Saints Complete Perfect Four-Game Finish with 34-26 Victory Over Titans

The New Orleans Saints (5-9) traveled to Tennessee to face the Titans (3-12) in a Week 17 matchup that would determine whether the Saints could extend their incredible late-season surge to four straight wins. Both teams entered with their playoff hopes already dashed, but pride and momentum were still on the line.

First Quarter: Defense Rules Early

The opening quarter belonged to the defenses as both teams struggled to find their offensive rhythm. Tennessee struck first when kicker Slye connected on a 50-yard field goal after a promising drive stalled in the red zone. The Saints answered with a long 56-yard field goal from Smyth, showing off his powerful leg. The quarter ended with Tennessee holding a slim 3-0 advantage.

Second Quarter: Explosive Plays Change Everything

The second quarter exploded into action when rookie quarterback Cam Ward found tight end Chig Okonkwo for a spectacular 43-yard touchdown pass that had the Tennessee crowd on its feet. Ward completed the strike with perfect accuracy, giving the Titans a 10-3 lead.

The Saints responded immediately with their own fireworks. Tyler Shough, continuing his remarkable rookie development, engineered a methodical drive that culminated in another Smyth field goal, cutting the deficit to 10-6.

Then came the game's biggest momentum swing. Pass rusher Young strip-sacked Ward and returned the fumble 33 yards for a touchdown, giving New Orleans a stunning 13-10 lead. The Saints defense had turned the tide completely.

Tennessee refused to fold, however. Ward bounced back from his mistake by leading a beautiful two-minute drill that ended with rookie receiver Elic Ayomanor hauling in a 7-yard touchdown pass with just 17 seconds left in the half. The Titans took a 17-13 lead into the locker room.

Third Quarter: Shough Takes Control

The third quarter belonged to Tyler Shough and the Saints offense. The rookie quarterback found his favorite target, Chris Olave, for a gorgeous 19-yard touchdown pass that showcased their growing chemistry. Shough's throw was perfectly placed, and Olave made an athletic catch in the corner of the end zone.

Tennessee answered with a field goal from Slye, but the Saints continued their offensive explosion. Shough added another field goal, giving New Orleans a 23-20 lead heading into the final frame.

Fourth Quarter: Saints Pull Away

The fourth quarter started with promise for Tennessee as Ward connected with Ayomanor for big gains, but the drive stalled and resulted in another Slye field goal, tying the game at 23-23.

Shough then took over completely. First, he found Kevin Austin Jr. for a 10-yard touchdown pass that put the Saints ahead 30-23. Then, running back Audric Estime capped off a brilliant performance with a 32-yard touchdown run that sealed the victory at 34-23.

Ward and the Titans managed one final field goal, but it was too little, too late.

Final Impact

Shough finished with an outstanding 333 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, completing 22 of 27 passes. His connection with Olave (8 catches, 119 yards, 1 TD) continued to flourish. Estime added 94 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.

For Tennessee, Ward threw for 251 yards and 2 touchdowns despite the turnovers. Tony Pollard rushed for 85 yards, while Okonkwo caught 3 passes for 55 yards and a score.

The Saints completed their remarkable four-game winning streak to finish 6-10, providing hope for the future with Shough's development. Tennessee fell to 3-13, but Ward's growth gives fans reason for optimism heading into 2026.