The Tennessee Titans once again looked like they might keep it a close game early in their matchup against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. But it was short lived as the Titans remembered who they are, and everyone forgot how to play.
At first, the defense looked like it might not be hampered by the loss of Ernest Jones IV when Arden Key stepped up with a couple of early sacks. Unfortunately, that was the end of it. The Titans can’t seem to figure out how to play past halftime, and on Sunday even the second quarter was a struggle. It was a very frustrating game to watch with lots of groans, head shaking and loads of desire to shut it off.
Let’s take a look at how we graded the Titans in their loss to the Lions on Sunday.
Offense: F
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There’s not much to say about an offense that puts up 416 yards in a game, but only records two touchdowns. Of the Titan’s eight penalties, seven were on the offense. Those penalties resulted in almost 50 yards lost. Add in four turnovers and now you know how the Lions had 200 fewer yards and still blew the Titans out of the water.
Defense: D
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The only reason the defense isn’t getting a failing grade is because Arden Key did have two sacks early in the game, plus they were more short-handed than they usually are with the loss of Ernest Jones IV. Jack Gibbens stepped up in a big way, but the rest of the defensive front did not play well. Tackles were missed all over the field, specifically in the secondary, and they did not create a single turnover.
Special Teams: D
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Special teams was harder to grade this week because Ryan Stonehouse, Nick Folk and Jha’Quan Jackson all did their jobs well. The problem was with blocking and tackling. Jackson’s return average was down, averaging just eight yards per return on punts, and one kickoff return for 29 yards. On top of that, they let the Lions return one punt for 90 yards for a touchdown and return a kickoff for 72 yards. The Lions average punt return was 38 yards on Sunday, giving them fantastic field position every single time the offense went on the field.
Coaching: F
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Not much to say here. No adjustments are being made in the middle of games. Brian Callahan, Dennard Wilson, Nick Holz and Colt Anderson are doing nothing to affect the outcome of the game. Callahan is the most to blame, although Anderson has some questions to answer after his unit played the worst its played all season. It was all awful.
Overall: F
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The Titans 2024 season is essentially over. They aren’t playing well, they don’t look like they care on the field anymore, the players are frustrated, and the coaches aren’t doing anything about it. Moving players around, trading for draft picks, it all shows that the administration isn’t focused on 2024 anymore. The next seven weeks are going to be difficult for Titans fans.
