Studs and Duds From Titans' First Half in Preseason Game vs. Seahawks

We're halfway through the Tennessee Titans' second preseason game, this time hosting the Seattle Seahawks at home. It's been more than a week since the team's narrow road win over the San Francisco 49ers last week, which has given Titans fans ample time to chew on the results.

Down 16-9 at the break tonight, this is a game that Tennessee is lucky to be in right now. It's not been all bad for the Titans, but the reigning Super Bowl champions have come out swinging in Nashville with their secondary unit.

Here are the most notable studs and duds from Tennessee's first two quarters of football.

Dud: Titans Starting Defense

The worst disappointment of the night so far has been the Titans starting defense. Against the Seahawks' backup offense, led by Drew Lock, Robert Saleh's unit allowed two touchdowns in two possesions.

One came on a particularly painful 69-yard touchdown run by Jacardia Wright. The clip went viral on X right when it happened, and predictably not in a good way.

The #Titans’ starting defense has allowed 2 TDs on 2 possessions to the #Seahawks’ backup offense, including this 69-yard TD run by Jacardia Wright, who went untouched.

Not ideal for Robert Saleh’s group. pic.twitter.com/WUfCGXlIX2
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 24, 2026

A Cor'Dale Flott illegal contact penalty washing away the Titans' lone interception from Kevin Winston Jr. in the first quarter was the cherry on top of a sad defensive half. Following a solid joint practice from the defense on Friday, this was the last thing Titans fans were expecting to see.

Stud: Cam Ward (Barely)

Ward attempted the same number of passes tonight as he did against the San Francisco 49ers last week. Facing Seattle, the Titans' franchise quarterback completed three more passes and 12 more yards (69).

His operation was just generally cleaner, too. Not ending up with a score holds Ward back from a fully positive stint in the first half, but if Gunnar Helm had stayed inbounds on an early circus throw, that likely would've changed.

Score or no score, it was a cleaner showing from Ward in every facet. That qualifies him as a stud.

Dud: Carnell Tate

After nabbing zero catches on his three targets in Tennessee's preseason opener, tonight was immediately circled as a comeback opportunity for Tate. Unfortunately, even as Ward showed improvement, Tate failed to come down with a reception once again.

Tennessee Titans wider receiver Carnell Tate (14) during warmup period. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images — Aug 23, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans wider receiver Carnell Tate (14) during warmup period against the Seattle Seahawks at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The notable miss came on a long ball to the sideline, where Ward's pass sailed just out of reach for Tate. In the limited minutes that Tennessee's starters got tonight (being pulled early in the second quarter), it isn't easy for anyone to make a significant splash.

But with Wan'Dale Robinson, Elic Ayomanor, and Daniel Bellinger all notching catches (not even mentioning the backs), Tate's continued lack of production earns him dud status tonight.

Stud: Joey Slye

Slye has to be a stud, as he's the only Titan with any points at all through the first half. Ward, not to the full fault of own, didn't throw a score. Tennessee failed to find points on the ground and Mitch Trubisky also came up empty in his brief showing in the second quarter.

Kicking 3/3 with one cashing in from 55 yards, Slye piled onto his perfect preseason in the first half. He's yet to miss in live play so far, and he's the only reason the Titans remain within striking distance heading into the final two quarters of play.

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