Game story
In Week 3 of the 2003 NFL season on 2003-09-21, the Tennessee Titans took care of business against the New Orleans Saints, pulling away with a 27–12 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
S. McNair (Tennessee Titans) paced the passing game, with +10.11 total EPA.
On the individual side, D. Bennett (Tennessee Titans) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +12.16 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-12.9% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when New Orleans Saints changed the game: 15-C.Hentrich kicks 44 yards from TEN 20 to NO 36. 96-M.Williams MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by TEN-87-T.Calico at NO 38.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Saints | 2 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 12 |
| Tennessee Titans | 10 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 27 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 D. Bennett · Tennessee Titans · Receiving · +12.16 total EPA · 8 snaps · +1.52 EPA/play
- 2 S. McNair · Tennessee Titans · Passing · +10.11 total EPA · 36 snaps · +0.28 EPA/play
- 3 J. Pathon · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +8.57 total EPA · 4 snaps · +2.14 EPA/play
- 4 J. McCareins · Tennessee Titans · Receiving · +6.05 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.21 EPA/play
- 5 E. Kinney · Tennessee Titans · Receiving · +3.69 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.85 EPA/play
- 6 C. Hentrich · Tennessee Titans · Passing · +3.32 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.32 EPA/play
- 7 D. Mason · Tennessee Titans · Receiving · +3.00 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.75 EPA/play
- 8 S. Meier · Tennessee Titans · Receiving · +2.88 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.72 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
D. Bennett — TEN · Receiving
D. Bennett posted the highest total EPA (+12.16) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Tennessee Titans's efficiency. Across 8 counted snaps, they averaged +1.52 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.13 EPA) came from New Orleans Saints: (14:17) 2-A.Brooks pass to 83-D.Stallworth to NO 42 for 7 yards (59-P.Sirmon). FUMBLES (59-P.Sirmon), RECOVERED by TEN-21-S.Rolle at NO 40. 21-S.Rolle to NO 37 for 3 yards (62-J.Fontenot; 87-J.Horn).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Tennessee Titans — J. McCareins (S. McNair pass)
- Tennessee Titans — D. Bennett (S. McNair pass)
- New Orleans Saints — J. Pathon (A. Brooks pass)
- Tennessee Titans — E. George
Field goals
- Tennessee Titans — G. Anderson
- Tennessee Titans — G. Anderson
- New Orleans Saints — J. Carney
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Tennessee Titans won the period 10–2. Tennessee Titans connected on a field goal from the NO 4 (Q1 52:48) — (7:48) 1-G.Anderson 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-T.Ackerman, Holder-15-C.Hentrich.; New Orleans Saints registered a safety from the TEN 62 (Q1 51:18); Tennessee Titans found the end zone from the NO 2 (Q1 47:41) — (2:41) 9-S.McNair pass to 86-J.McCareins for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tennessee Titans added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q1 46:52) — 1-G.Anderson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-T.Ackerman, Holder-15-C.Hentrich..
The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Tennessee Titans connected on a field goal from the NO 25 (Q2 35:20) — (5:20) (Field Goal formation) 1-G.Anderson 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-T.Ackerman, Holder-15-C.Hentrich.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the TEN 13 (Q2 31:50) — (1:50) (Field Goal formation) 3-J.Carney 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-17-M.Berger..
The third quarter: Tennessee Titans won the period 7–0. Tennessee Titans found the end zone from the NO 5 (Q3 25:46) — (10:46) (Shotgun) 9-S.McNair pass to 83-D.Bennett for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on NO-33-A.Ambrose, Defensive Holding, declined.; Tennessee Titans added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q3 25:41) — 1-G.Anderson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-T.Ackerman, Holder-15-C.Hentrich..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TEN 10 (Q4 13:33) — (13:33) (Shotgun) 2-A.Brooks pass to 80-J.Pathon for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TEN 2 (Q4 13:23) — 3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-17-M.Berger.; Tennessee Titans found the end zone from the NO 6 (Q4 6:18) — (6:18) 27-E.George left tackle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tennessee Titans added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q4 6:13) — 1-G.Anderson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-T.Ackerman, Holder-15-C.Hentrich..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- New Orleans Saints (Q1 51:03) — 15-C.Hentrich kicks 44 yards from TEN 20 to NO 36. 96-M.Williams MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by TEN-87-T.Calico at NO 38.
