3 studs (and 2 duds) from Titans' thrilling Week 2 defeat to Rams

The Tennessee Titans flashed potential in their home opener, but were ultimately defeated 33-19 by the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward was occasionally electric, completing 19-of-33 passing attempts for 175 yards, one touchdown, and one lost fumble. The Titans needed more from defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, as Dennard Wilson's unit struggled to give a banged-up Rams offensive line fits.

The Titans couldn't overcome injuries to right tackle JC Latham and nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat. The performance waned as the game progressed forward. The run defense especially missed Sweat, as the Rams routinely created chunk plays on the ground throughout the second half.

Which players managed to stand out — for better or worse? Let's analyze what occurred throughout Sunday's Week 2 loss to the Rams by identifying a handful of standouts and duds.

Winners & Losers from Titans' Week 2 loss to Rams

Stud: Cam Ward

Ward's first career touchdown was unbelievable. Evading the pressure on 3rd-and-goal, the No. 1 overall pick created off-script magic by throwing a jump-ball across his body to fellow rookie Elic Ayomanor, who climbed the ladder. Ward made several explosive plays, rarely putting a foot wrong in his Nissan Stadium debut, though a second-half fumble that led to a Rams TD swung momentum.

Stud: WR Elic Ayomanor

That incredible Ayomanor TD was set up by another eye-popping play he made earlier in the drive. Ward targeted the former Stanford wideout on a critical 3rd-and-6. Facing a one-on-one down the sideline, Ayomanor made an incredible one-handed grab, pinning it to his helmet. He finished with four receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown.

Stud: K Joey Slye

The Titans made the controversial decision to replace veteran kicker Nick Folk with journeyman Joey Slye in the offseason. Slye's powerful leg was preferred to Folk's more accurate one. That decision has proved worthwhile so far, with the strong-legged kicker making four field goals on Sunday, including two from 55 and 57.

Dud: S Xavier Woods

Rams head coach Sean McVay decided to roll the dice on 4th-and-1 from the Titans' 45-yard line in the first quarter. Safety Xavier Woods fired into the backfield, but failed to make contact with Puka Nacua. It was a costly misfire, with Nacua going 45 yards untouched into the end zone.

Dud: OT John Ojukwu

The Titans weighed starting three different blockers at right tackle in Latham's absence. The honor went to practice squad call-up John Ojukwu. Ojukwu killed the opening possession, having been whistled for a false start before giving up a sack on the ensuing play. He was whistled for a second penalty later, and was a consistent liability.