NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans have seen their playoff aspirations dashed earlier in the season than they’ve experienced since 2015, when a coach was dismissed midseason.
In his inaugural year, the organization’s third head coach since then is now focused on laying the groundwork for the future.
The challenge is compounded by the fact that team management is also trying to sell expensive tickets for a new enclosed stadium that is set to open in 2027.
Brian Callahan, the head coach, commented on Monday that he realizes the NFL operates on a results-oriented basis but does not feel as though he is coaching for his own job. The Titans, currently standing at 3-10, saw their postseason chances evaporate following a 10-6 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars—marking an earlier elimination than in 2023, which ultimately led to Mike Vrabel’s resignation.
“I’m not naive and I don’t like to bury my head in the sand,” said Callahan. “I understand how the business works, but that’s not something I’ve concentrated on.”
Callahan mentioned he had been upfront with the team, which now occupies the bottom position in the AFC South. The focus has now shifted to building a strong foundation for future success.
“How we finish the season matters,” he affirmed.
Looking at the positives, the Titans’ defense showed resilience, especially considering three starters were unavailable due to injuries. Despite facing a backup quarterback, the defense managed to limit the Jaguars to a season-low point total and grabbed two interceptions, helping the team win the turnover battle, an area where they’ve struggled all season.
However, all the points allowed came in the fourth quarter, prompting safety Amani Hooker to emphasize the need for the defense to focus inward as they approach the final four games of the season.
On the other hand, the offense has been struggling. They failed to reach the end zone and recorded a season-low score. The Titans turned the ball over on downs twice within the Jaguars’ 9-yard line and only managed two field goals from Nick Folk against a defense that had been performing poorly in terms of yards and points allowed.
Callahan’s choice to attempt a pass following a turnover just before halftime left quarterback Will Levis under duress, resulting in shoulder pain from a sacked throw, which is concerning given that he had previously missed three games due to a shoulder injury.
Key opportunities were missed as well, including Levis failing to connect with a wide-open Chig Okonkwo in the end zone. Towards the end of the game, he also had chances to throw quicker balls to Calvin Ridley and missed a crucial fourth-down pass to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine in the end zone.
When it comes to individual performances, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, who was signed as a free agent in March, made a strong comeback after being sidelined since September 22 due to a groin injury. He recorded the Titans’ first interception of the season upon his return.
However, right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere has struggled, tied for the team lead with nine penalties, and has been particularly troublesome, with two costly penalties against the Jaguars impacting drive efficiency.
Injury-wise, Callahan expressed optimism about Levis, who managed to complete the game, although more information will be available on Wednesday. Additionally, cornerback Roger McCreary, who has been dealing with a shoulder issue, may return to practice this week.
With only two home games left this season, the Titans could be on track to match a franchise low for wins at Nissan Stadium, a record set during the bleak stretch from 2014 to 2015.
Going forward, the team needs to demonstrate improvement on offense, given that only the New England Patriots and the New York Giants are scoring fewer points per game than Tennessee’s average of 17.5. Finding the end zone more frequently will be essential as they prepare for an upcoming rematch against Cincinnati, led by Callahan’s former boss, Zac Taylor, this Sunday.
