The Tennessee Titans played one of their best games of 2026 and pushed the Cincinnati Bengals into overtime. Unfortunately, Robert Saleh's defense failed to deliver in the crunch, allowing the Bengals to quickly drive the field and score, cementing their 43-36 victory.
The Titans played inspired football, and the offense came to life behind Cam Ward, who had a career day, and Tony Pollard, who broke 100 yards for a second consecutive game. While they played better, Joe Burrow shredded the defense, throwing for 401 yards, with Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase each breaking 100 yards receiving.
It was better, but still not good enough, and the Titans head into the bye week with a disappointing taste in their mouth.
Final Score: Bengals 43, Titans 36
Keys to the Game
- Pass coverage: The Titans secondary struggled to control the Bengals' potent passing attack, and Joe Burrow picked the defense apart, throwing for over 400 yards and five touchdowns.
- Injuries: This will likely be overlooked by some, but the Titans' offensive line was battered against the Bengals, and down the stretch they played without their two best linemen, JC Latham and Peter Skoronski, and the Bengals' defense took advantage.
- Penalties: While the Titans played a tremendous game overall, they still committed too many penalties, especially momentum-killing ones that directly affected field position. Yes, some of those penalties were questionable at best, and the officiating crew should be investigated, but they have to be better.
It was over when...
Cam Ward went incomplete on the final
play of overtime. The Titans played hard, but in sudden death, every play matters.
Players of the Game
- S Amani Hooker: Hooker was a man's man against the Bengals, was all over the field, and made the difference. 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.: A
- RB Tony Pollard: 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.
- DE Jacob Martin: The Titans needed someone to step up and make an impact as a pass rusher after trading Jeffery Simmons to the Chicago Bears, and Martin did that with three sacks and harassing Burrow most of the afternoon.
Injuries
The bye week comes at a perfect time for the Titans, who lost multiple players during the game. Starting nickel Marcus Harris went out with an ankle injury and did not return. Special teams ace James Williams also left in the first half with a groin injury and was ruled out.
The second half wasn't much better. Starting right tackle JC Latham left the game with a finger injury; starting guard Peter Skoronski and safety Kevin Winston all missed time, with only Winston returning to action.
What's next?
Titans head coach Robert Saleh will meet with reporters on Monday afternoon to wrap up the week and set the stage for a Week 9 bye. Select players may be made available after Saleh's press conference.
Tennessee will return to practice on Wednesday, November 11, ahead of a Week 10 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kickoff is scheduled for Noon CDT.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans play tough, but come up short vs. Bengals in OT, 43-36
