Titans Survive Seahawks in Preseason Opener, 19-16 at Nissan Stadium

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Photos / Donald Page, Tennessee Titans

NASHVILLE, TN – The Tennessee Titans made just enough plays to hold off the Seattle Seahawks, 19-16, in preseason game No. 2 on Sunday night at Nissan Stadium. After a rocky stretch that included a 16-3 deficit in the first quarter, Tennessee answered with 16 straight points to flip the momentum—and ultimately protect the win.

Here are six things that stood out from the contest:

1) Cam Ward’s Night (with room to grow)

Titans quarterback Cam Ward played three series and completed 8 of 12 passes for 69 yards. Like the preseason opener vs. the 49ers, Ward started fast, leading a scoring drive on the team’s first possession—this time ending in a field goal. But the offense stalled after that opener, including a play where Ward had the ball knocked free and it went out of bounds, plus another hit that sent him to the sideline. Ward admitted the key takeaway: missed opportunities.

2) Tony Pollard Gives Early Spark

Tony Pollard made an immediate impact, breaking off a nine-yard run on his first possession and adding a 33-yard reception from Ward. Pollard finished with three touches for 45 yards, then headed to the bench. His performance followed a strong look two days earlier during joint practice against Seattle.

3) The Backs Kept Moving

Julius Chestnut added juice with runs that ended in 48 rushing yards on eight carries, while D’Ernest Johnson capped the turnaround with a two-yard touchdown run to give Tennessee the winning score.

4) Shaky Moments from the First Defense

Seattle struck early, hitting Elijah Arroyo on the seventh play for a quick 7-0 lead, then going up further after a 61-yard touchdown run by Jacardia Wright. There were also defensive lapses behind the starters, and the first-team unit didn’t look sharp in either preseason game so far. Still, head coach Robert Saleh treated it as teaching—promising adjustments moving forward.

5) Cedric Gray, Anthony Hill Jr., and Derrick Canteen Shine

Linebacker Cedric Gray logged major snaps, tallying three solo tackles, two assists, and a pass defensed in less than a half—though he also picked up an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Rookie Anthony Hill Jr. recorded an interception, plus a quarterback pressure and seven tackles. And rookie defensive back Derrick Canteen delivered the headline moment with a game-sealing interception.

6) Special Teams + Kicking Keep Their Streaks Alive

Penalties were an issue: Tennessee was flagged 11 times for 100 yards. Yet Joey Slye provided steady points, going 4-for-4 on field goals (33, 40, 43, 55). He’s now perfect over his last five outings in games and practices, and has scored 26 points in two preseason games counting PATs.

With the win, the Titans improve to 2-0 in the preseason and extend their preseason success at Nissan Stadium. The preseason finale vs. the Chicago Bears is set for 5 p.m. CDT on Saturday, Aug. 29.