I said before the season started that it could get ugly before it gets better. Well, things are ugly. As a matter of fact, we might be at the ugliest stage of ugly right now. There isn’t anywhere else to go but up, and I’m going to tell you how it can happen.
We have to play a clean game offensively
The Titans have turned the ball over multiple times in each of their first 3 games this season. While Will Levis is progressing on a game-to-game basis, he has to clean up the turnovers. I refuse to put today’s loss against the Packers solely on Levis, but everything starts with him. If he protects the football, the Titans will have a legitimate chance to get on track.
Levis has to be protected at all costs
The offensive line has gotten worse each week. Today’s performance looked all too familiar in the worst way. The offensive line gave up 8 sacks, and right tackle Nicholas Petit Frere was benched in the process. Green Bay relentlessly applied pressure on the right side of the offensive line. I expect that to be the plan of attack for opposing defenses going forward. We’re only 3 games in, but the right side of the offensive line has a glaring weakness. Hopefully it’s a chemistry issue and not a talent issue. Either way, if the right side improves, Levis should have more time to operate.
Cut the foolishness on special teams
Thankfully, there were no punts blocked today. Even with that, there was still an episode of foolishness on special teams. For the 2nd week in a row, Jeffery Simmons has been penalized on a crucial down. During today’s game, he was flagged for holding during a field goal attempt by Green Bay. It was very undisciplined, and Simmons has to stop bailing out opposing offense. The defense gave up points due to both of his penalties. Special teams have to improve in order for the Titans to stay in games.
Brian Callahan has to find out what this team does the best and fully commit to it
I’m not going to be the one who trashes the play calling. I mean no matter what the play call is, if it isn’t executed properly, it’s not going to work. What I will say is, Callahan must find out what the offense does best and lean on it. The defense is good when they are rested. The issues for them come into play when they are on the field longer than the offense.
Will Levis had some success throwing to his tight ends and DeAndre Hopkins today. I say utilize more 2 TE sets and feed Hopkins as much as possible. The Titans have a lot of mouths to feed, but I don’t think any of those guys will complain if they start winning games. The Titans don’t have anyone that is a threat to opposing defenses. In order for the offense to open up, somebody has to be identified as a threat. Once a threat is identified, opportunities will become available for everyone else.
#TitanUp
