NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With just 2:32 remaining in overtime, Nick Folk successfully converted a 25-yard field goal, leading the Tennessee Titans to a 20-17 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday. This win marked coach Brian Callahan’s first home victory of the season.
The Titans improved their record to 2-6, ending a three-game losing streak overall and at Nissan Stadium. Conversely, the Patriots now stand at 2-7. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye returned after passing through the concussion protocol on Saturday and took the helm after being sidelined during last week’s win against the Jets. Maye showcased his mobility by rushing for a personal best of 95 yards, which also led the team.
New England looked to seize an opportunity after Maye sent the game into overtime with a touchdown pass to Rhamondre Stevenson. However, it was Amani Hooker’s second interception that effectively sealed the Titans’ victory with only 2:07 remaining.
The Titans’ defense was instrumental in their success, recording four sacks and forcing three turnovers, which translated into 10 points. This performance is significant as they entered the game leading the NFL in both the fewest yards and least passing yards allowed. A critical moment occurred when Arden Key stripped the ball from Maye, leading to a recovery by Jeffery Simmons at the Patriots’ 26-yard line.
Mason Rudolph, who started his third consecutive game in place of Will Levis, threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Nick Westbrooke-Ikhine with 4:27 left in the fourth quarter, accounting for the Titans’ first points in the fourth quarter since the end of September. With the game on the line and no timeouts left, Marcus Jones, showing his prowess as the AFC’s top punt returner, returned a punt 25 yards to midfield, setting up a dramatic end to an otherwise challenging matchup for both teams.
Driving the Patriots to the Titans’ 5-yard line, Maye scrambled for 11.82 seconds before connecting with Stevenson for a touchdown. This delay marked one of the longest times taken to throw a touchdown pass recorded by the NFL’s NextGenStats since their introduction in 2016. The only longer time was Jayden Daniels’ game-winner for Washington at 12.7 seconds. Joey Slye’s successful extra point tied the game, forcing the overtime period.
In the game, Rudolph finished with 240 passing yards. Tony Pollard was a key contributor to the Titans’ opening drive, rushing for 128 yards and assisting Rudolph with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Nick Vannett. Despite entering with one of the league’s least productive offenses, this was only the second game this season where the Titans exceeded 17 points in regulation time.
The Titans had two first-and-goal opportunities but ended up settling for a 21-yard field goal by Folk, tying the score at 10 in the closing moments of the third quarter after Pollard’s initial 8-yard touchdown run was nullified due to a holding penalty against Josh Whyle.
In terms of player health, Patriots safety Marte Mapu sustained a neck injury early but managed to return late in the second quarter. Defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. also encountered an injury in the third quarter, while defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy exited the game after getting hurt with 4:40 left in the fourth.
On the Titans’ side, safety Quandre Diggs suffered a left foot injury early in the second quarter and was taken off on a cart, subsequently being ruled out. Center Lloyd Cushenberry sustained an ankle injury in the third but did not return. Corey Levin made his season debut stepping in for Cushenberry, and defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons was injured late in the game.
Looking ahead, the Patriots will continue their two-game road trip against the Chicago Bears, while the Titans are set to visit the Los Angeles Chargers.