NASHVILLE, Tenn.
— The Tennessee Titans are grappling with noticeable challenges particularly in the second halves of their games, with their performance contributing to a disappointing 2-7 record.
On Wednesday, defensive lineman and two-time Pro Bowler Jeffery Simmons emphasized the team’s need to improve their finish, stating, “Especially in the second half of our games, it’s like we’re not finishing. We have to be able to suffocate teams for four quarters.”
This pressure is compounded by an underperforming offense that struggles to score after the initial kickoff, particularly in the latter half of games. Currently, the Titans sit at 27th in the NFL, averaging a meager 17.4 points per game.
In the fourth quarter, often referred to as “closing time,” Tennessee has performed the worst in the league, managing only an average of 2.9 points. Most of their limited production came during their most considerable victory on September 30 in Miami, where they managed to score 12 of their total 26 fourth-quarter points, in addition to a late touchdown during a loss to the Chargers last week.
First-year head coach Brian Callahan acknowledged the team’s need for improvement in their second-half scoring capabilities. He noted, “We’ve been in position to score those and we haven’t and thus have not won as many games as I think we are capable of winning. But that’s going to be big.”
A more productive offense could also help if they minimize their penalties, turnovers, and sacks, as they currently have one of the worst turnover margins in the league, surpassed only by Las Vegas. Quarterback Will Levis has been sacked an average of 3.6 times per game and the team had nine penalties in their most recent outing.
Levis has faced additional hurdles this season, having to adapt to a new offensive scheme under Callahan. He also dealt with a shoulder injury early in the game against Miami, and upon his return post the Week 5 bye, it became evident that he wasn’t completely healthy, which was showcased by a late interception in a subsequent loss to the Colts.
During the three games he was absent, backup Mason Rudolph led the Titans to a 1-2 record before Levis returned. Last week against the Chargers, Levis demonstrated growth by completing 78.3% of his passes, proving to be more comfortable in his role. This outing marked the Titans’ first game without a turnover this season.
The final touchdown Levis threw came with 49 seconds remaining, mildly reassuring for fans questioning its significance amidst a challenging scenario. “The quarterback’s job is to lead us down and score points, and we need to do more of that to give ourselves a chance to win,” Callahan remarked about Levis.
In terms of upcoming challenges, the Titans face the Minnesota Vikings, who have one of the most formidable defenses in the NFL, allowing an average of only 17.4 points per game. Levis acknowledged that the Vikings’ defensive schemes offer a variety of looks, making it crucial for the offense to stay disciplined and consistently execute their responsibilities.
“At the end of the day, it’s going to be more so our jobs, our responsibilities and everyone getting to the right space at the right time,” Levis explained as the Titans prepare for their next clash.