The Tennessee Titans finally earned their first victory of 2026, beating the Indianapolis Colts 26-20 as rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate carried the passing game. Tate had six catches for 70 yards as Tennessee rallied from a difficult first half.
Rowland called Tate the Titans’ offensive game breaker, pointing to the rookie’s sideline catch, a defensive pass interference penalty he drew and the touchdown reception that capitalized on a short field. Tate, the No. 4 overall pick in April, gave quarterback Cam Ward a target capable of winning contested opportunities when the offense needed one.
Defense and special teams created most of those opportunities. Titans safety Amani Hooker intercepted a pass to prevent early points, while defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons forced a Jonathan Taylor fumble that handed Tennessee a short field. Linebacker James Williams Sr. and running back Julius Chestnut helped produce a blocked punt, and wide receiver Chimere Dike’s returns twice flipped field position.
Simmons finished with two sacks, six tackles and two quarterback hits, according to Rowland. The host said the veteran defensive tackle repeatedly disrupted Indianapolis quarterback Daniel Jones.
Ward still left Rowland unconvinced that the quarterback took a meaningful step forward. Rowland cited Ward’s 11-for-22 passing line for 102 yards and an interception, along with missed throws that stalled drives. Ward did guide the Titans to the field goals that provided the winning margin, but his lack of accuracy remained the episode’s central offensive concern.
Tennessee leaned heavily on running back Tony Pollard, who handled 19 carries, while running back Tyjae Spears received one. Rowland viewed the distribution as a necessary adjustment after Spears’ recent ball-security issues, though he also noted that the offense still managed only 84 rushing yards on 23 attempts.
The victory gives the Titans something tangible after an 0-5 start and a turbulent week around the organization. Rowland argued that the defense, special teams and locker room can carry the confidence from an AFC South road win into the next matchup, but Tennessee will need Ward and the offense to contribute more consistently.
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