NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans are facing an unexpected situation as they grapple with a disappointing 1-6 record, marking their worst start since 2015. Now, the team’s main goal is to reclaim some semblance of a successful season.
Significant investments were made in free agency and the draft to aid first-year head coach Brian Callahan in building a competitive roster. On Monday, Callahan acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating that their efforts have yet to yield proof of progress. He emphasized that he did not demand trust and that there would be no attempts to lessen the reality of their situation, as noted by Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk.
“It’s a production-based business, and currently, our production isn’t on par,” Callahan remarked. “We’re at 1-6, and that’s simply the reality. However, I truly believe in our direction and our methodology, and I’m confident that it will ultimately yield results.”
The 2015 season, which saw a similar rocky start, resulted in Ken Whisenhunt being let go 23 games into his coaching tenure. Now, the challenge for the Titans revolves around Strunk’s ongoing commitment to a second-year general manager paired with a first-year coach, especially given the lack of results thus far.
The Titans have suffered considerable defeats recently, being outscored 86-24 across their last two away games, including a 52-14 loss to the Detroit Lions—one of the franchise’s most significant blowouts since rebranding as the Titans in 1999.
Any signs of improvement are being overshadowed by turnovers, penalties, and various mistakes. Currently, only the Carolina Panthers (1-7) possess a worse record, while the Titans sit with a mere 2% chance of making the playoffs, the lowest in the AFC.
On the positive side, the defense has been performing well, beginning games strongly by forcing a three-and-out on the Lions’ opening possession. They achieved three sacks in the first quarter and finished with four overall. Their stats show they have allowed a league-low average of 265.4 yards per game and just 151.6 passing yards.
However, four turnovers, along with issues in special teams, have frequently left the defense in tough positions. The Titans conceded five touchdowns, but the longest of those drives was only 26 yards long.
The special teams need significant improvement. They allowed a 72-yard kickoff return and 190 yards in punt returns, including a 90-yard touchdown return by former Titans player Kalif Raymond. The Titans are ranked last in the league, granting an average of 18.2 yards on punt returns and are second to last in kickoff return coverage. Although punter Ryan Stonehouse has a strong leg, there is a need for better angling of his kicks to support his teammates. Callahan mentioned the lack of adequate hangtime, with it averaging around four seconds, which is insufficient.
To address these issues, Callahan plans to analyze film with special teams coordinator Colt Anderson to identify possible adjustments to their strategies. He also defended Anderson, noting that changes in personnel were necessary after some early-season blocked punts. This shift, unfortunately, affected speed and coverage capabilities.
In individual performances, Calvin Ridley, the highly sought-after free agent, had a standout game, recording his best performance in a season. He successfully caught all passes thrown to him in the first quarter for a total of 118 yards and ended the match with a season-high of ten receptions for 143 yards. This performance marked a stark improvement, considering he was targeted 23 times in prior games but managed only five catches totaling 26 yards.
Conversely, Mason Rudolph, the backup quarterback, demonstrated some capability in advancing the offense and accumulating yards, though he was intercepted twice, including one throw that showcased poor decision-making when targeting a receiver. He concluded with a 57.9% completion rate and was unable to capitalize on several first-and-goal opportunities from the 1-yard line at the end of the first half.
Injury updates indicate that Callahan is hopeful that quarterback Will Levis may be nearing full recovery after missing two games due to a sprained right AC joint in his throwing shoulder. No new injuries were reported from the latest game, though the team will monitor the potential returns of cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (quadriceps) and running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring), both out for two weeks.
A key statistic highlights that the Titans have committed 16 turnovers this season, ranking second to last in the NFL. With only three takeaways, they are tied with the Raiders in turnover margin.
Looking ahead, the Titans will strive for their first home win of the season as they face the New England Patriots (2-6) this Sunday before heading out to confront the Los Angeles Chargers. Their current trajectory suggests they may soon be focusing on a high draft pick come April rather than playoff aspirations.