The Tennessee Titans did just enough to pull off their first win of 2026, beating the Indianapolis Colts 26-20 in Week 6.
The win wasn't pretty, with too many missed opportunities and an inconsistent offense, but it was a win. Cam Ward again had an uneven afternoon, missing too many throws and looking out of sync, but the unit did just enough in the second half to pull out the victory.
Defense and special teams stole the show, building momentum and setting the offense up for the win with game-changing plays. Led by Amani Hooker and Jeffery Simmons, the Titans forced three turnovers and sacked Daniel Jones six times. Special teams had their best game of 2026, with splash plays in every area.
Here's a look at some studs and duds from Sunday's 26-20 win over the Colts.
Stud: S Amani Hooker
Hooker returned after missing Week 5 and led the Titans' defense against the Colts. The veteran defensive back notched his second interception of the season and led Tennessee with 13 tackles. The Titans were thin at safety with Kevin Winston Jr. sitting out with a quad injury, and Hooker did his part.
Dud: QB Cam Ward
Ward again struggled to get anything going. The second-year quarterback was inaccurate and out of sync with his receivers all afternoon. He finished 11-of-22 for 102 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He did enough in the second half to help lead Tennessee to victory, but he needs to be better.
Stud: DT Jeffery Simmons
Simmons did everything he could to will the Titans to victory. The veteran defensive tackle was a menace all afternoon, recording six total tackles (three solo) and two sacks. But his forced fumble and recovery kicked off the second half, helped shift momentum, and started the comeback. The Titans needed someone to step up, and Simmons did, recording his first multi-sack game since 2022.
Dud: WR Elic Ayomanor
Ayomanor was targeted only twice, but he dropped a crucial second target that could have changed the complexion of the game. He has looked good for most of the season, but still has some work to do with his hands.
Stud: S Tony Adams
Filling in for Kevin Winston Jr., Adams again stepped into the lineup and proved to be a difference-maker. He finished second on the team with 12 total tackles (eight solo) and one sack, and he provides a physical presence on the back end.
Dud: OC Brian Daboll
The Titans' offense lacks an identity, and it falls squarely on Daboll's inconsistent play-calling. Tennessee cannot get anything going, and Cam Ward looks completely out of sync in this system. Daboll is either run-heavy or pass-heavy, with no balance, which only sets the defense up for failure. The Titans did enough to win, but it wasn't because of Daboll.
Studly dud: K Joey Slye
Slye made all his kicks in the afternoon, including two clutch fourth-quarter attempts that proved the difference. But he continued to struggle with his kickoffs and again proved inconsistent in the field-position battle.
More studs:
- LB Anthony Hill Jr.
- CB Marcus Harris
- DE Jermaine Johnson
- DE Jacob Martin
- LB Cedric Gray
- WR Carnell Tate
- RB Tony Pollard
- WR Chimere Dike
- DE Femi Oladelo
- P Tommy Townsend
More duds:
- TE Daniel Bellinger
- RB Tyjae Spears
- WR Calvin Ridley
- TE Gunnar Helm
- DE Truman Jones
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Studs and duds from Tennessee Titans' Week 6 win over Indianapolis Colts