The Tennessee Titans have seen their playoff hopes extinguished earlier than any season since 2015, when the franchise made the decision to fire a coach midseason. In his first year at the helm, head coach Brian Callahan is now focused on laying the groundwork for the team’s future.
The Titans (3-10) were eliminated from postseason contention following a narrow 10-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, marking an earlier end to their playoff aspirations than in 2023. This defeat also contributed to the dismissal of former coach Mike Vrabel.
“I’m not naive and I don’t like to stick my head in the sand,” Callahan said on Monday. “I understand how all of it works, but that’s not anything I’ve focused on.”
Currently sitting at the bottom of the AFC South, Callahan emphasized the importance of finishing the season strong and building a solid foundation for the future. “How we finish the season matters,” he stated.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The Titans’ defense showed resilience despite missing three starters due to injury, holding the Jaguars to a season-low in points, even against a backup quarterback. They also achieved two interceptions, winning the turnover battle for a team that has struggled in that area this season. However, all ten points allowed came in the fourth quarter, prompting safety Amani Hooker to note the need for the defense to focus on their own performance as they approach the final four games.
In stark contrast, the offense struggled significantly, failing to find the end zone and finishing with a season-low in points. The Titans turned the ball over on downs twice within the Jaguars’ nine-yard line, managing only two field goals against a defense that had previously ranked last in the NFL for yards allowed per game. Callahan’s decision to attempt a pass after a takeaway at the end of the first half resulted in quarterback Will Levis suffering a painful hit to his right shoulder, the same shoulder that had sidelined him for three games earlier this season.
Levis missed a wide-open Chig Okonkwo in the end zone and failed to capitalize on opportunities to connect with Calvin Ridley, who was also available for a crucial first down late in the game.
Player Updates
Stock Up: Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, a key free agent signing, returned from a groin injury to record the Titans’ first interception of the season.
Stock Down: Right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere has struggled, tying for the team lead with nine penalties, several of which have halted drives. His penalties included two against the Jaguars, one of which turned a fourth-and-10 into a fourth-and-15 situation on the Titans’ final offensive play.
Injury Report: Callahan expects Levis to be fine after he completed the game, with further updates anticipated on Wednesday. Cornerback Roger McCreary (shoulder) may also return after missing practice last week.
Looking Ahead
With only two home games remaining, the Titans are at risk of matching the franchise low for home wins at Nissan Stadium, set in 2014 and 2015. To improve their scoring, the Titans need to find offensive rhythm, as they currently rank among the lowest in the league at 17.5 points per game. They face a challenging matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, where Callahan will be up against his former boss, Zac Taylor.
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