The Tennessee Titans came out and stood tall against the Cincinnati Bengals, eventually taking the game into overtime, before falling short in a 43-36 shootout.
The Titans played inspired football and rode a career day by Cam Ward and a strong outing by Tony Pollard to give them a shot. But again, Robert Saleh’s defense came up short and had no answer for Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, or Ja’Marr Chase, who all torched Tennessee all afternoon.
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Here’s a look at some studs and duds from Sunday’s 43-36 loss to the Bengals.
Hooker was a man’s man against the Bengals, was all over the field, and was a difference-maker. Not only did Hooker record five total tackles, but his career-high three interceptions kept Tennessee in the game and held the Bengals’ high-powered offense in check.
Ridley returned to action against the Bengals and might as well have been left inactive. He caught one pass for 10 yards, but a critical drop snuffed out a positive drive, and he made little impact. Unlike Tony Pollard, if Tennessee decided to move Ridley at the deadline, I doubt anyone in Nashville would shed a tear.
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Pollard backed up his breakout game against the Cleveland Browns with another outstanding performance. Pollard again set the pace with 18 carries for 88 yards and two touchdowns, while adding three receptions for 37 yards. With the trade deadline ahead and rumors swirling about his future in Nashville, if he does get dealt, he finished his time with a bang.
Joe Burrow targeted Williams early and often, and the veteran couldn’t hold up. He did record five tackles, but giving up multiple touchdowns is never a good look.
Ward came out and, for the first time, looked like the quarterback many expected to see in 2026. The former first-overall selection had a career day, completing 26-of-40 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns, while adding seven carries for 41 yards. Ward made plays when needed, but still had some uneven moments, with a key fumble. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a solid building block.
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It may be time for the Titans to take a look at Pat Coogan at center. Schlottmann again committed multiple penalties, struggled with run blocking, and had some shaky snaps. Playing without Peter Skoronski and JC Latham, the Titans need Schlottmann to anchor the interior, and he failed miserably.
Robinson was brought in to develop into Cam Ward’s security blanket, but instead he has been a disaster. While he did pull in six balls for 57 yards and a touchdown, he also had a big drop that stalled a drive and a critical fumble that set the Bengals up for a scoring drive. Tennessee invested heavily in Robinson, but at this stage, it hasn’t paid off.
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DE Jacob Martin
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TE Gunnar Helm
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WR Chimere Dike
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LB Anthony Hill
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CB Alontae Taylor
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WR Xavier Restrepo
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DE Truman Jones
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S Kevin Winston Jr.
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CB Cor’Dale Flott
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DT Solomon Thomas
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NFL Officiating
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OC Brian Daboll
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Studs and duds from Tennessee Titans’ Week 8 loss to Cincinnati Bengals
