Fueled by an efficient and balanced offense that dominated time of possession, the Tennessee Titans topped the Kansas City Chiefs 26-9 Sunday afternoon for their first win this season at Nissan Stadium.

The Titans (3-12) totaled 376 yards of offense while controlling the ball with 38:01 in time of possession. Because the Tennessee offense was on the field for about 16 minutes more than the Kansas City offense, the Titans defense was well rested when tested. 

For context, Tennessee registered 46 total tackles for K.C.’s 10 drives. The Chiefs defense, in contrast, was worn down — as seen by its 93 total tackles while battling the Titans’ 11 drives.

Tennessee dominated multiple offensive statistical categories. The Titans averaged 5.4 yards per play to the Chiefs’ 3.1, while converting 9-of-17 third down attempts to the visitor’s 1-of-9 attempts. Tennessee notched 70 plays to K.C.’s 43.

The Chiefs (6-9) played their first game without star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who was injured in the previous game and will miss the remainder of the season. Replacements Gardner Minshew, who started but left the game in the second quarter with a knee injury, and Chris Oladokun battled gamely, avoiding any interceptions and completing a collective 14-of-24 passes. But the 82 yards of passing offense gave Kansas City minimal opportunity to score.

Compounding the Chiefs’ woes was an injury-battered offensive line that contributed to the anemic K.C. running attack, which totaled a mere 51 yards.

Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward continues to improve, connecting on 21-of-28 passes for 228 yards, two touchdown tosses and no interceptions.

Assisting Ward were running backs Tony Pollard (102 rushing yards) and Tyjae Spears (52 yards), who combined for 154 yards in what was likely their best game as a tandem this season.

Another plus: Tennessee’s special teams play was stellar, as punter Johnny Hekker averaged 47.7 yards on three punts (with two downed inside the 20), kicker Joey Slye hit his loan field goal and all three PATs, and punt and kick returner Chirmere Dike averaged 24.4 yards on five kickoff returns and 7.7 yards on three punt returns. 

With the win, the Titans (1-7 at Nissan this season) ending a skid that matched the worst since the organization moved to Tennessee in 1997. The Titans lost 11 straight in 2014-15. The most recent home win prior to Sunday was enjoyed on Nov. 3, 2024.

Titans interim coach Mike McCoy told tennesseetitans.com that multiple players contributed to the win. He particularly noted the game-to-game improvement of Ward.

“He played well,” McCoy said of the former University of Miami star. “He’s getting better. He loves to be coached hard, and he understands he’s going to make some mistakes. But it doesn’t bother him. He just keeps going. Very happy with the way he played.”

The Titans will host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Dec. 28. The Saints are 5-10 after beating the New York Jets Sunday 29-6. If Tennessee wins, it would mark the first time this season the team has won back-to-back games.