- New Orleans Saints (Q1 51:18) — (6:18) (Punt formation) 17-M.Berger punts 46 yards to TEN 16, Center-47-K.Houser. 86-J.McCareins to TEN 14 for -2 yards (29-K.Craver). FUMBLES (29-K.Craver), recovered by TEN-24-T.Beckham at TEN 2. 24
- Tennessee Titans (Q2 39:19) — (9:19) (Punt formation) 15-C.Hentrich pass to 86-J.McCareins to NO 38 for 15 yards (22-F.Thomas).
- New Orleans Saints (Q3 29:17) — (14:17) 2-A.Brooks pass to 83-D.Stallworth to NO 42 for 7 yards (59-P.Sirmon). FUMBLES (59-P.Sirmon), RECOVERED by TEN-21-S.Rolle at NO 40. 21-S.Rolle to NO 37 for 3 yards (62-J.Fontenot; 87-J.Horn).
- Tennessee Titans (Q2 30:22) — (:22) 9-S.McNair sacked at NO 8 for -2 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by NO-90-K.Smith at NO 3. 90-K.Smith to NO 3 for no gain (69-Z.Piller; 9-S.McNair).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- New Orleans Saints (Q3 29:17) — (14:17) 2-A.Brooks pass to 83-D.Stallworth to NO 42 for 7 yards (59-P.Sirmon). FUMBLES (59-P.Sirmon), RECOVERED by TEN-21-S.Rolle at NO 40. 21-S.Rolle to NO 37 for 3 yards (62-J.Fontenot; 87-J.Horn).
- Tennessee Titans (Q2 30:22) — (:22) 9-S.McNair sacked at NO 8 for -2 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by NO-90-K.Smith at NO 3. 90-K.Smith to NO 3 for no gain (69-Z.Piller; 9-S.McNair).
- New Orleans Saints (Q1 51:03) — 15-C.Hentrich kicks 44 yards from TEN 20 to NO 36. 96-M.Williams MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by TEN-87-T.Calico at NO 38.
- Tennessee Titans (Q2 39:19) — (9:19) (Punt formation) 15-C.Hentrich pass to 86-J.McCareins to NO 38 for 15 yards (22-F.Thomas).
Quarterback report card
S.McNair led all passers in efficiency for Tennessee Titans, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- S.McNair (Tennessee Titans) · 36 dropbacks · 61.1% completion · +0.28 EPA/play · +10.11 total EPA
- A.Brooks (New Orleans Saints) · 28 dropbacks · 53.6% completion · +0.00 EPA/play · +0.10 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | New Orleans Saints | Tennessee Titans |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.041 | +0.188 |
| Offensive success rate | 47.5% | 57.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.002 | +0.396 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.444 | -0.016 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.188 | -0.041 |
| Defensive success rate | 42.4% | 52.5% |
By the numbers
Tennessee Titans held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.19 vs +0.04), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- New Orleans Saints: 9 drives, +2.44 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Tennessee Titans: 8 drives, +15.94 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Tennessee Titans leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- D. Bennett (Tennessee Titans) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Tennessee Titans FG (+3) — Q1 52:48 · NO 4 · Score 0-3
(7:48) 1-G.Anderson 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-T.Ackerman, Holder-15-C.Hentrich. - New Orleans Saints Safety (+2) — Q1 51:18 · TEN 62 · Score 2-3
(6:18) (Punt formation) 17-M.Berger punts 46 yards to TEN 16, Center-47-K.Houser. 86-J.McCareins to TEN 14 for -2 yards (29-K.Craver). FUMBLES (29-K.Craver), re - Tennessee Titans TD (+6) — Q1 47:41 · NO 2 · Score 2-9
(2:41) 9-S.McNair pass to 86-J.McCareins for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tennessee Titans XP (+1) — Q1 46:52 · NO 2 · Score 2-10
