In a moment that would have spelled doom for the Tennessee Titans in previous games, the team got a huge play from an unexpected source: tight end Chig Okonkwo.
After falling behind, the Titans needed a play to change momentum and get the offense back on track. Then, quarterback Will Levis hit Okonkwo in stride, and the often-overlooked receiver did the rest, racing 70 yards for a game-changing touchdown that would put Tennessee back on top to stay.
Chig Okonkwo gets in open space for a 70-yard TD!
: #TENvsHOU on CBS/Paramount+
: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/98scOwfisp
— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2024
Okonkwo would not be denied, showing off his athleticism and a second gear that has not been on display for much of the season. In fact, according to NextGenStats, his top speed of 20.03 miles per hour during his 70-yard touchdown reception was the fastest in the league for a tight end in 2024.
.@ChigTweets was tracked by @NextGenStats at 20.03 miles per hour during his 70-yard TD reception. It was the fastest speed an NFLTE reached on a TD-scoring play from scrimmage since Week 9 of 2023, when then-Falcons TE Jonnu Smith hit 21.15 MPH on a 60-yard TD reception. @Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) November 25, 2024
Used more in the running game, Okonkwo is an old-school tight end who can excel both as an in-line blocker and on the outside as a receiver. The former fourth-round selection in the 2022 NFL draft has developed into the top tight end on the Titans roster and a reliable target for Levis.
Lewis and Okonkwo will be back in action on Sunday when the 3-8 Titans head to Landover, MD, to take on the Washington Commanders in Week 13 action.