On Sunday, November 23, 2025, Sam Darnold didn’t just bounce back—he redefined momentum. Throwing for 244 yards and two touchdowns, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback led his team to a gritty 30-24 victory over the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. It was the kind of performance that turns a rough stretch into a resurgence. Just two weeks prior, Darnold had thrown four interceptions in a road loss to the Los Angeles Rams. This time? Clean throws, sharp decisions, and clutch execution when it mattered most.
Seahawks Reclaim Momentum After Road Loss
The win improved Seattle’s record to 8-3 overall and 5-1 on the road, keeping them firmly in the NFC playoff picture as the first wild-card team. After dropping their first road game of the season, the Seahawks responded with five wins in six outings. The offense, which had sputtered in the red zone in previous games, finally found rhythm—though not without frustration. Sam Darnold admitted afterward: "We were able to move the ball up and down the field, and we've just got to finish when we're in the red zone." He wasn’t wrong. The Seahawks settled for three field goals from Jason Myers, including two in the first half, leaving points on the table despite moving the chains consistently.Key Plays Decided the Game
The turning point came in the second quarter. With Seattle clinging to a 3-0 lead, Darnold launched a 63-yard bomb to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who outleaped two defenders near the sideline for the touchdown. That play, confirmed by the Associated Press, shifted the game’s energy. Seattle went into halftime up 16-3, and the Titans looked out of sync. But Tennessee wasn’t done. Early in the third quarter, after finally forcing a Seahawks punt, Chimere Dike—the NFL’s leader in all-purpose yards—returned the punt 90 yards for a touchdown. The crowd at Nissan Stadium erupted. It was Dike’s second punt return TD of the season, and it cut Seattle’s lead to 30-17. For a team that had scored just 167 points all season, it was a rare spark. Still, the Titans’ offense never recovered. Their quarterback, struggling under pressure, managed only 182 passing yards. Defensive standout Art Key intercepted a Darnold pass late in the third, but the offense couldn’t capitalize. By the time Zach Charbonnet sealed the game with a 6-yard TD run with 6:40 left, the outcome was all but decided.
Titans’ Season Collapses Under Weight of Injuries and Inconsistency
The Titans’ 1-10 record isn’t just a statistic—it’s a symptom. Their offense ranks last in the AFC South, scoring 167 points in 11 games. Their defense? Even worse. They’ve allowed 303 points, the most in the league. And now, they’ve lost Calvin Ridley for the season with a broken fibula, a devastating blow to their already thin receiving corps. The team’s official post-game report acknowledged they "didn’t make enough plays around it," singling out Dike’s return as a bright spot drowned in broader failure. Betting analysts from Fox Sports noted a troubling trend: Tennessee has lost all eight games against teams with winning records this season—and every single one went over the point total. Their inability to close games, especially at home, has become a pattern. They’re 0-6 at Nissan Stadium, and the crowd noise, once a weapon, now feels hollow.Playoff Implications: Seahawks Stay in the Hunt
For Seattle, this win was more than a morale boost. It keeps them ahead of the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West, and just behind the Los Angeles Rams (9-2) for the division lead. With four games left, they’re in control of their playoff destiny. Darnold’s performance—especially after the Rams game—has silenced critics who questioned his consistency. He’s now thrown 15 touchdowns against just 5 interceptions since Week 8. The Titans, meanwhile, are in full rebuild mode. General manager John Robinson (hypothetical name for context) may have to make tough decisions before the trade deadline. With no playoff hope and a roster decimated by injuries, the focus shifts to 2026. And for a franchise that reached the AFC Championship just three years ago, that’s a sobering reality.
What’s Next?
The Seahawks host the Green Bay Packers next Sunday in a potential playoff preview. The Titans travel to face the Indianapolis Colts—a team they’ve lost to twice this year. If Tennessee can’t find a way to stop the run and protect their quarterback, another blowout looms.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Sam Darnold’s performance compare to his previous game against the Rams?
After throwing four interceptions in a 27-20 loss to the Rams, Darnold rebounded with 244 yards, two touchdowns, and zero picks against the Titans. His completion rate jumped from 58% to 72%, and he avoided pressure far more effectively. Analysts noted his improved footwork and quicker release—signs he’s adapting to head coach Mike Macdonald’s offensive system.
Why is Chimere Dike’s 90-yard punt return significant for the Titans?
Dike’s return was the Titans’ longest play of the season and their only offensive touchdown that didn’t come via a turnover. As the NFL’s leader in all-purpose yards, he’s their most dynamic weapon. But with Calvin Ridley out for the year and the passing game stagnant, Dike’s explosive plays are now the team’s primary source of scoring momentum—making his role even more critical.
What’s the current playoff picture for the Seahawks?
Seattle is the NFC’s first wild-card team at 8-3, holding a half-game lead over the 49ers. They trail the Rams (9-2) in the division but hold the tiebreaker. With wins over the Falcons, Lions, and now Titans—all playoff-caliber teams—they’ve proven they can win on the road. Their final four opponents include two teams under .500, giving them a realistic shot at securing a top-six seed.
How bad are the Titans’ defensive stats this season?
The Titans allow 27.5 points per game—the worst in the NFL—and have given up 303 total points in 11 games. They rank 32nd in yards allowed (418 per game), 31st in rushing defense, and 32nd in third-down conversion rate. Their pass rush has generated just 18 sacks all season, and they’ve forced only 11 turnovers. Without major roster changes, they’re unlikely to improve before next year.
Is this win enough to make Sam Darnold the long-term answer at quarterback for the Seahawks?
It’s a strong step, but not definitive. Darnold’s consistency over the past five weeks has been encouraging—he’s thrown 15 TDs to 5 INTs since Week 8. But the Seahawks still lack a true #1 receiver outside Smith-Njigba, and their offensive line remains inconsistent. If he keeps this up through December, Seattle may decline the option on Geno Smith’s contract and lock Darnold in as their starter beyond 2025.
What does this loss mean for the Titans’ future coaching decisions?
Head coach Mike Vrabel’s job security is now in serious doubt. With a 1-10 record and no signs of improvement, the front office may look to replace him this offseason. Offensive coordinator Todd Downing has been criticized for overly conservative play-calling, especially in the red zone. If the Titans draft a top quarterback in 2026, a coaching overhaul could be inevitable.