Tennessee Titans' Losing Streak Ties NFL Record

The Tennessee Titans are now tied for an ignominious NFL mark, having not won back-to-back games in the same season for 65 consecutive contests. Their 27-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday extended this streak, matching the 2014-2018 Browns. Tampa Bay holds the longest such streak at 74 games from 1985-1989, though that included winning the final game of one season and the first of the next.

The Titans, now 1-6 on the season, are assured of extending their streak to at least 66 games. First-year coach Robert Saleh expressed optimism that the issues are fixable, noting that the team has been in a position to win many of its games, with a 1-4 record in contests decided by a touchdown or less this season.

"It is so close, it is so close," Saleh said. "And there’s a lot of good that you can take from it, but at the end of the day, if you’re not winning, it’s very hard to find the good. And it’s just telling these guys the truth that we’re good enough to put ourselves in position to win, we’ve got to find ways to win in the final minutes."

Against Cleveland, the Titans posted their best offensive performance of the season, accumulating 322 yards and scoring three touchdowns. They also held the ball for a season-high 28 minutes, 46 seconds, and scored touchdowns on their first two possessions for the first time since December 15, 2024. Additionally, the offensive line allowed only one sack for no yards, marking the fourth game this season with one or fewer sacks.

However, the defense struggled, surrendering 491 yards to Cleveland, the team's worst defensive outing this season. In three of the past four games, opposing offenses have gained more yards against the Titans. With an opportunity to make a defensive stop and force overtime, the defense allowed a 36-yard reception that set up the Browns' game-winning field goal. All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons stated that the defense needs to hold itself accountable, saying, "There was plenty of opportunity in that game for us to go over and just take over the game and take the life away from them. We didn’t do that."

Running back Tony Pollard had a strong showing, rushing for 129 yards and a career-high three touchdowns, ranking him 10th in the NFL with 478 rushing yards this season. A fourth touchdown was overturned on review.

Cornerback Alontae Taylor missed his second consecutive game and did not play a snap against Cleveland, despite being dressed. Saleh indicated that the team is transitioning Taylor to play inside, a role he described as more complex and akin to a linebacker position. Taylor signed a three-year, $58 million contract in March.

Saleh did not have an update on punter Tommy Townsend, who sustained a knee injury when he was hit by opposing players while punting.

The Titans' record since the start of the 2024 season is 7-34. The team is scheduled to visit Cincinnati on Sunday before their bye week. Following the bye, they will host AFC South leader Jacksonville on November 15, a game that could potentially extend their winless streak to four full years without consecutive victories.