The Tennessee Titans claimed an upset victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, winning 31-29 in Week 14. The Titans received some big-time performances and impact plays from various young talents.
We’ve identified every rookie and sophomore player that made a game-changing play.
QB Cam Ward
Rookie quarterback Cam Ward completed 14-of-28 passing attempts for 117 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. It was his first multi-passing TD game of the season, and the Titans also scored their first opening-possession TD of the campaign. Ward played within the structure of the offense as he finally got some help from his teammates in a complete team performance.
WR Chimere Dike
Chimere Dike caught Ward’s second touchdown, as seen above. The former Florida standout finished with five receptions for 24 yards and a score. Dike also returned the opening kickoff for 41 yards near midfield, kickstarting the Titans’ opening possession touchdown.
CB Marcus Harris
Rookie cornerback Marcus Harris has kicked outside from nickel to boundary corner due to injury. In the second half, Harris utilized his helmet on a perfectly-placed hit to force a Dylan Sampson fumble. It was recovered by sophomore linebacker Cedric Gray, and the Titans extended their advantage.
WR Elic Ayomanor
Elic Ayomanor caught Ward’s opening-possession TD. The 14-yard score was Ayomanor’s only reception of the afternoon, but it was obviously notable. Despite being hurt earlier this season, the Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada native still leads all Titans pass catchers in first downs (21).
S Kevin Winston Jr.
Kevin Winston Jr. played every defensive snap as the nickel defender for the second consecutive week. Like Harris, the Titans have moved Winston around the secondary due to injuries. He’s responding to the challenge by playing quality football at an uncomfortable position.
TE Gunnar Helm
Tight end Gunnar Helm only had one reception for eight yards, but he did selfless work as a blocker. On Tony Pollard’s explosive 65-yard TD run, Helm threw this key block in space to spring his experienced ball-carrier. He also helped the offensive line hold a stout Browns defensive line to just one sack.
OT JC Latham
JC Latham was whistled for two penalties, but did not allow a single sack on Sunday afternoon. With the Titans shifting protection to Myles Garrett, sometimes triple-teaming him, Latham was asked to survive on an island at right tackle.
NT T’Vondre Sweat
Browns star running back Quinshon Judkins rushed for just 26 yards via 14 carries (1.9 YPC). Sophomore nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat played a big role in Tennessee’s run-stopping success on Sunday. Sweat also applied some pressure on Shedeur Sanders in the pocket.
LB Cedric Gray
Cedric Gray recovered the aforementioned fumble forced by Harris. He also registered a team-high 10 tackles. Gray leads the Titans in tackles with an astounding 128, good for fifth in the entire NFL.
LB James Williams Sr.
Sophomore linebacker James Williams Sr. blocked a fourth-quarter Browns punt that led to a crucial Titans field goal. It was the Titans’ first blocked punt since 2012 (Tim Shaw). It’s been a tough season for Williams, who lost out on a starting gig to Gray, but he’s been outstanding on special teams.
EDGE Jaylen Harrell
Jaylen Harrell played 36 snaps against the Browns. That accounted for 52% of Tennessee’s defensive plays. Harrell shared a sack with Jeffery Simmons, and routinely did good work as a pass rusher and run defender.
