The Tennessee Titans flipped the script and came to life in the fourth quarter to shock the Arizona Cardinals with a 22-21 victory on the final play of the game.
The Titans got off to a slow start and were down 21-3 early in the game. Left for dead and struggling, the Titans found a rhythm on offense and scored 16 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. This wasn’t the prettiest game, but it was a much-needed victory, even with areas that need to improve moving forward.
Final Score: Titans 22 – Cardinals 21
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final | |
| Titans | 3 | 3 | 0 | 16 | 22 |
| Cardinals | 14 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
Keys to the Game
- The Titans’ defense: They weathered the storm early but eventually settled in, adjusting to the play of Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray. After scoring on their first three possessions, the Titans clamped down and held the Cardinals at bay.
- Turnovers: Although the teams were tied with two turnovers apiece, the Cardinals’ turnovers proved extremely costly, playing a significant role in the Titans’ come-from-behind victory. First running back Emari Demercado fumbled away what would have been a 73-yard touchdown, and then Dadrion Taylor-Demerson fumbled an interception that was recovered in the end zone by Tyler Locket to bring the Titans into striking distance.
- Special Teams: The Titans’ special teams were not perfect, but when they needed to make plays in the second half, they came through. Johnny Hekker had a tremendous day, and the coverage units did a masterful job of limiting returns, which helped flip field position. Joey Slye did miss an extra point, but came up big as time expired.
It was over when…
Running back Emari Demercado fumbled away what appeared to be the ballgame on a 73-yard run. Before that turnover, the Titans had no momentum and were on life support. After a subsequent review and fumble call, the Titans went on to score 16 points in the final eight minutes of the ball game.
Players of the Game
- DT Jeffery Simmons: Simmons had another monster game and continued his hot start to the season. He finished the afternoon with 14 total tackles (six solo) and two sacks. Not only did he appear to will the team to victory, but he was dominant.
- QB Cam Ward: While the numbers won’t look great, he did what he had to do down the stretch and notched his first NFL victory. He finished 21-of-39 for 265 yards and one interception, but it was his play and throw to Calvin Ridley that set up the Titans for the score that got them back in the game.
- WR Calvin Ridley: Ridley finally broke out and had his best game of 2025, pulling in five passes for 131 yards, including a 47-yard reception that got the Titans’ offense going.
Injuries
Linebacker Arden Key injured his leg late in the contest and was taken to the locker room. No update was given on his status at the time.
What’s next?
Head coach Brian Callahan will meet with reporters on Monday afternoon to wrap up the week and set the stage for Week 6. Select players will be made available after Callahan.
Tennessee will return to practice on Wednesday ahead of a Week 6 game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, October 12, at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Las Vegas. Kickoff is 3:05 p.m. CDT.
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