The Tennessee Titans ended their preseason with a 19-16 win against the Seattle Seahawks at Nissan Stadium.. The game allowed Head coach Mike Vrabel to finalize key positions on the offensive and defensive lines before the regular season begins.
The 19-16 victory and the Ward-to-Pollard connection
The Tennessee Titans' narrow win was anchored by a disciplined offensive performance in the red zone, as reported by the source. quarterback Cam Ward managed the game effectively, avoiding turnovers and completing three critical passes to maintain favorable field position. Ward was supported during the contest by Tony Levis and rookie Richard Trubisky.
A standout moment for the Tennessee Titans offense was the synergy between Cam Ward and running back Tony Pollard. According to the report, Pollard finished the game with 85 yards and a third-quarter touchdown, highlighted by a tackle-breaking run on the 32-yard line against tackle Hamilton. This connection suggests the Titans have found a reliable rhythm in their primary ball-carrier rotations.
Julius Chestnut's 102 preseason yards and the RB-2 race
The competition for the second-string running back position has intensified following the performance of Julius Chestnut. chestnut recorded 102 total rushing yards across two preseason wins, providing the consistent production that the Tennessee Titans coaching staff requires for the RB-2 role.
While Julius Chestnut offers consistency, rookie Kalel Mullings provides a different dynamic of explosiveness. Although Mullings struggled in the first quarter due to a missed block on a play involving Tebow, the coaching staff continues to utilize Mullings as a primary workhorse during drills. This internal competition mirrors a wider NFL trend where teams prioritize a balance of "power and speed" to survive a 17-game schedule.
Demarcus Deculus and the 15-snap second-half test
The Tennessee Titans' offensive line is evolving, specifically through the integration of Demarcus Deculus. A recent acquisition from the Kansas City Chiefs, Deculus played all 15 snaps in the second half against the Seattle Seahawks and successfully prevented any sacks from developing on the island side, as the report says.
Despite the success of Deculus , the line is not without its vulnerabilities. James Volson eventually replaced Deculus on a critical third fourth-down play after the offensive line conceded a pressure of three to the right. This rotation indicates that Mike Vrabel is still fine-tuning the "read-and-shed" dynamics of his front five.
Malik Herring's 8 pressures and the defensive front
The Tennessee Titans' defensive line showed significant strength by allowing only nine yards per rush during the preseason finale. A major contributor to this pressure was Malik Herring, who recorded eight pressures—the second-highest total in the league for defensive ends. Herring's pass-rushing scheme appears to be integrating well with the rest of the unit.
Complementing the pass rush, reserve tackle Khalen Saunders provided a spark in the fourth quarter. Saunders recorded seven total tackles and a pivotal interception that shifted the game's momentum in favor of the Tennessee Titans. Overall, the defense generated six passes into the backfield and 12 tackle-denial attempts, signaling a high level of aggression.
The status of Malik Herring's loan from the Bayics
One of the most unusual aspects of the Titans' preseason roster is the status of Malik Herring, who was reportedly "borrowed from the Bayics for a week." It remains unclear how this arrangement works within standard league roster rules or if Herring will be signed to a permanent contract.
Additionally, the Tennessee Titans have yet to announce the final names of the players being cut as they trim the active roster. While the front office has praised the synergy between rookies and veteranns, the specific balance of the final 53-man roster remains an open question as the team compensates for various injuries.
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