NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Titans are actively addressing weaknesses as they face a challenging season that could result in their highest draft selection in years. The team is struggling to recover from crucial plays lost to reversals on review, significantly impacting their performance.
In a recent game against the Los Angeles Chargers, two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons created a significant moment when he stripped the ball from quarterback Justin Herbert. Roger McCreary picked up the loose ball and appeared to score the Titans’ first defensive touchdown of the season. However, officials informed first-year head coach Brian Callahan that the ruling would stand pending a review. Unfortunately, the subsequent frame-by-frame analysis revealed a perspective that led to overturning the touchdown, which violates the NFL’s standard of requiring “clear and obvious video evidence” to change on-field calls. Callahan acknowledged that this wasn’t an isolated incident this season as the Titans (2-7) fell to the Chargers with a score of 27-17.
Callahan expressed his frustration, pointing out the emotional toll of having potential momentum-shifting plays stripped away. He noted, “It’s difficult when it gets taken away. You feel it.” With the Titans averaging just 17.4 points per game, the loss of a touchdown can be devastating. Running back Tony Pollard emphasized the need for the Titans to overcome these setbacks, stating, “We got to find ways to fight out of those situations when things don’t go our way and make it right.”
On a positive note, the Titans’ running game seems to be finding its rhythm. They recorded 132 rushing yards, marking their third consecutive game with over 130 yards and their seventh such outing this season. This performance ties them with teams like Baltimore, Washington, and Philadelphia for the most games with that rushing total up through Sunday. The inclusion of Tyjae Spears has allowed Pollard some breathing room, while Will Levis, returning from a shoulder injury, added a new dimension to the attack. Levis was effective in his agility, contributing 41 rushing yards alongside the team’s average of 6.3 yards per carry.
However, concerns remain about the right side of the Titans’ offensive line, especially at right tackle, as they struggle to find consistent pass protection without incurring penalties. Leroy Watson IV, who made his third start in this role against the Chargers, nearly cost the Titans valuable yardage with consecutive penalties during the second quarter. A face mask violation and a false start led to the team missing a 49-yard field goal attempt.
In terms of individual performances, Simmons continues to be a standout player despite not receiving credit for what would have been a season-highlight play. He seeks to improve his season total, currently at three sacks. Meanwhile, Levis, despite achieving his best passer rating of the season and matching his high for touchdown passes with two, faced difficulties, getting sacked seven times—just one shy of his career worst from earlier in September. The second-year quarterback could benefit the offense by making quicker decisions and understanding when to throw the ball away instead of taking unnecessary hits.
Fortunately, the Titans concluded the game with no new injuries. Coach Callahan mentioned that cornerback L’Jarius Sneed remains week-to-week while Chidobe Awuzie appears to be nearing a return from the injured reserve list.
A key statistic to note is that the Titans played the entire match without a turnover, showcasing marked improvement in that area. Moving forward, the Titans need to assess potential right tackle options they haven’t yet explored and focus on improving their second-half scoring, which has been lacking. A victory against the Minnesota Vikings (7-2) on Sunday would allow the Titans to achieve consecutive home wins for the first time since the previous season.