The Tennessee Titans came out strong and shot out to an early 14-3 lead, hit a rough patch, then stormed back in the second half to pull out a much-needed, 31-29 victory. Tennessee (2-11) weathered the storm and was able to overcome a flurry of explosive plays by the Browns in the first half and then took advantage of some momentum-changing plays of their own in the second half to pull out the win. The Browns came back to make it interesting, but the Titans notched their second win of the season. In what was billed as the first Cam Ward vs. Shedeur Sanders battle, it was Tony Pollard who stole the show with his best game of 2025. While it has been the rookies leading the charge in recent weeks, the veterans took over in this one and put the game away. Final Score: Titans 31, Browns 29Q1Q2Q3Q4FinalTitans14071031Browns31401229Keys to the GameLack of accuracy: Cam Ward again struggled with his accuracy against the Browns, completing only 50 percent of his passes in the elements at Huntington Bank Stadium. Ward started strong and connected on an early touchdown pass to Elic Ayomanor, but struggled most of the game. He did rise in the fourth quarter and extend the Titans’ lead with a touchdown pass to Chimere Dike, but it was still a rough afternoon. Ward finished 14-of-28 for 117 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Too many big plays: The Titans played solid football for most of the game, but the defense kept giving up big plays, which cost them valuable field position and points in this bad-weather game. Sanders had multiple passes of over 30 yards, and those set up most of the Browns’ scores.What, a running game?: The Titans were able to keep the game close by riding running back Tony Pollard, who had his best game of 2025. With weather conditions impacting the passing attack, Pollard racked up a career-high 161 yards on 25 carries with two touchdowns, including a 65-yard burst, the longest of his career. Points off turnovers: The Titans took advantage of multiple turnovers against the Browns and made them pay. Tennessee scored 17 second-half points off of those, which put the Titans in front. Self-inflicted penalties: The Titans were better with penalties this week, but still committed too many unforced penalties on critical plays that negatively impacted the struggling offense. Once again, it was tackle JC Latham who was the biggest culprit. The former first-round pick again had a rough game, racking up multiple penalties that set the offense back. But it was the defensive penalties in the fourth quarter that allowed Cleveland to make it a game late. Complementary football: For really the first time in 2025, the Titans had success in all three phases of the game. The offense did just enough against the Browns’ stout defense, the defense came up with big plays and turnovers, and the special teams came through with a solid all-around effort. No answer for Fannin: The Titans could do nothing to stop Browns’ tight end Harold Fannin Jr. The rookie was dominant, recording eight receptions for 114 yards and one touchdown. This continues a trend that has plagued the Titans all season. It was over when…The Titans forced Browns running back Quinshon Judkins to throw an incomplete pass and thwart a two-point conversion attempt in the final minute of the game.Players of the GameRB Tony Pollard: Pollard had his best game of the season, rushing for 161 yards on 25 carries. The veteran running back kept the Titans’ offense moving throughout the game and was the only consistent weapon, accounting for two touchdowns. DT Jeffery Simmons: Simmons may not have dominated on the stat sheet, but he was a significant part of the Titans’ success with multiple pressures and was a constant presence in the Browns’ backfield. He finished with seven total tackles (two solo) and one sack. In the process, Simmons passed Kyle Vanden Bosch on the Titans’ all-time list. S Xavier Woods: Healthy again, Woods came up with a huge third-quarter interception that swung momentum back to the Titans. The steady veteran has slid into his role as the third safety and has been a steadying influence on the back end of the Titans’ defense. LB James Williams: Williams has been a special teams dynamo all season, and was finally able to break through and record a blocked punt midway through the fourth quarter, which allowed the Titans to run some clock and extend the lead.InjuriesThe Titans lost starting left tackle Dan Moore midway through the third quarter with a neck injury. The veteran tackle went to the locker room and returned, but it will be something to monitor moving forward.What’s next?Titans interim head coach Mike McCoy will meet with reporters on Monday afternoon to wrap up the week and set the stage for Week 15. Select players will be made available after McCoy.Tennessee will return to practice on Wednesday ahead of a Week 15 game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, December 14, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Kickoff is 3:25 p.m. CST.This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans hold on for 31-29 victory over Cleveland Browns