1-G.Anderson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-T.Ackerman, Holder-15-C.Hentrich. - Tennessee Titans FG (+3) — Q2 35:20 · NO 25 · Score 2-13
(5:20) (Field Goal formation) 1-G.Anderson 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-T.Ackerman, Holder-15-C.Hentrich. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q2 31:50 · TEN 13 · Score 5-13
(1:50) (Field Goal formation) 3-J.Carney 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-17-M.Berger. - Tennessee Titans TD (+6) — Q3 25:46 · NO 5 · Score 5-19
(10:46) (Shotgun) 9-S.McNair pass to 83-D.Bennett for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on NO-33-A.Ambrose, Defensive Holding, declined. - Tennessee Titans XP (+1) — Q3 25:41 · NO 2 · Score 5-20
1-G.Anderson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-T.Ackerman, Holder-15-C.Hentrich. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 13:33 · TEN 10 · Score 11-20
(13:33) (Shotgun) 2-A.Brooks pass to 80-J.Pathon for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 13:23 · TEN 2 · Score 12-20
3-J.Carney extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-17-M.Berger. - Tennessee Titans TD (+6) — Q4 6:18 · NO 6 · Score 12-26
(6:18) 27-E.George left tackle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tennessee Titans XP (+1) — Q4 6:13 · NO 2 · Score 12-27
1-G.Anderson extra point is GOOD, Center-67-T.Ackerman, Holder-15-C.Hentrich.
Frequently asked questions
Who won New Orleans Saints vs Tennessee Titans?
The Tennessee Titans beat the New Orleans Saints 27-12 in Week 3, 2003 on 2003-09-21.
What was the final score of New Orleans Saints vs Tennessee Titans?
The final score was New Orleans Saints 12, Tennessee Titans 27 (NO 12-27 TEN) in Week 3, 2003 on 2003-09-21.
What was the score by quarter in New Orleans Saints vs Tennessee Titans?
Q1: New Orleans Saints 2, Tennessee Titans 10; Q2: New Orleans Saints 3, Tennessee Titans 3; Q3: New Orleans Saints 0, Tennessee Titans 7; Q4: New Orleans Saints 7, Tennessee Titans 7; Final: New Orleans Saints 12, Tennessee Titans 27.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New Orleans Saints vs Tennessee Titans?
Tennessee Titans touchdown — J. McCareins (S. McNair pass) (Q1 47:41) Tennessee Titans touchdown — D. Bennett (S. McNair pass) (Q3 25:46) New Orleans Saints touchdown — J. Pathon (A. Brooks pass) (Q4 13:33) Tennessee Titans touchdown — E. George (Q4 6:18) Tennessee Titans field goal — G. Anderson (Q1 52:48, 3 pts) Tennessee Titans field goal — G. Anderson (Q2 35:20, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — J. Carney (Q2 31:50, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in New Orleans Saints vs Tennessee Titans?
S. McNair (Tennessee Titans), 61.1% completion, +0.28 EPA per dropback, +10.11 total passing EPA. A. Brooks (New Orleans Saints), 53.6% completion, +0.00 EPA per dropback, +0.10 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in New Orleans Saints vs Tennessee Titans?
D. Bennett (Tennessee Titans) led the game in total EPA with +12.16 on receiving plays. across 8 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.13 EPA): (14:17) 2-A.Brooks pass to 83-D.Stallworth to NO 42 for 7 yards (59-P.Sirmon). FUMBLES (59-P.Sirmon), RECOVERED by TEN-21-S.Rolle at NO 40. 21-S.Rolle to NO 37 for 3 yards (62-J.Fo. The biggest win-probability swing was -12.9%.
Season records after this game
New Orleans Saints
Entered 1-1 Now 1-2 L
Tennessee Titans
Entered 1-1 Now 2-1 W
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