The Tennessee Titans escaped Atlanta with a hard-fought 23-20 victory Friday night, surviving a late Falcons surge behind a clutch defensive stand and a breakout performance from rookie receiver Gunnar Helm. Helm torched the Falcons' secondary for 4 catches, 48 yards, and a 25-yard touchdown—the game's decisive score—while Tennessee's defense sealed the win when Kendell Brooks picked off Easton Stick in the fourth quarter and returned it 53 yards to set up a critical field goal. The Titans' ground game, led by Jordan Mims' 50 rushing yards, controlled the clock, but two turnovers—including a fumble—kept Atlanta within striking distance until the final whistle.

For the Falcons, Chris Blair was the lone bright spot, exploding for 78 receiving yards and a 52-yard touchdown on just five targets, but Stick's inconsistent passing (19/32, 173 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) and a stagnant run game (2.8 yards per carry) doomed their comeback bid. The loss drops Atlanta to a precarious position in the preseason standings, while Tennessee's resilient performance—despite sloppy ball security—hints at a defense that could be a difference-maker when the games count.