Seahawks vs. Titans Full Game Recap November 23, 2025: Darnold Shines as Seattle Outlasts Tennessee 30

Seahawks vs. Titans Full Game Recap Nov 23- 2025: Darnold Shines as Seattle Outlasts Tennessee 30–24

A Needed Response After a Tough Week

The Seattle Seahawks walked into Nashville determined to erase the memory of their road loss a week earlier, and quarterback Sam Darnold delivered exactly the rebound performance the team needed. Throwing for 244 yards and two touchdowns, Darnold powered Seattle to a 30–24 win over the Tennessee Titans, marking the Seahawks’ fifth victory in their last six outings.

Seattle improved to 8–3 overall and strengthened their position in the NFC playoff race, remaining firmly in control of the conference’s top wild-card spot.

Darnold’s Deep Ball Sparks Momentum

After throwing four interceptions in his previous game, Darnold looked far sharper in Tennessee. His defining moment came in the second quarter when he connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba on a 63-yard touchdown strike that gave Seattle the lead for good.

Head coach Mike Macdonald praised both the throw and its emotional impact on the sideline, noting that the play brought a needed spark to the team. Darnold himself admitted he wished the offense had capitalized more in the red zone, as Seattle settled for three early field goals despite consistent movement down the field.

Smith-Njigba Continues Historic Season

Already the NFL’s leading receiver entering the week, Smith-Njigba delivered his most dominant performance of the season. He hauled in eight receptions for 167 yards and two touchdowns, also breaking Seattle’s single-season receiving record through just 11 games. His 1,313 yards edged past DK Metcalf’s previous mark of 1,303 set in 2020.

Smith-Njigba credited teammates for his milestone, calling the achievement a reflection of the collective effort around him.

His streak of consecutive games with at least 75 receiving yards reached 11, placing him just behind Marvin Harrison (14 in 2002) and Cooper Kupp (13 in 2021) for the longest such streaks in NFL history.

Seattle Defense Applies Pressure

Seattle’s defense, one of the league’s strongest pass-rushing units, added four more sacks to its season tally. They continued the trend against Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward, who has taken more sacks than any other QB this season.

Linebacker Derick Hall delivered a crucial late-game sack that contributed to a turnover on downs, helping Seattle preserve its lead in the final minutes.

A Titans Team That Fights but Can’t Finish

Despite their 1–10 record, Tennessee refused to fold. Ward threw for 256 yards and scored his first career rushing touchdown. He also led a late scoring drive capped by a 1-yard pass to Chimere Dike with 43 seconds remaining—giving Tennessee its highest point total of the season.

However, an error on the ensuing onside kick—where Dorian Mausi touched the ball too early—ended Tennessee’s final chance.

Interim head coach Mike McCoy praised his team’s effort but stressed the need for consistency, especially with the Titans now on a six-game losing streak and ten straight home losses dating back to November 2024.

Special Teams Spark and Injuries

Dike provided one of Tennessee’s highlights, returning a third-quarter punt 90 yards for a touchdown—his second return TD of the season.

Both teams faced injury setbacks. Seattle lost Chazz Surratt (ankle), George Holani (hamstring), and Ty Okada (oblique). Tennessee saw Dan Moore Jr., Shy Tuttle, and Lloyd Cushenberry leave with various injuries, all undergoing further evaluation.

Closing Out and Looking Ahead

Seattle extended its lead to 30–10 after a 6-yard touchdown run by Zach Charbonnet, but Tennessee mounted a late push. Ultimately, the Seahawks’ early dominance and explosive plays held firm.

Seattle returns home to face Minnesota on November 30, while Tennessee concludes its four-game homestand against Jacksonville the same day.

Conclusion

This matchup showcased a Seattle team rediscovering its rhythm at a crucial point in the season. Darnold’s bounce-back performance, paired with Smith-Njigba’s historic production and a resilient defensive front, signals a team ready to make noise down the stretch. The Titans, despite their struggles, showed grit and glimpses of the talent they’re developing—signs that brighter days may lie ahead as their young core continues to grow.

In a game filled with explosive plays, record-setting moments, and momentum swings, the Seahawks proved they could respond to adversity and finish strong—an essential quality for any team with postseason aspirations.

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