The Tennessee Titans were embarrassed 52-14 by the Detroit Lions Sunday at Ford Field in the Motor City.
This is the latest debacle in what has become an extremely disappointing 2024 season. The Titans appear to be headed into major rebuild mode and suffering through a comedy of errors every time they take the field.
The Titans are a bad football team in every measurable facet of the game. Even the defense, that had been a strength, could not compete at a high level after repeatedly being put in harm’s way in this contest.
All is not lost, though, and some players stood out. Here’s a quick summary of this week’s stock report after the latest debacle.
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Though it made little difference between turnovers and special teams breakdowns, Calvin Ridley had his best game with the Titans. In all, he pulled in 10 balls for 143 yards and looked like a different player. He did lose a fumble on an ill-fated reverse, but the game was already decided at that point and it did not factor into the final score. With DeAndre Hopkins now in Kansas City, the Titans needed a receiver to step up and he did.
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Many thought Mason Rudolph would shine in the absence of Will Levis by adding a veteran presence that was not a highlight reel of futility. Unfortunately, he has proven that isn’t the case. He did go 22-of-38 for 268 yards with one touchdown and added a second rushing touchdown, but both of his two interceptions were backbreakers and balls that should not have been thrown. If he isn’t going to protect the ball, then the team should definitely stick with Levis when he returns, at least he has inexperience as an excuse for his mistakes.
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Key was all over the field on Sunday racking up nine total tackles and two sacks. This game, coming off a solid Week 8 performance against the Buffalo Bills, has been his best stretch in some time and gives the Titans two dynamic edge players. The defense was better than the score indicated, and Key led that effort.
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Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons was disappointing at best on Sunday, consistently being pushed around in the run game and did not set the tone for the Titans. His stat line of seven total tackles and one sack weren’t bad, but one check of social media and you will see multiple clips of him being manhandled and blown off the ball. For the Titans to win, the defense must dominate, and Simmons did not do that.
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For a second consecutive week, Stonehouse was the most consistent weapon for the Titans. His game would have been even better if the Titans coverage teams could tackle or at least put up some kind of resistance against the opponent. In all, he averaged 49.3 yards on his six punts.
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The rookie cornerback has been above the line for most of the season and in this one, his youth and inexperience came out. Forced into being the Titans number one cornerback with L’Jarius Sneed on the shelf, he could not hold up. In one sequence, he got called for a facemask and pass interference on the same play. Incredible! Brownlee may have had a rough outing and his stock fell, but overall he is looking up.
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In many ways, Pollard was the safest aspect of the offense on Sunday. While many will say his 20 carries for 94 yards were meaningless, his day could have been even better if the coaching staff had used him more and in the right way. In a game where ball control was going to be key, the pass-happy approach early dug a hole that the Titans could not overcome. Pollard continues to be the only positive on offense and is succeeding where others fail.
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I’m not sure if the right tackle position is cursed, but something is plaguing that spot, and it happened again on Sunday. Watson got his second start and was bad, multiple penalties that wiped out big plays, poor pass protection, and just inconsistent play across the board. Watson (and the rest of the unit) must be better. Unfortunately, for Watson, his performance likely means a one-way ticket to the bench next week.
