The Tennessee Titans and Cincinnati Bengals put on a display of futility on Sunday, combining for 26 penalties and 10 turnovers in the Titans' 37-27 loss in Week 15.
Neither team deserved the win, but the Bengals' explosive offense was too much for the Titans defense and carved them up. Quarterback Will Levis imploded and was replaced in the second half by Mason Rudolph, but that spark was nowhere near enough to stop the onslaught.
Tennessee scored at the end to make the score closer than the game was.
But. as always, there were both good and bad performances, and here is a look at the players who are rising or falling in the Week 15 stock report.
[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Stock up: QB Mason Rudolph
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 15: Mason Rudolph #11 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the third quarter at Nissan Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
While he wasn't great in relief of Will Levis, the veteran stayed poised throughout and was a steadying influence. He went 20-for-25 for 196 yards and a touchdown, but he also threw an interception. It was a mediocre performance, but still better than Levis. Head coach Brian Callahan dodged questions about the position after the game, so it is quite possible Rudolph is the starter for Week 16.
Stock down: QB Will Levis
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) passes the ball during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.
Will Levis was really bad in this game and looked nothing like the player that has been playing over the past few games. Benched in the third quarter after throwing his third interception of the game. In total, he went 8-for-12 for 89 yards, zero touchdowns, three interceptions, sacked once and lost a fumble. At one point he had three interceptions in five passes. It was epically bad and there are real questions about whether he starts again in 2024.
Stock up: RB Tyjae Spears
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 15: Tyjae Spears #2 of the Tennessee Titans runs past Germaine Pratt #57 and Geno Stone #22 of the Cincinnati Bengals while scoring a receiving touchdown in the fourth quarter of a game at Nissan Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Tyjae Spears has had a disappointing 2024, but on Sunday he reminded everyone why there was so much hype entering the season. He carried the ball four times for five yards and a touchdown and was the team's leading receiver with six receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown. He even chipped in on special teams with one return for 20 yards. With Tony Pollard ailing with an ankle injury, head coach Brian Callahan should give Spears more opportunities moving forward.
Stock down: RB Tony Pollard
Dec 15, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (20) celebrates his touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
It's hard to knock Tony Pollard down because he is such an important part of the Titans' offense, but his foot/ankle injury is starting to hamper him. Playing behind a subpar offensive line doesn't help, but Pollard lacked explosion on Sunday and was just pedestrian. In all, he carried the ball 17 times for 47 yards with one touchdown and one fumble, but he didn't look like the player he had been in previous weeks.
Stock up: TE Chig Okonkwo
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 15: Chig Okonkwo #85 of the Tennessee Titans catches a pass during a second half of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Nissan Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Okonkwo had an outstanding game, pulling in eight passes for 59 yards and drawing a critical pass interference penalty that set up a touchdown. Okonkwo was a perfect security blanket for Rudolph in the second half and proved to be a match-up nightmare for the Bengals secondary. He is slowly developing into a weapon that should be utilized more.
Stock down: Edge Arden Key
Tennessee Titans linebacker Arden Key (49) runs onto the field before the Titans play the Bengals at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.
The Titans had no edge pressure in this game. While Harold Landry wasn't much better, Key was virtually invisible except for a couple offsides penalties. He recorded two assisted tackles and was always a step late. The Titans need an upgrade on the edge moving forward and must generate a better pass rush. Key has proven he is not the answer.
Stock up: CB Daryl Worley
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 15: Mike Gesicki #88 of the Cincinnati Bengals is hit by Daryl Worley #35 of the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter at Nissan Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
A former practice squad member, Worley has found a home in the Titans' secondary. The veteran recorded five solo tackles and an interception in the game and was all over the field. He also added a physicality to the back end of the defense that had been lacking in recent weeks. Signed through the end of the season, Worley should be a player the Titans consider bringing back, and he has earned it.
Stock down: WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (29) runs the ball as Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (15) pursues during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.
Westbrook-Ikhine has been a great story in 2024, but he again demonstrated why he is nothing more than a rotational wide receiver. Going against one of the worst secondaries in the NFL, he was held in check with two receptions for nine yards. He may do the dirty work in the run game, but he cannot create separation or present a consistent target for the quarterback. The Titans need a more dynamic weapon opposite Calvin Ridley, and Westbrook-Ikhine is not that.