opened a game with a fumble recovery on the opening kickoff since Oct. 19, 2003 at Carolina, when Ray Wells recovered a muffed opening kickoff.
ILB AZEEZ AL-SHAAIR
· Started and was credited with six tackles in his Titans debut.
DL DENICO AUTRY
· Totaled 1.5 sacks and five total tackles, registering his 14th career game with at least 1.5 sacks and his third career game with at least 1.5 sacks and five tackles.
· Split a seven-yard sack of Derek Carr with Arden Key in the second quarter and added a seven-yard solo sack later in the second quarter.
S KEVIN BYARD
· Led the defense with nine total tackles.
LS MORGAN COX
· Appeared in his 200th career regular-season game. He became the 11th active NFL player to do so and the third such long snapper, joining Carolina's J.J. Jansen and Houston's Jon Weeks.
K NICK FOLK
· Made his Titans debut and tied his career high with five field goals. It was his sixth career game with five field goals and the fifth occasion in which he connected on five field goals without a miss.
· Made a 50-yard field goal to cap the Titans' opening possession and a 27-yarder to end their second drive.
· Booted a 31-yard field goal in the second quarter and added both a 45-yarder and a 29-yarder in the fourth quarter.
· Became the first Titans kicker with five field goals in a game since Stephen Gostkowski made six at Minnesota on Sept. 27, 2020.
· Notched his 19th career game with four or more field goals.
LB JACK GIBBENS
· Started and ranked third on the defense with seven tackles, including a tackle for loss.
RB DERRICK HENRY
· Led the team with 119 scrimmage yards, including 63 rushing yards on 15 carries and 56 receiving yards on a pair of catches.
· Notched his 43rd career game with at least 100 scrimmage yards.
· His 18-yard run in the first quarter helped set up a Titans field goal.
· Took a screen pass 46 yards in the second quarter to record the fifth-longest reception of his career.
S AMANI HOOKER
· Recorded two takeaways: a fumble recovery on kickoff coverage and an interception.
· His game totals also included four tackles, one tackle for loss and a team-high two passes defensed.
· Forced and recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff of the game, stripping the ball from Rashid Shaheed to set up a field goal on the ensuing possession. Hooker was credited with his first career special teams forced fumble and special teams fumble recovery. It was the team's first time having a special teams forced fumble and recovery by the same player since Daren Bates did so on kickoff coverage against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 24, 2019.
· Notched his seventh career interception when he picked off a pass by Derek Carr to end a Saints drive late in the first half. He returned the ball 10 yards.
WR DeANDRE HOPKINS
· Made his Titans debut and extended his active streak to 146 consecutive games with a reception—every game he has played since he entered the NFL. It is the longest active streak in the NFL.
· Led the team with seven receptions for 65 yards, including a 16-yard catch to convert a third-and-10 in the fourth quarter.
· He was the first Titans player with seven receptions in a contest since Treylon Burks (seven) at Green Bay on Nov. 17, 2022.
WR KEARIS JACKSON
· Returned four punts for 37 yards (9.3 avg.), including a 14-yard return, in his NFL debut.
CB ANTHONY KENDALL
· Led the team with three total special teams tackles in his NFL debut.
OLB ARDEN KEY
· Made his Titans debut and tallied four tackles, 1.5 sacks and one pass defensed.
· Tied his career high in sacks, equaling his previous high of 1.5 sacks against Dallas as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 18, 2022.
· Tallied his first sack of the season in the second quarter, dropping Derek Carr for a six-yard loss.
· Shared a seven-yard sack with Denico Autry later in the second quarter.
OLB HAROLD LANDRY III
· Made his first appearance in the regular season since 2021 and recorded one tackle. He missed the entire 2022 campaign due to injury.
DB ELIJAH MOLDEN
· Ranked second on the defense with eight tackles and added a pass defensed in his first regular-season action since Nov. 27, 2022.
CB SEAN MURPHY-BUNTING
· Posted six tackles and a forced fumble in his Titans debut.
· Credited with a forced fumble on a carry by Jamaal Williams in the fourth quarter, but Williams recovered the ball.
DT JEFFERY SIMMONS
· Totaled five tackles, one sack and two tackles for loss.
· Recorded his first sack of the season in the second quarter, dropping Derek Carr for a three-yard loss.
· Registered his third consecutive Week 1 game with at least one sack.
OL PETER SKORONSKI
· Started at left guard in his NFL debut.
RB TYJAE SPEARS
· Rushed for 27 yards on three carries and added a one-yard reception in his NFL debut.
P RYAN STONEHOUSE
· Used a 62-yard punt to pin the Saints on their own 13-yard line to end the first quarter.
QB RYAN TANNEHILL
· Completed 16 of 34 passes for 198 yards with three interceptions and added three rushing attempts for five yards.
· Completed a screen pass to Derrick Henry for a 46-yard gain in the second quarter.
WR NICK WESTBROOK-IKHINE
· Ranked second on the team with four receptions and 58 receiving yards.
· Recorded catches of 21 and 24 yards in a span of three plays in the fourth quarter to help set up a field goal.
The Tennessee Titans take on the Saints in Week 1 at Caesars Superdome Stadium.
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Donald Page Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Emily Starkey Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Donald Page Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Donald Page Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Donald Page Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Donald Page Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Donald Page Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Jessie Rogers Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Jessie Rogers Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Jessie Rogers Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Jessie Rogers Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Jessie Rogers Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Jessie Rogers Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Donald Page Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Emily Starkey Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Jessie Rogers Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Jessie Rogers Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Jessie Rogers Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Jessie Rogers Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Donald Page Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Donald Page Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Donald Page Tennessee Titans
The game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. Photo By Donald Page Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans travel to New Orleans for their Week 1 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. (Tennessee Titans)
Punter Ryan Stonehouse #4 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Outside linebacker Harold Landry III #58 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Center/guard Xavier Newman #67 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Safety Kevin Byard #31 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Running back Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Wide receiver Kearis Jackson #5 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Quarterback Malik Willis #7 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Running back Julius Chestnut #36 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Running back Tyjae Spears #32 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Cornerback Anthony Kendall #40 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Wide receiver Chris Moore #11 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Safety Matthew Jackson #39 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Outside linebacker Rashad Weaver #99 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Defensive tackle Jayden Peevy #92 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Safety Mike Brown #44 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill #60 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Cornerback Kristian Fulton #26 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Cornerback Kindle Vildor #20 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair #2 of the Tennessee Titans and Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting #0 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Wide receiver Treylon Burks #16 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Defensive back Amani Hooker #37 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Guard/center Aaron Brewer #55 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons #98 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Defensive lineman Denico Autry #96 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine #15 of the Tennessee Titans during the travel day at the Nashville International Airport on September 09, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Photo by Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
