The Tennessee Titans started fast and took an early lead, but they couldn't maintain momentum, and the Cleveland Browns came back to win a hard-fought 27-24 on a field goal as time expired.
Cam Ward and the offense struggled with consistency again, and the team endured another disappointing outing in Nashville, full of missed opportunities and turnovers, none more devastating than missing a golden scoring opportunity with three shots at the one-yard line midway through the first half.
The Titans' defense was also a mixed bag and was torched by splash plays all afternoon. They had chances but again failed to deliver when needed.
Final Score: Browns 27, Titans 24
Keys to the Game
- Missed opportunities: The Titans couldn't capitalize on several key chances, failing again to score in the red zone and turning the ball over after a big defensive stop. Definitely not complementary football.
- Passing game: The Titans' passing attack struggled against the Browns, and it wasn't all on Cam Ward, though accuracy issues remain. The receivers had multiple drops, and Carnell Tate fumbled away a second-half drive. This sounds like a broken record, but it needs to change.
- Pass rush: A week after dominating the Indianapolis Colts and forcing Daniel Jones into multiple turnovers, the Titans got nothing going against the Browns, giving Watson way too much time to throw.
It was over when...
Deshawn Watson hit Harold Fannon for a 36-yard completion as time was running out, setting up Andre Szmyt for the game-winner
as time expired.
Players of the Game
- RB Tony Pollard: Pollard had a career day against the Browns in 2025 and continued to succeed in 2026, with his best game of the season. Pollard led the Titans with 25 carries for 129 yards and three touchdowns, plus three receptions for 36 yards.
- S Kevin Winston Jr.: Winston returned after missing two games and was a physical presence on the back end, often cleaning up as the Browns torched the cornerbacks with slants. He finished leading the Titans with 13 total tackles.
- LB Anthony Hill Jr.: Hill looked more like the player who burst onto the scene in his Week 1 NFL debut. The rookie linebacker finished second with 12 total tackles, and notched his first forced fumble.
Injuries
The Titans suffered a significant loss when punter Tommy Townsend left the game after injuring his left knee on a second-quarter punt. He was initially listed as questionable to return, but he couldn't, forcing Joey Slye into the emergency punter role. Townsed stayed in the game as a holder on field goals in the second half but didn't punt.
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 Week 8. Select players may be made available after Saleh's press conference.
Tennessee will return to practice on Wednesday ahead of a Week 8 game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Kickoff is scheduled for Noon CDT.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Browns beat Titans, 27-24, on last second field goal
