Ward Sets Career Passing High in Titans’ Overtime Loss

Ward completed 26 of 40 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions, as the Titans fell 43-36 in Cincinnati. It was his first 300-yard game in the NFL. Coach Robert Saleh called the performance a step forward for the 2025 No. 1 draft pick, whose progress had been difficult to see in the statistics.

Saleh also said playing at a faster tempo helped Ward. The Titans scored on their first three possessions and took the lead twice in the fourth quarter, with Ward throwing both of his touchdown passes in that period. Tennessee had seven different players catch a pass, despite receiver Carnell Tate missing the game with a shoulder injury.

Tony Pollard rushed for 117 yards, his second straight game topping 100. Tight end Gunnar Helm caught five passes for 76 yards, while wide receiver Chimere Dike recorded five catches for 71 yards and scored a touchdown. Tennessee’s defense forced four turnovers, but gave up 510 yards and could not stop Cincinnati from taking control in overtime.

The loss left the Titans 1-7 heading into their bye, following six consecutive games decided by a single score. Several players left with injuries, including starting linemen JC Latham and Peter Skoronski. Saleh said the team would provide another update on injured players on November 11. Tennessee is scheduled to host Jacksonville on November 15, following the November 10 trade deadline.