The rolling Rams defeated the toothless Tennessee Titans 33-19, knotting the past six contests between the two at three apiece. While there were signs of life emanating from the men of Nashville, continued signs of poor discipline and abject coaching malpractice presented themselves. However, the Rams were too good for Tennessee to overcome both horrendous factors in their own building.
Rocking and Rolling Rams Tame Toothless Titans In Week 2
First Quarter – New Season Home Opener, Same Old Results
The first quarter was a cagey opening between the two squads, with Tennessee punting before the Rams took control of their first possession. Tennessee’s offensive line’s ill-discipline proved to be the culprit in ruining the drive with two backbreaking penalties. Tennessee’s stop unit held the Rams to fourth down, but Sean McVay drew up a jet sweep to Nacua, which he took to the end zone.
PUKA TO THE HOUSE!
📺 @NFLonCBS | #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/GudOmw1ZmM
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 14, 2025
Both exchanged punts on their next drives before the Titans took over and marched to a field goal drive to make it 7- 3 in Los Angeles’ favor.
Second Quarter – One Shining Moment?
The Rams went rolling down the field before the oft-maligned and injured L’Jarius Sneed won a rep against the ageless Davante Adams. Los Angeles kicked a field goal to make 10-3. The punting duel continued into the latter stages of the second quarter. Titans’ rookie Chimere Dike electrified the denizens of Nissan Stadium with a punt return for a touchdown, but a grossly egregious (by the refs) penalty committed by Cedric Gray nullified it. Gray later commented on the penalty as seen below, during the postgame.
Cedric Gray said he could have been smarter and maybe led with his hands and not his shoulder which is the explanation he got regarding the blindside block on Chimere Dike's return TD that was called back. pic.twitter.com/YACiDFNBoe
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) September 14, 2025
The ensuing drive played a significant role in getting Tony Pollard started on a path to 92 yards on 20 attempts. Cam Ward took over and finished the drive off in an epically glorious fashion that epitomizes his cavalier play style. First, he completed an outstanding pass to fellow rookie Elic Ayomanor, who hauled it in with a defender draped all over.
ELIC AYOMANOR WITH ONE HAND OH MY GOD 😱 😱 😱
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/ihWZfTB3CI— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 14, 2025
A bit of foreshadowing occurred on that play as the two later connected on their first-ever touchdowns in the league. The play was quintessential Ward and the Titans at their finest and worst. He scrambled around due to the immense pressure given up by right tackle John Ojukwu and somehow found Ayomanor for the score.
WE GOT 5 ON IT‼️ @Cameron7Ward to @elicayomanor for their first career TDs!
📺: #LARvsTEN on @NFLonCBS & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/eQANrmlUCo
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) September 14, 2025
Tennessee continued to regain the initiative with a Cody Barton interception of a Stafford pass that resembled a mistake from his younger days. The veteran passer gambled when he clearly knew better than to attempt that pass. The Titans failed to seize upon the momentum with the apoplectically maddening decision to play for the field goal instead of going for the touchdown. A decision that Brian Callahan would later regret and would have to answer for.
Cody Barton picks off Stafford!
LARvsTEN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/Zfh3xlX42R
— NFL (@NFL) September 14, 2025
Third Quarter – Stalemate
The Rams made Callahan eat his words and decision to play for a field goal by tying the game up on their opening possession of the second half. Sneed stepped up to the plate once again against Adams to force the field goal on a day where both won their fair share. Tennessee countered the Rams’ field goal with its own in the opening stanza of the third quarter. Joey Slye took a tremendous boot to the ball with a 57-yard effort to give the Titans the lead.
Nacua reemerged with consecutive big receptions over 20 yards to set up the go-ahead score to ascending fantasy handcuff threat tight end Davis Allen. The Titans couldn’t muster a comeback drive and punted to end the third quarter.
Davis Allen dives for the pylon and it’s a touchdown after review!
LARvsTEN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/dJfNu7WFd3
— NFL (@NFL) September 14, 2025
Fourth Quarter – Slim Pickings
The Titans forced the Rams to punt to open the fourth-quarter fiesta, but their offensive line woes promptly reappeared at an inopportune time. Byron Young (who had a monster day against embattled Ojukwu) forced the fumble after utterly devastating Ojukwu’s chances at a Pro Bowl.
FUMBLE!!
Byron Young punches it out, Nate Landman recovers! #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/nAaGyFmUsU
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) September 14, 2025
Davante Adams did Davante Adams things and iced the game for good with a thorough basting of Sneed on a stop-and-go route.
DAVANTE ADAMS WITH HIS FIRST SCORE AS A RAM 😤
Adams is now in the Top 10 all-time in touchdown receptions (104 TDs) 💪
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/QF08gwrtIb
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 14, 2025
Los Angeles tacked on another touchdown for good measure while the Titans added a field goal after a lengthy 12-play drive, including this wacky Ward pass that had Titans fans remembering Will Levis memes. Tennessee’s brave defense wilted once again, this time in a perfunctory manner, after the toothless offense failed yet again.
Did They Really Say That?
Head Coach Brian Callahan
Brian Callahan said he wanted to make sure the #Titans got the points and the lead as opposed to taking a shot at the end of the first half. pic.twitter.com/Qs8Cp5wLwa
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) September 14, 2025
Callahan should’ve known that his defense wouldn’t hold up over the course of the game and should’ve gone for the jugular before halftime. His attempt to justify playing for the field goal is asinine and a cowardly decision in a long line of unjustly malodorous ones. The young head coach’s decision-making has not improved over the course of his brief tenure and doesn’t show signs of improvement. He needs to hire a real offensive playcaller and become a CEO type head coach. If he obstinately refuses to do so and maintains his happy-go-lucky Pollyanna persona, he’ll be out of a job in Tennessee.
Brian Callahan on the disconnect between the penalties they’ve given up vs the message they preached all off season pic.twitter.com/2ZK5SOKo5z
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) September 14, 2025
The message isn’t getting through to the players, is it, Coach? Every week, he preaches accountability and does another thing. His team is among the most penalized organizations during his tenure, and yet nothing changes. Either the players aren’t executing, or the message has gotten lost in translation. Perhaps a coaching change to a coach who both talks the talk and actually walks the walk is needed.
Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed
.@Titans cornerback L’Jarius Sneed in the locker room after Sunday’s game. pic.twitter.com/GzmJduJPDn
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) September 14, 2025
Sneed commented on the second-half malaise, stating that “we came out flat”. That’s inexcusable on Coach Callahan’s part. It’s on him to motivate the players to come out of the half better and execute better game management. Either he is incapable of making adjustments or is stubborn to the point that he cannot adjust. This has been an alarming trend too many times during his coaching tenure. The cornerback played better on Sunday on an increased pitch count, which is cause for optimism.
Quarterback Cam Ward
.@Titans QB Cam Ward after Sunday’s game. pic.twitter.com/6lgIG8uaP6
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) September 14, 2025
Ward reflects on Sunday’s dispiriting loss and where he, along with his teammates, can improve. The rookie shows flashes of his immense promise through two games, but his coaches and teammates have let him down. Next week doesn’t get any easier for him on the road.
What’s Next?
The Titans host their AFC South rivals and historical franchise owners, the Indianapolis Colts, on Sunday. They will attempt to avoid starting the season 0-3. The undefeated Colts come into Nashville after beating the Broncos on a last-second field goal.
Los Angeles travels further east to the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles, who are coming off an emotional Super Bowl rematch with the Chiefs.
Main Image: Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
