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- Cam Ward flashes a big game as the Titans blow out the Chiefs. The No. 1 overall pick had the best overall game of his career. Ward avoided a big mistake and made a big play as the Titans rolled over the Chiefs. The rookie’s ability to make spectacular throws is breathtaking at times. Early in the third quarter, Ward avoided a sack, was flushed left and lifted the pigskin 30 yards downfield for Chimere Dike . The ability to throw hard despite being hit, unable to step into it, showed Ward’s tremendous arm strength. It wasn’t a perfect outing as Ward sometimes lacked height. However, the rookie is showing incremental progress by the week. On Sunday, he showed the ability to control a muddy pocket and get rid of the ball against the blitz — 9 of 13 for 117 yards and a TD with two sacks against the blitz. Ward was excellent on third down, going 7 of 10 for 102 yards on key downs. These final weeks of the season are all about Ward’s development. Sunday was a good sign of things to come.
- Oladokun takes over under center for the Chiefs. Gardner Minshew‘s run as the starter lasted one quarter. Takes the place of the injured Patrick MahomesMinshew went out with a knee injury and did not return. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that the officers believe Minshew has a torn ACL. Chris Oladokun the former seventh-round pick who has been on the Chiefs’ practice squad since 2022 played most of the game. As expected, the Chiefs tried to lean on the run game with their third-string QB in the game, but as it has all season, KC’s ground attack couldn’t find traction (51 yards on 15 rushing attempts). Oladokun peppered some nice throws out of the offense, but he was mostly relegated to the short throw. The 28-year-old went 11-of-16 for 111 yards. With the Chiefs out of the postseason, Oladokun is in line to make his first career start for KC on Christmas Day against Denver.
- Simmons continues a dominant campaign. Jeffery Simmons showed why he’s a shot pro bowler, dominating the struggling Chiefs offensive line early. The star linebacker controlled the line of scrimmage, batting two passes and making two tackles for loss. One of those TFLs came early in the second quarter, when he knifed into the backfield and took Kareem Hunt down in the end zone for a safety. Simmons added three QB pressures and three tackles in the Titans’ third win of the season. It’s been a mostly dismal season in Tennessee, but Simmons is a bright spot.
Next Gen Stats Insight for Titans-Chiefs (via NFL Pro): Tony Pollard recorded 102 rushing yards on 21 carries. Pollard had a career-high 101 yards after a touchdown, the most allowed by a Kansas City running back this season. He also forced eight failed tackles, which led to an additional 41 yards on the ground.
NFL Research: Chimere Dike is the fourth rookie in NFL history with at least four touchdowns and multiple punt return touchdowns, joining Tyreek Hill (2016), Dez Bryant (2010) and Eddie Kennison (1996).