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4 Overreactions to Titans' Loss to Browns in Week 7, Including Joshua Williams' Costly Flag
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- 4 Overreactions to Titans' Loss to Browns in Week 7, Including Joshua Williams' Costly Flag
Joshua Williams' offside penalty moved Andre Szmyt's game-winning kick 5 yards closer in the Tennessee Titans' 27-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns, and it made him an easy target. A loss like that, in a game the Titans led 14-0, is built for big reactions .
Some of the Monday-morning takes have a point. Most of them go too far. Here are four overreactions to Sunday at Nissan Stadium, and where each one actually stands.
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Joshua Williams cost the Titans the game
Tennessee Titans cornerback Joshua Williams (25) enters the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
The flag was costly, turning a 37-yard try into a 32-yarder. But Williams' coverage was solid before that. PFF had him allowing three catches on six targets for 18 yards, with a long of 8 and a 56.3 passer rating against.
The 36-yard Harold Fannin Jr. catch that set up the kick did the real damage. Williams has been making a case for a starting job , and one penalty doesn't undo that.
Tony Pollard has earned a contract extension
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (20) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Pollard's 129 yards and three touchdowns made him the first Titan to rush for three scores in a game since Derrick Henry in 2021, according to the team's postgame notes . It was also his first 100-yard game of the season.
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He turns 30 next spring, and his contract runs through this season, according to Spotrac . A 1-6 team doesn't usually pay a running back that age. A strong game helps his market more than his case for a new deal in Nashville, which is why the picks-or-Pollard question isn't going away.
Michael Carter should be the backup over Tyjae Spears
Aug 4, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Michael Carter (35) goes through drills during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn ImagesIMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
With Spears inactive because of a knee injury, Carter played 16 snaps, according to PFF, in his first extended action since joining the Titans. He ran three times for 7 yards and caught a 7-yard pass to convert a third down on the second touchdown drive.
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PFF gave him a 68.3 receiving grade, which is encouraging. It's also 16 snaps. Spears entered the week with 15 catches and had been Cam Ward's safety valve earlier this month. When he's healthy, that job is his.
Joey Slye can handle the punting too
Aug 13, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; Tennessee Titans place kicker Joey Slye (6) makes a field goal in the fourth quarter during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn ImagesIMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Tommy Townsend got hurt on a punt late in the second quarter, so Slye stepped in for the first punt of his career. He went 42 yards, and K.J. Osborn downed it at the Cleveland 18. Slye also hit a 29-yard field goal and all three extra points.
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Townsend averaged 47 yards on his two punts before the injury and came back to hold. One clean punt is a nice emergency plan. If Townsend can't go in Cincinnati, Tennessee needs a real punter, and the injury report this week will tell us whether it does.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
