NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Titans head coach Brian Callahan is acutely aware of the difficulties that come with being part of a coaching staff in its inaugural season with an NFL team. Now in the midst of this challenging experience, he is actively searching for a right tackle and assessing a second-year quarterback navigating a new offensive scheme. With a current record of 1-5, the Titans are facing their poorest start since 2015, when the team parted ways with Ken Whisenhunt after a 1-6 beginning to his second year. This Sunday, the Titans will face the Detroit Lions, who sport a 5-2 record, with Tennessee entering as considerable 11.5-point underdogs as per BetMGM.
“Having experienced similar situations gives me hope that firstly, I can manage it, and secondly, I’ve seen this scenario before,” Callahan remarked on Monday. “I at least have some guidance on what it may entail and how to navigate through it. However, every new program presents its own trials, and we have not efficiently managed some of these challenges across the board. We must devise better ways to address them.”
The Titans are also eager to uncover the potential of quarterback Will Levis. General manager Ran Carthon made a significant move by trading up to select Levis with the 33rd overall pick in his first draft with the team in 2023. So far, Levis’ starting record stands at 4-10, and he is acknowledged for the team’s sole win this season, which was aided by backup Mason Rudolph stepping in for the final three quarters of the game against Miami. Callahan confirmed that team owner Amy Adams Strunk is on board with the strategy to evaluate Levis through the course of the season.
Levis was sidelined during the Titans’ 34-10 defeat to Buffalo due to a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder, which he previously played through in a loss to Indianapolis. That game marked Tennessee’s third consecutive home loss, leaving them winless on their turf. Fans who were eager to see Rudolph in action witnessed his struggles, including one interception and the mishandling of one of three fumbles. “We are not in a favorable position in terms of our record, and the injury does not assist the situation,” Callahan stated. “The moment he is back to full health, we intend for him to resume playing, and we hope that happens sooner rather than later.”
On the positive side, while the defense could benefit from more sacks and takeaways, it remains effective in offering the offense opportunities to secure victories. Against Buffalo, the defense forced three consecutive three-and-outs at the outset, allowing Tennessee to claim an early 10-0 lead. They continue to hold the top spot in the NFL for the fewest yards allowed, averaging only 277.2 total yards per game. Even though Josh Allen’s contributions caused a drop to third in terms of pass defense, the Titans are still limiting opponents to just 166.7 yards through the air.
Conversely, the offense is facing significant struggles. Changing quarterbacks has not improved the team’s ability to remain on the field or put points on the scoreboard during the second half of games, nor has it prevented additional sacks—a total of three in their recent matchup. The Titans find themselves second to last in the league for total yards per game (259.2) and are averaging only 145.8 passing yards while suffering their second lopsided loss of the season.
In terms of individual performances, kicker Nick Folk is experiencing a notable uptick. He has consistently met his personal benchmarks, setting an NFL record by converting 80 consecutive field goals from within 40 yards. He has also achieved an impressive streak of 18 consecutive successful field goals, marking the fifth-longest run of his career.
On the flip side, the question of who can reliably fulfill the right tackle position continues to plague the Titans. After starting Nicholas Petit-Frere in the first four games, the team shifted to Leroy Watson IV, who also could not solidify the spot following a recent loss to Indianapolis. Jaelyn Duncan, the third player to step into the role against Buffalo, left the game after just four snaps due to a hamstring injury, leading to Petit-Frere’s return. Watson and John Ojukwu are now poised to vie for the position, but the Titans are considering external options as well.
Injury updates reveal that Duncan will be sidelined for this week’s game due to his hamstring issue. Callahan indicated that running back Tyjae Spears might return after missing last week with a hamstring injury, while Levis is scheduled for evaluation on Wednesday, though he may remain out owing to the shoulder injury he sustained on September 30 in Miami.
A pivotal statistic to note is the Titans’ turnover count, which currently stands at 12. With only three takeaways throughout the season, they sit near the bottom of the league in turnover margin, sharing the undesirable ranking with the Raiders.
Looking ahead, the immediate goal for the Titans is securing a victory as soon as possible, with their best chance likely coming on November 3 when they host the struggling New England team (1-6). Following that, they will be challenged with a tough schedule that includes five of their next seven games on the road. The Titans’ playoff hopes have dropped significantly, now sitting at a meager 5%, as the franchise appears closer to missing postseason contention and potentially securing a top-five draft pick for the first time since 2017.