The Titans are heading into Week 4 with no margin for error and not much optimism, either. Tennessee sits at 0-3 after a 12-7 loss to the New York Giants, and now the road gets even steeper with a trip to face the Baltimore Ravens, one of the AFC’s top contenders.
What makes the start sting even more is how close Tennessee has come without ever getting over the hump. The Titans have lost their last two games by one score and both ended in crushing fashion.
Against the Philadelphia Eagles, Jalen Hurts hit Darius Cooper for a touchdown with under ten seconds left to seal it. Then in Week 3 against New York, Tennessee had a chance to put together a game-winning drive before Cam Ward threw an interception in the end zone to Jevon Holland.
That finish drew sharp criticism from around the league. Nick Shook wrote, "A second straight rainy Sunday at MetLife Stadium claimed the Titans’ offense as its victim.
Tennessee finally found some life late in its Week 3 loss to the Giants, but Cam Ward -- who has experienced a rough start to his sophomore season -- made a horrendous decision, throwing an end zone interception to a lurking Jevon Holland to seal another defeat. Tennessee is currently on a one step forward, two steps back pacing that doesn’t lead me to believe it'll suddenly improve any time soon."
Conor Orr took the same gloomy view, saying, "I’m legitimately sad for Cam Ward, who had two chances for signature moments stolen in crunch time in subsequent weeks. The Eagles game at the hands of Jalen Hurts and the Giants game coming on one of the most ill-advised passes you’ll see. The kid is tough, but he could have used that touchdown to get an irritable fanbase off his back."
Turron Davenport focused on the fantasy angle and the early returns for Robinson. He noted that there really wasn’t much expected fantasy-wise for Titans players, though Robinson had drawn interest because he had 90-plus receptions in each of the past two seasons in New York under Brian Daboll, now Tennessee’s OC.
Through three games, Robinson has 13 catches on 18 targets for 104 yards and a touchdown. He was targeted 11 times against the Giants, so a turnaround may be coming.
For now, though, the bigger picture is bleak. Tennessee has shown some life and some signs of progress, but not nearly enough to convince anyone that a steady turnaround is around the corner. The power rankings reflect that reality, with experts essentially burying the Titans until further notice.
The next two games could make things even uglier. After Baltimore, Tennessee returns home to face the Houston Texans in Week 5 before heading to Lucas Oil Stadium to play the Indianapolis Colts in Week 6. If the Titans drop both division matchups, the offseason conversation may start early.
In Other News...
Titans Suddenly Have A New Offensive Line Problem Before Ravens Game
The Titans offensive line took another hit this week, and it comes at an especially inconvenient time. Tennessee placed right guards Fernando Carmona and Jackson Slater on injured reserve after both underwent surgery, leaving the team with two more unavailable pieces inside as it turns its attention to Baltimore.
Garrett Dellinger was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster to help fill the gap, but the move only underscores how thin the Titans are getting at right guard. With the Ravens on deck in Week 4, Tennessee now has a fresh protection problem to sort out before it can even get to game-planning for one of the leagues tougher fronts. [Read more 🡒]
Titans Face A Cam Ward Dilemma In Marvin Harrison Jr. Debate
The Titans slow start has only sharpened the focus on how they plan to support Cam Ward as the rebuilding season unfolds. At 0-3, Tennessee is already in a familiar spot for a team searching for long-term answers, and any discussion about adding help now inevitably circles back to whether the rookie quarterback has enough around him to grow into the job.
Marvin Harrison Jr. has surfaced in that conversation because multiple teams are said to be checking on his availability, with a day-three draft pick mentioned as a possible return for the Cardinals. For Tennessee, the appeal is obvious: a high-end receiver could accelerate Wards development and give the offense a much-needed jolt, but the fit also comes with real questions about whether a move like that makes sense while the quarterback is still struggling to find his footing. [Read more 🡒]
Tony Pollard Could Be Headed Back Into A Contender's Plans
The Titans slow start has only sharpened the attention on what they do next, and Tony Pollard has already become part of that conversation. Tennessee is 0-3 and searching for answers on offense, which has made every move around the roster feel a little more consequential as the season gets underway.
ESPNs Dan Graziano raised the possibility that Pollard could surface as a trade candidate if he stays healthy and the Titans are not planning to extend him. If that path opens, a number of contenders could take notice, with the Saints, Vikings and Packers all mentioned as potential suitors looking to add a proven back into their plans. [Read more 🡒]