Nick Folk clinched a 20-17 victory for the Tennessee Titans over the New England Patriots with a decisive 25-yard field goal with just 2:32 left on the clock during overtime.
Titans Break Losing Streak With Solid Defensive Performance
This win not only marked a significant milestone as head coach Brian Callahan's first home win of the season, but also snapped Tennessee's streak of three consecutive losses overall and at Nissan Stadium.
The Titans improved their record to 2-6, while the Patriots fell to 2-7 in a season that has presented constant challenges for both teams.
In an impressive performance, Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye-selected as the third overall pick in the draft out of North Carolina-returned to action after clearing concussion protocol on Saturday.
Maye proved pivotal, posting a personal-best 95 yards on the ground to lead his team in the ground game.
His athleticism showed in the final seconds of regulation when he moved for 11.82 seconds, a near-record time for the length of a run since Next Gen Stats began tracking in 2016, eventually connecting with Rhamondre Stevenson for a 5-yard touchdown.
These last-minute heroics tied the game and forced overtime, but Tennessee's defense responded decisively. Amani Hooker intercepted Maye for the second time in the game, sealing the Titans' victory with 2:07 remaining in the overtime period.
Performance by Mason Rudolph
Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph took over his third consecutive game in place of the injured Will Levis. Rudolph turned in a solid performance, highlighted by a 6-yard touchdown pass to Nick Westbrooke-Ikhine in the fourth quarter, scoring Tennessee's first points in the fourth quarter since Sept. 30.
Earlier in the game, Rudolph connected with Nick Vannett on a 9-yard touchdown pass, while Folk kicked a 21-yard field goal late in the third quarter to even the score at 10. Tony Pollard contributed significantly in the ground game, rushing for 128 yards despite missing practice for the week.
Pollard's 32-yard run started the Titans' first drive, underscoring his importance in Tennessee's offensive strategy.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo, now in his first year at the helm, praised Maye's toughness and impressive running ability, both qualities that kept the Patriots competitive throughout the game.
Mayo's decision to kick the extra point to force overtime, rather than attempt a 2-point conversion for the eventual victory, remained a focal point of post-game discussion. Although Mayo declined to expand on this choice, it ultimately led to New England's second overtime loss of the season.
Injuries and strategic decisions mark Titans-Patriots showdown
Injuries were constant for both teams. Titans safety Quandre Diggs suffered a left foot injury in the second quarter and, after being taken to the locker room on a stretcher, was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Callahan later expressed pessimism about Diggs' prognosis.
Titans center Lloyd Cushenberry left the game late in the third quarter with an ankle injury, allowing Corey Levin to make his season debut, replacing Cushenberry.
Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons, who previously recovered a fumble on an Arden Key strip-sack, injured his right leg in the final minute of the game. For the Patriots, safety Marte Mapu injured his neck early in the game but returned in the second quarter.
Defensive wing Deatrich Wise Jr., who recorded a sack in the first half, left in the third quarter due to injury, and defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy left the field after an injury with 4:40 left in the game.
The Tennessee Titans defense played a crucial role, recording four sacks and forcing three turnovers. Their aggressive play helped set up scoring opportunities and underscored their reputation as leaders in the NFL in fewest total yards allowed and fewest yards per pass allowed.
A historic rivalry is reborn! 🇪🇸🔥
Barcelona have scored 21 goals in their 5 most recent matches. Espanyol scored only 4 goals in their last 5 La Liga games.
⚽ How many goals will there be in the Catalan Derby? Play now! ➡ https://t.co/HCS0draMpV pic.twitter.com/IchjMaJe9J
- Betcris (@Betcris) November 3, 2024
Defense Was Crucial
This defensive strength was instrumental in keeping the pressure on the Patriots, with Simmons recovering a fumble at the Patriots' 26-yard line. Tennessee's defense played with high energy and discipline, converting key plays into scoring opportunities that eventually tipped the game in their favor.
For the Patriots, Marcus Jones, who currently leads the AFC in average clearing returns, managed a timely 25-yard clearing return to midfield with just 1:45 remaining in regulation. This set up Maye's final play, which resulted in the touchdown that tied the game and forced overtime, although it ultimately did not change the outcome.
Tennessee's ability to surpass 17 points, a feat accomplished only twice this season, was a remarkable milestone for the team. Looking ahead, the Patriots will face an away game against the Chicago Bears, while the Titans will travel to Los Angeles to take on the Los Angeles Chargers.
