Tennessee Titans Pulse: What are fans and analysts talking about in Week 13?

Welcome to another Tuesday and another busy week for the Tennessee Titans as they look to bounce back from another disappointing loss, a 30-24 defeat at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks in Week 12.

Tennessee played one of its best games of the season, yet left with much to learn from and build upon. Especially on defense, where the first three quarters were disasters, followed by one quarter of smothering play.

Cam Ward took a huge step forward, and even with a limited receiving corps and no rushing attack, he nearly led the Titans all the way back in the second half. Unfortunately, the hole that was early in the contest was too much to overcome.

Tennessee closes out its homestand with a divisional matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Week 13 is just four days away, so let's take a look at the pulse of the Titans around the NFL.

McCoy will take risks

Criticized in recent weeks for taking a conservative approach and failing to take some fourth-down risks, McCoy changed the script early on, and it paid off. On the opening drive of the game, Tennessee faced an early fourth down in a tricky part of the field. Instead of punting or attempting a long field goal, McCoy went for it and kept the drive alive.

While the Titans only managed a field goal on the opening drive, the fact that McCoy went for it and the offense came through helped build confidence in the unit and opened the door for future risks.

Dike is legit

Rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike had another outstanding day on both offense and special teams. The NFL leader in all-purpose yardage got the Titans' momentum rolling with a 90-yard punt return touchdown, and then drew them closer with his second score of the day, a fourth-quarter touchdown that continued to build on the momentum he created with his return.

Just a few weeks ago, fans were complaining about his selection in the fourth round, but now his explosiveness has won them over. He is an explosive playmaker and a threat any time he touches the ball.

Cam quieting critics

In recent weeks, many have questioned the Titans’ selection of Cam Ward, and comments have ranged from bust, to trade him and draft another quarterback, to give him time. After this performance against a stout defense, those opinions have quietly shifted, and Ward is winning over fans and pundits with solid performances against some of the best defenses the NFL has to offer, and he is doing it with little support from his running game and offensive line.

The rookie quarterback has faced a murderers' row of defenses, and, incredibly, his best games have been against some of the better competition. Ward continues to get better every week, battling both the Titans’ deficiencies and lack of weaponry to stack up solid performances.

A special class

Even with Femi Oladejo and Elic Ayomanor sidelined, and Kalel Mullings still working his way back from an ankle injury, this rookie class continues to prove why general manager Mike Borgonzi claims they're special.

On top of Dike’s performance, Cam Ward had a tremendous afternoon and looks more like the player many envisioned when he was taken first overall in the 2025 draft. Ward makes plays, is a competitor, and is growing every week. Third-round pick Kevin Winston was inserted into the starting lineup at safety in place of Xavier Woods and led the team in tackles. Fourth-rounder Gunnar Helm led the team in receptions and receiving yards and appears destined to be a reliable outlet for Ward. Finally, sixth-round cornerback Marcus Harris has seamlessly slipped into the slot corner role and is making plays.

Do measurables matter?

Finishing off the rookie theme, fan-favorite wide receiver Xavier Restrepo was elevated for Sunday’s game and made his NFL debut. The slot receiver and teammate of Ward at Miami created a buzz in the offseason after Tennessee signed him as an undrafted rookie free agent following the draft, and many expected him to play a larger role.

Restrepo not only played against the Seahawks but also made an impact with two receptions, showing chemistry with Ward and finding ways to get open and make plays. Restrepo fell out of the draft due to a disastrous combine and a lack of athletic measurables, but his production, even with limited snaps in his first game, showed he deserves at least another shot to make plays on game day, and possibly a spot on the 53: just ask Jelly Roll.

Feeling the draft

Although Tennessee has played better in recent weeks, it is still the only one-win team in the NFL and currently holds the first overall selection in the 2026 NFL draft. With the season moving into the home stretch, many are starting to build their draft boards and speculate on what the Titans should do.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Titans Pulse: What are fans and analysts talking about in Week 13?