November 1, 2026 | Cincinnati, Ohio

Joe Burrow threw five touchdown passes and added the game-winning rushing touchdown in overtime as the Cincinnati Bengals survived a spirited Tennessee Titans performance, 43–36, Sunday afternoon at Paycor Stadium.

Burrow finished with 462 passing yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions, completing 38 of 48 attempts. Cincinnati improved to 5–2 with its third consecutive victory, while Tennessee fell to 1–7.

Despite the loss, Titans quarterback Cam Ward delivered arguably the finest passing performance of his young NFL career.

Cam Ward Delivers, but Tennessee Falls Short

Ward completed 26 of 40 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception. He also contributed 41 rushing yards.

Tennessee jumped out to a 13–0 first-quarter lead behind two Joey Slye field goals and a 40-yard touchdown run from Tony Pollard.

The Bengals responded with two second-quarter touchdown passes from Burrow, taking a 14–13 lead into halftime.

The game became a back-and-forth battle in the second half.

Ward connected with Chimere Dike for an 11-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter, then found Wan'Dale Robinson for a 15-yard score with 3:46 remaining. A successful two-point conversion gave Tennessee a 36–29 advantage.

But Burrow wasn't finished.

Burrow Overcomes Three Interceptions

Tennessee safety Amani Hooker intercepted Burrow three times, giving the Titans opportunities to put Cincinnati away.

But the Bengals quarterback continued attacking.

With Tennessee leading by seven late in regulation, Burrow engineered a seven-play, 81-yard scoring drive, connecting with Tee Higgins for an 18-yard touchdown with 1:17 remaining.

Higgins finished with 155 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 10 receptions. Ja'Marr Chase added 141 yards and a touchdown on 11 catches.

The Bengals finished with 510 total yards, including 435 net passing yards.

A Crucial Sack Changes Tennessee's Opportunity

Ward had an opportunity to put Tennessee in position for a potential game-winning field goal during the final minute of regulation.

Facing third-and-3 at Cincinnati's 45-yard line with 32 seconds remaining, Ward was sacked by Dexter Lawrence for a 13-yard loss.

The play pushed Tennessee out of realistic field-goal range and forced a punt.

For Ward, it was a costly mistake in an otherwise impressive performance. His ability to move the offense and protect the football represented meaningful progress, but the late sack demonstrated how quickly one play can alter a game's outcome.

Burrow Finishes the Job

Cincinnati received the opening possession of overtime and moved 70 yards in five plays.

Burrow finished the drive with a nine-yard touchdown scramble, giving the Bengals a 43–36 advantage.

Tennessee received an opportunity to answer but failed to convert on fourth down, sealing Cincinnati's victory.

S³ Final Analysis

This game presented two very different quarterback performances.

Burrow threw three interceptions but generated six total touchdowns and delivered when Cincinnati needed him most.

Ward played an efficient game, throwing for more than 300 yards without an interception. Tony Pollard provided additional support with 117 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Tennessee finished with 440 total yards and 36 points. Those numbers should have been enough to produce a victory, particularly with Hooker's three interceptions.

But the Titans couldn't close.

Cincinnati demonstrated resilience, while Tennessee showed offensive improvement without translating it into a victory.

For Burrow, this was another reminder that an imperfect performance can still produce an outstanding finish.

For Ward, it was a promising performance overshadowed by one costly late-game decision and another disappointing result.

The Bengals escaped with their fifth victory.

The Titans were left wondering how 36 points and three interceptions weren't enough.

S³ | Where Intelligence Meets Impact