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Titans tight end Nick Vannett tries to avoid a tackle in the Titans 34-10 loss to the Bills.
Photo: Timothy T. Ludwig / Getty Images
Another game filled with promise, another game where the offense underachieves. The Tennessee Titans dropped to 1-5 Sunday after a loss to the Buffalo Bills, surely ending their chance at the playoffs. There have been some bright spots so far this year, but overall, the first season for head coach Brian Callahan has been a disappointment.
Game Recap
The Titans controlled the first half, dominating the first quarter to head into the locker rooms with a 10-7 lead. Bills star QB Josh Allen had just 55 passing yards at the half, and Buffalo needed two big plays to score their lone touchdown against the excellent Tennessee defense. That’s about all the Titans could get going. With Will Levis out due to a shoulder injury, Mason Rudolph got the start and failed to do much of anything. Allen awoke after the break, leading two dominant touchdown drives and one that ended in a field goal, putting the Bills up 24-10. The Titans offense was still unable to do anything, giving the ball right back for a field goal. Mason Rudolph then led a garbage time drive into Buffalo territory, but threw an interception to seal the deal and sum up the season so far. The Bills added a TD on top of it, and that was that. The boys in two-tone blue were blown out, 34-10.
Game Observations
The defense is a top-3 unit in the league, but defenses don’t win games anymore.
I love the Titans defense this year. Though he was out today, CB L’Jarius Sneed has been a shutdown #1 option, and Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat have formed a daunting duo in the middle of the line. Harold Landry has been awesome off the edge, and the rest of the unit has played great. But this is 2024. A great defense won’t win games. The offense has failed to show up and it is taking away from what the D has done.
Take the recent Texas-Georgia game for example. The Longhorns defense had Carson Beck puzzled all game with just 187 passing yards and picked him off three times. However, Steve Sarkisian, Quinn Ewers (and Arch Manning), and the offense failed to do anything in the first half, going down 23-0. While they picked it up and outplayed Georgia in the second half, the deficit was too big. The Horns O turned the ball over, giving the Dawgs great field position and failed to capitalize off of Beck’s mistakes. The Texas defense did what they could, but the offense dug the hole and couldn’t get out. This is the same with the Titans.
Mason Rudolph is not the guy.
I love Will Levis and his upside, and want him to succeed. He’s nursing his shoulder injury and was ruled out, so Rudolph started today. After taking over for Will vs. the Dolphins and leading the Titans to their first win, maybe he could do something right? Wrong. Watching him play makes me want to go blind. It is straight up disgusting. Yes, the offensive line sucks, but some of the throws Rudolph made were atrocious. With a 1-5 team, at least I get some excitement for Levis’ arm talent and natural athleticism despite his decision making. It was just revolting to watch Rudolph play today. Hse has no upside, no arm talent, and no athleticism. Now I can see my friends who are Patriots fans pain about Jacoby Brissett. Get well soon Will.
It’s time to tank.
We've got to get a good draft pick. Brian Callahan will not get fired. GM Ran Carthon will not get fired. Ran does have to build up this offensive line because that has been the biggest issue in my opinion, but people need to have patience. Mike Vrabel oversaw a chaotic collapse and a horrific season the past two years. While players were acquired this past offseason, there is more work to be done to get back into contention. Coach Cally will oversee the team the next couple years and if nothing happens then come talk to me. For the rest of this year, the focus should be with Levis and his development, as well as just trying to score points by utilizing dynamic playmakers like WR Calvin Ridley and RB’s Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. Also, getting a high draft pick is a priority, but seeing what the current roster has is more important.
Final Thoughts
Yes, I am skipping the stats today. They aren’t noteworthy at all. Aside from Rudolph getting some passing yards in garbage time, there was nothing that important. The season is most likely over, but the next few weeks will be important to see how Callahan handles them. Whether it is Levis improving, Callahan calling better games, the defense still playing great, or the development of rookies like Sweat and LT JC Latham, there are still key things to watch in Titans games. If Tennessee is able to still get a good pick while showing some hope for the future, there's still something to keep me watching.
Until next time, #TitanUp!
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