‘The more things change’ in Tennessee?

The Titans struggled offensively against the New Orleans Saints in Week 1.

As the season’s opening game against the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome edged closer, confidence in a retooled Titans had begun to mount. Ahead of kick-off, the spread slowly tightened as Tennessee’s fanbase became evermore vocal that mainstream media and pundits alike were sleeping on the team who had suffered a seven-game losing streak to close out last season.

A faltering start

In their first trip down to Louisiana since 2015, the first minute of gameplay alone would encapsulate a frustrating Titans performance – chiefly, a solid defense and a shaky offense.

With one of their healthiest squads in years, the Titans lined up against the Saints who were boasting new QB Derek Carr and were without suspended RB Alvin Kamara. An immediate fumble recovery by Amani Hooker from the kick-off gave the Titans a promising start at the 24-yard line. An encouraging start, which then ultimately failed to produce a touchdown.

It was loud in the Superdome, which made things challenging for the Titans, and as they failed to get anything going in this first drive, they settled for a field goal by recent signing, Nick Folk.

The veteran kicker would end up being the only player to put points on the board for Tennessee, as they would eventually succumb 16-15.

Different, but the same

Hopes had been high for the Titans offense as the season drew nearer – a revamped offensive line; a healthy Ryan Tannehill fired up by two younger QBs hot on his tail for the starting gig; the acquisition of wideout DeAndre Hopkins and Tim Kelly’s first season as offensive coordinator, stepping up from his previous role as passing game coordinator.

Disappointingly then, the Titans stumbled offensively in this game. For all their issues too, there would also be clear wasted chances to add more than a trio of points at a time on the board.

Completing 16 out of 34 passes, Tannehill threw three interceptions and, as exasperation manifested, also overthrew twice on evident touchdown opportunities. One of which, via a trick play which would have made a highlight reel had it been profitable, was intended for budding breakout TE Chigoziem Okonkwo who was targeted just twice during the encounter. Given how close the tie was, either connection would have sealed a victory for Mike Vrabel’s men.

Elsewhere in the passing game, Hopkins led the WR corps with a total of 65 yards, but there were times when he and Tannehill weren’t on the same page and passes came when DHop wasn’t the right target and was covered. Treylon Burks, expected to have a pivotal second year, was healthy in time for the match, producing 18 yards from 2 receptions, with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine clocking 58 yards, including a 22-yard gain, from 4 receptions.

On the ground, Derrick Henry looked as commanding as ever, with 43 rushing yards, but tallied more in receiving yards with 56. Expect to see more of Tennessee using Henry in different types of play, particularly as they develop rookie RB Tyjae Spears, who gained 27 yards from 3 carries in his debut, although ‘The King’ was only in for 30 snaps versus Spears’s 34. Julius Chestnut, who impressed in the preseason, played 4 snaps in total.

Defense

Away from the focus and criticisms on offense, the defense delivered overall. In the first half, they totalled four sacks against Carr, and limited him to just one touchdown (the only one of the game) out of four visits to the red zone. 

Elsewhere, Kevin Byard made a total nine tackles and almost had a potential defensive touchdown via a return. A strip-sack by Arden Key, who looks set to present concern for opposing QBs this season, led to an incomplete pass – or fumble, depending on your viewpoint – which Byard scooped up before the play was called dead. If not for the heat the offense is drawing this week, this officiating decision would no doubt be a bigger talking point.

The Titans run defense remains strong, but they will be tested more by RB Austin Ekeler (pending the severity of his ankle injury from the Miami game) when the LA Chargers visit Nashville next week than they were by former-Lion Jamaal Williams down in New Orleans.

Titan-ing up back in Nashville

Granted Tennessee lost by only one point without scoring a touchdown, the fact remains that they looked rattled on offense. Coach Vrabel isn’t going to move on from Tannehill after just one bad game, but it does stoke the debate on whether Malik Willis, or even Will Levis, will be given the signal caller starter job within the coming weeks.

That Tannehill didn’t play a snap in pre-season is perhaps a moot point at this stage. Either way, the offensive line and repeated collapse of the pocket forced Tannehill to move and also resulted in three sacks, something which analysts should take note of when reviewing Number 17’s outing this week.

A repeat performance this week will not only generate similar displeasure for a second week and intensify calls for a change at QB, but will also place a greater spotlight on Tim Kelly, having had no touchdowns in his first game at the helm. Attention too will be on the frequency and ways in which Henry is deployed as well as (and alongside) Spears.

It’s only one week into the season of course, but in this league every week counts, particularly for a franchise determined to prove a point and reclaim their division title. As the Titans welcome Justin Herbert and the Chargers to Nissan Stadium in Week 2, who themselves will be looking to bounce back following their home defeat to the Dolphins, it’s the offense that needs addressing – and quickly too.