When Sam Darnold launched a 56-yard bomb to Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the third quarter, the Seattle Seahawks weren’t just building a lead—they were carving out a playoff lifeline. On Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, the Seahawks outlasted the winless Tennessee Titans 30-24 in a game that swung from domination to desperation in the final minutes. Darnold threw for 244 yards and two touchdowns, helping Seattle improve to 8-3 and become the first team to clinch a wild-card spot in the NFC. Meanwhile, the Titans fell to 1-10, extending their home losing streak to 10 games since their last victory at this very stadium on November 3, 2024.
Seahawks Build a Commanding Lead
It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective. Jason Myers nailed three field goals in the first half—29, 41, and 37 yards—to give Seattle a 16-3 cushion before halftime. The offense moved the ball, but struggled to finish. "We were able to move the ball up and down the field," Darnold said afterward. "And we’ve just got to finish when we’re in the red zone." That frustration vanished early in the third quarter when Darnold connected with Smith-Njigba on a 56-yard strike, followed by a 13-yard touchdown catch. Then, with 6:40 left in the third, Zach Charbonnet bulldozed in from 6 yards out to make it 30-10. It was one of the few times the Seahawks actually converted inside the 20—a point not lost on offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.Titans’ Late Rally Falls Just Short
The Titans, coached by interim boss Mike McCoy, had been outscored 167-303 this season. But on this day, they refused to fold. Derrick Henry punched in a 1-yard TD late in the third to cut the deficit to 30-17. Then came the moment that electrified the home crowd: Chimere Dike, the NFL’s all-purpose yards leader with 1,847 entering the game, returned a punt 90 yards down the sideline, tying the record for longest punt return in franchise history. The stadium shook. The Titans’ sideline erupted. With 43 seconds left, Malik Willis found Dike again—this time on a 1-yard slant—for his second TD of the quarter. The score: 30-24. The crowd believed. The Titans had their season-high in points. But the comeback wasn’t complete.Onside Kick Sealed by Defense
The ensuing onside kick was a gamble. The Titans needed the ball back. Dorian Mausi, Seattle’s linebacker, got a hand on it—just enough to ensure it traveled the required 10 yards. The Seahawks recovered. Game over. No time left. No miracles. "These guys fought their tails off," McCoy said, his voice heavy but proud. "But we’ve got to be more consistent throughout a game." It was a refrain heard too often in Nashville this season. The Titans’ offense, the league’s worst, had scored 24 points—more than any game since Week 1. But it came too late.
Playoff Implications and Standings Shift
Seattle’s win wasn’t just about morale—it was about positioning. With the Los Angeles Rams at 9-2, the Seahawks now sit alone in second place in the NFC West. Their 5-1 road record is the best in the conference. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers (7-4) and Arizona Cardinals (3-8) trail far behind. In the AFC South, the Indianapolis Colts (8-3) lead, while the Titans remain dead last—10 games under .500, with only 167 points scored in 11 games. That’s less than 15 per game. For context, the league average is over 24.What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Seahawks head into Week 13 with momentum, facing the Arizona Cardinals at home on December 1. They’re now a legitimate playoff threat—and Darnold, once labeled a franchise quarterback bust, is playing like a guy who belongs in the postseason. For the Titans, it’s about development. Willis threw for 256 yards and ran for his first career TD. Dike had 167 all-purpose yards. These are building blocks. But without a win at home since last November, the question isn’t whether they’ll rebuild—it’s how fast they can.
Defensive Strategy and Red Zone Woes
Seattle’s defensive coordinator, Aden Durde, kept the Titans in check for 30 minutes, holding them to just 3 points in the first half. But after halftime, Tennessee’s offense found rhythm—scoring 21 points in the final 30 minutes. The Seahawks’ defense bent but didn’t break, thanks to timely stops and that crucial onside kick recovery. Still, the red zone remains a concern. Seattle went 3-for-5 inside the 20, a number Darnold called "unacceptable." They’ll need to improve if they want to survive the playoffs.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Sam Darnold’s performance impact the Seahawks’ playoff chances?
Darnold’s 244-yard, two-TD outing was the most consistent passing performance of his Seahawks tenure, helping Seattle secure their first playoff berth since 2020. His ability to connect on deep throws—especially the 56-yard TD to Jaxon Smith-Njigba—proved he can elevate the offense under pressure. With the team now 8-3 and riding a five-game win streak in six tries, Darnold has silenced doubters and become the engine of their playoff push.
Why has the Tennessee Titans’ home losing streak lasted so long?
The Titans’ home struggles stem from a combination of offensive ineptitude (167 total points this season) and defensive breakdowns, especially in the second half. Their offensive line has been decimated by injuries, and their quarterback play—despite Malik Willis’s flashes—has lacked consistency. Since their last home win on November 3, 2024, they’ve allowed an average of 28.4 points per game at Nissan Stadium. The fan base is frustrated, and the front office is clearly in rebuild mode.
What makes Chimere Dike such a dangerous weapon for the Titans?
Dike leads the NFL with 1,847 all-purpose yards this season, thanks to his elite speed, route-running, and return instincts. His 90-yard punt return against the Seahawks was the longest of his career and tied for the second-longest in franchise history. He’s not just a receiver—he’s a game-changer on special teams and a rare dual-threat player who can turn a single play into a momentum swing. The Titans’ offense needs him to stay healthy to have any chance next season.
How does this win affect the NFC West playoff race?
The Seahawks’ victory pushed them into sole possession of second place in the NFC West, just one game behind the Rams. With the 49ers (7-4) and Cardinals (3-8) trailing, Seattle controls their own destiny for a wild-card spot. Their 5-1 road record is the best in the NFC, and they’ve won three straight away games by double digits. A win over Arizona next week could all but lock up their postseason berth.
What’s the outlook for Mike McCoy as Titans’ interim head coach?
McCoy, who coached the Chargers from 2013 to 2016, has kept the Titans competitive despite a roster in transition. His leadership has earned respect, but with only one win in 11 games, the front office is unlikely to name him permanent head coach. The focus now is on evaluating young talent—Willis, Dike, and rookie linemen—for next year’s rebuild. McCoy’s job is to stabilize the culture, not win this season.
Why did the Seahawks struggle in the red zone despite winning?
Seattle converted only 3 of 5 red zone opportunities, leaving points on the board with field goals instead of touchdowns. The offensive line struggled with interior pressure, and quarterback Sam Darnold occasionally held the ball too long. While they scored enough to win, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb admitted they need to be more efficient—especially with playoff games looming. Red zone efficiency is often the difference between a first-round bye and a wild-card game.