The Tennessee Titans swelled like a wave in the first half of their season opener against the Chicago Bears, looking like they were going to dominate the Bears at Soldier Field. Then halftime hit and that wave came crashing down like a tidal wave, crushing Titans fans’ optimism as they watched their team implode in a 24-17 loss.
The Titans learned a lot about themselves in that loss. The defense was the lone bright spot during the game as both of the Bears’ touchdowns came when the defense was off the field. A pick-6 from Will Levis and a blocked punt were part of the Bears’ 21 unanswered second-half points. Head coach Brian Callahan failed to make any impactful adjustments to head off the Bears attack, and Levis may have had more jitters than he let on.
As we enter Week 2, here’s a look at where the Titans place in a multitude of power rankings.
Nate Davis, USA TODAY: 29 (-1)
Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK
Given the lack of spice in the passing game Sunday (104 net yards, 2 INTs), maybe QB Will Levis should switch from mayo to sriracha?
Barry Werner, List Wire: 30 (-3)
Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Titans’ offense was offensive. Their special teams allowed the Bears a touchdown. Tennessee blew a 17-0 lead while smothering rookie Caleb Williams. Will Levis may not be a solution.
NFL Nation, ESPN: 27 (-3)
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Best newcomer performance: DL T’Vondre Sweat
Sweat didn’t post any stats in the box score, but the big rookie had an impact. “[He] really showed up for us both in the run and the pass game,” Titans coach Brian Callahan said. “He’s been rising I think ever since he’s gotten here.” Any concerns about Sweat’s conditioning can be put to bed, as he played 67% of Tennessee’s defensive snaps.
Anthony DiBona, Pro Football Network: 28 (-1)
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Anthony DiBona, Pro Football Network:
It was a tale of two halves for the Titans against the Bears.
At the break, Tennessee led 17-3 and seemed to be clicking on all cylinders in the Windy Cindy.
New addition Tony Pollard scored on a 26-yard scamper, and Will Levis threw a dot to Chigoziem Okonkwo for his first score of the year.
The Titans’ defense also made life tough on Caleb Williams in his NFL debut, as he failed to reach 100 yards passing and was sacked twice. Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat made it a tough day for center Coleman Shelton specifically, as Williams had pressure in his face nearly all game.
It didn’t matter, however, as Chicago’s defense and special teams took over, with each scoring a touchdown while blanking Tennessee in the second half.
Under first-year head coach Brian Callahan, the Titans will need to learn how to keep the pedal down. And despite having their home opener in Week 2, things could prove difficult with the Titans facing a staunch Jets defense at Nissan Stadium.
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: 27 (-5)
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Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News:
The Titans’ new-look defense came through well and the offense was looking good for a while in the first second-year game for Will Levis. One special teams miscue and one errant pass by Levis allowed them to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Frank Schwab, Yahoo! Sports: 28 (NC)
Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
The bad news was Will Levis throwing the game away on a pick 6 with a backhanded flip that was one of the worst plays you’ll ever see an NFL quarterback make. The good news was Tennessee’s defense. The Titans were a big reason the Bears had just 148 yards. The defensive line in particular might be pretty good.
Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk: 28 (-2)
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Diante Lee, The Ringer: 26 (-5)
Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK
Before Levis crumbled against Chicago in the fourth quarter, Tennessee was doing all the things you’d like to see out of a scrappy, young, rebuilding team. Rookie offensive tackle JC Latham gave his offense instant value with his run blocking, and the Titans seemed to find a rhythm in running the ball. The defensive line played well, consistently winning at the point of attack in the run game and making Chicago quarterback Caleb Wiliams uncomfortable in the pocket. The biggest issue I saw in Week 1 was Levis’s decision-making in crunch time. After he flashed some arm talent and athleticism in the first half, the poor management of the tight pockets and narrow throwing windows led to multiple turnovers and ultimately the Titans’ loss. Moving forward, the Titans should consider using Levis on more designed runs and moving him out of the pocket to simplify decisions for him.
