Mandy
Rookie quarterback Cam Ward played one of his strongest games of the year, throwing for 228 yards and two touchdowns while posting a season-high passer rating of 122.3. His performance helped the Titans reach a season-best 376 total offensive yards against a Chiefs defense ranked among the NFL’s top units.
Ward also surpassed Marcus Mariota to become the franchise’s top rookie passer in total yards, adding another milestone to a breakout afternoon.
“This was the first time we played well together in all three phases,” Ward said after the win.
Chiefs’ Quarterback Situation Takes Another Hit
Kansas City entered the game already dealing with the season-ending ACL injury to Patrick Mahomes.
Things worsened when starting quarterback Gardner Minshew left the game early in the second quarter after suffering a knee injury on a hit.
Head coach Andy Reid confirmed that Minshew will undergo an MRI, with no immediate update available after the game.
With Minshew sidelined, the Chiefs turned to Chris Oladokun, who had just been promoted from the practice squad.
Oladokun completed 11 of 16 passes for 111 yards and helped Kansas City generate three field goals, but the offense never found the end zone.
Defense Sets The Tone Early
The Titans’ defense played a crucial role, led by Jeffery Simmons, who recorded a safety by tackling Kareem Hunt in the end zone early in the second quarter.
Simmons also batted down two passes and helped anchor a defense that finished with four sacks.
Interim head coach Mike McCoy praised Simmons’ leadership and impact, calling his performance “unbelievable.”
Strong Ground Game Seals The Victory
Running back Tony Pollard added balance to the offense with 102 rushing yards, marking the first time in his career he has recorded three straight 100-yard games.
Tyjae Spears contributed a 4-yard rushing touchdown, while Joey Slye capped the scoring with a 27-yard field goal.
Ward’s touchdown throws included:
- A 7-yard shovel pass to Chig Okonkwo late in the first half
- A 1-yard touchdown to Chimere Dike in the third quarter
Chiefs Continue Difficult Late-Season Slide
The loss dropped Kansas City to 6–9, guaranteeing the franchise’s first losing season since 2012, the last year before Reid arrived.
The Chiefs have now lost four consecutive games and six of their last seven, their longest skid since 2017.
Injuries played a major role, as Kansas City entered the game missing nine players, including starters Rashee Rice, Jaylon Moore, Trent McDuffie, and right tackle Jawaan Taylor.
Notable Moment: TD Called Back
A late 1-yard touchdown run by Pollard was nullified due to an illegal formation penalty on Simmons, who failed to report as an eligible receiver. Simmons later joked that his size and visible No. 98 should have made it obvious.
Injury Updates
- Titans:
- LT Dan Moore briefly exited with a knee injury but returned
- CB Marcus Harris suffered a knee injury and did not return
- Chiefs:
- Gardner Minshew exited with a knee injury and will receive an MRI
What’s Next
- Chiefs: Host the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football
- Titans: Return home to face the New Orleans Saints next Sunday
The Titans’ 26–9 victory was more than just a win—it marked the end of a long and painful home drought.
Behind Cam Ward’s breakout performance, a dominant defensive effort, and a balanced rushing attack, Tennessee finally delivered a complete game in front of its fans.
For the Chiefs, mounting injuries and quarterback uncertainty continue to define a challenging season, leaving Kansas City searching for answers as the year winds down.
FAQs
How long was the Titans’ home losing streak before this win?
The Titans had lost 11 straight home games, their worst stretch since moving to Tennessee in 1997.
What happened to Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew?
Minshew left the game in the second quarter with a knee injury and is scheduled for an MRI.
Why is this loss significant for the Chiefs?
The defeat guarantees Kansas City’s first losing season since 2012, ending a long run of winning years under Andy Reid.