Titans Poised to End Three-Year Drought
It's hard to put into words how bad the Tennessee Titans have been these past few seasons. After rookie quarterback Cam Ward led them to their first win of the year, this next statistic should shed some light on their recent struggles. As Tennessee heads to Las Vegas in Week 6, they're looking to win back-to-back games for the first time since 2022.
Last year's 3-14 record has been discussed at nauseum, and it's a record head coach Brian Callahan doesn't plan on revisiting. After starting 0-4, they seemed destined to land in that category. Now, they may be in contention to finish with a record similar to 2022. There's still a lot of work to be done, but November 13 and November 17, 2022, was the last time Tennessee won two consecutive games.
Not only did they win back-to-back games in Week's 10 and 11 of the 2022 season, they did so on a short week. With just three days rest, Tennessee went to Lambeau Field and took down the Packers, 27-17, just days after they defeated the Denver Broncos, 17-10.
While a 7-10 record seems fantastic compared to what the Titans have done in their past few seasons, 2022 turned out to be a disaster. After starting 0-2, Tennessee won five straight games. Sitting at 5-2, they won of two of their next three and were a dominant 7-3. From there, they lost seven straight. Somehow, they fell to second place in the division after winning it back-to-back years.
Last year, the Titans had wins in Week 4, 9, and 12. In 2023, they had wins in Week 2, 4, 8, 12, and 14. Despite two of three on two occasions, they were never able to string together any wins. If they want to save their 2025 season, a win against the Raiders is crucial. While all hope was lost at 0-4, losing to a 1-4 team coming off an electric first win could be the final nail in the coffin.
Looking ahead, there are only a few instances where back-to-back wins seem possible. From Weeks 12-14, the Titans could sneak out wins against the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars, or Jaguars and Cleveland Browns. Then at the end of the season, they have a chance to steal a pair of wins from the New Orleans Saints and Jaguars. Knowing how well the Jaguars have been playing, those wins are much easier said than done. With key games against the Los Angeles Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, and Kansas City Chiefs, the Titans sure have their work cut out for them.
Titans Can Breathe Sigh of Relief After First Win
The Tennessee Titans are in the win column after a 22-21 victory against the Arizona Cardinals.
The win eliminates the embarrassment of a potential winless season and gives the team some confidence going into the rest of the season. Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons explains how important it was for the team to pull out a win.
"It's a relief," Simmons said.
"We talk about just learning, finding a way to finish games, (and) finding a way to make a play. I think that's what we talk about. We've been talking about it… just fight to the end and we showed that today. Shoutout to even the special teams plays. Things like that change games. To be able to get a turnover and take care of the ball in 'two minutes' (two-minute situations). We worked the hell out of 'two minutes' (on) Thursday."
"We worked two minutes in the game. We talk about being good in situational football and I think that showed today. In 'two minutes' (QB) Cam (Ward) went down, had a hell of a drive, (found) 'Rid' (WR Calvin Ridley) on the sideline, and set it up for (K) Joey (Slye). It feels good as hell to finally get a win."
The Titans had fought all season long, but it was never enough for a win. Each week, it appeared the Titans were moving backwards despite progress in practice.
However, the Titans are no longer feeling that pressure after a win against the Cardinals. The victory could carry some momentum into future weeks.
"Winning solves everything," Simmons said.
"When you win a football game in the National Football League, that builds confidence. I think us winning today shows guys that we can win in this league even when we were down 21-6 going into the fourth quarter. Nobody stopped believing. We kept believing in each other and (knew) everyone was going to do their job when it really mattered. ... It feels good as hell to finally get a win."
The Titans can start a winning streak in Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders, but it will require them to showcase some of the growth they had ahead of the Cardinals game.
If the Titans can build on the foundation they have established over the past few weeks, they might be able to pull out a second consecutive road win.
Texans GM Nick Caserio gives uncertain update on Joe Mixon’s recovery, saying the team will know more “in a few weeks” as doubts grow over
The Houston Texans continue to navigate the season without star running back Joe Mixon, whose recovery from a lingering foot-ankle injury remains uncertain.
Although Mixon became eligible to return weeks ago, head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed that the veteran is still “not ready” to take the field, according to reporter Aaron Wilson. The outlook isn’t promising, and there’s growing concern within the organization that Mixon might not play at all in 2025.
It’s an unexpected setback for a player who was supposed to be a cornerstone of Houston’s offense. Mixon, 29, signed a three-year, $27 million extension in 2024 after a strong debut season with the Texans, rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 12 total touchdowns.
His presence was expected to complement the new addition, Nick Chubb, and stabilize the team’s run game. Instead, the Texans have had to move forward without him.
According to a detailed report from Click 2 Houston, Mixon’s foot-ankle issue has been described by league sources as “tough and complicated.” Several insiders expressed doubt that he will play at all this season, noting that the injury required nonsurgical procedures over the offseason and has been slow to heal.
“One source said that the team isn’t counting on any contribution from Mixon this year,” the outlet reported.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio echoed that uncertainty during the team’s bye week press conference. When asked if Mixon could return this season, Caserio said clarity might not come for several more weeks.
“In a few weeks, we’ll probably have a better idea,” he said. “He’s making progress. I wouldn’t put a particular timetable on it. Once we kind of get to that period, we’ll probably have a better sense of which way it’s gonna go for the duration of the year.”
For now, Houston is leaning on four-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks to carry the load. The Texans currently rank 16th in the NFL in rushing offense, respectable given their injury situation, and Ryans praised Marks after his standout performance in the 26-0 win over the Titans.
Mixon has been spotted in a walking boot earlier this year before transitioning to a lace-up brace over the summer, suggesting some progress but far from a full recovery.
He has reportedly sought multiple opinions and nonsurgical treatments to accelerate healing, but his timeline remains indefinite.
As the Texans prepare for the second half of the season, Caserio’s comments confirm what many already suspected — any return for Mixon in 2025 would be a surprise.
