Titans fans have spent years waiting for an offensive line that could actually hold up, and now it finally looks like Tennessee has one. It did not come together quickly, and that part matters. Building this kind of unit takes patience, something the Titans have not always shown in recent years.
The biggest reason for the turnaround starts with Peter Skoronski. Since being drafted, he has improved every season, and now he is being paid like one of the best guards in the league. He is still doing the dirty work of getting himself between defenders and the ball carrier, but this year he looks stronger, which makes him stand out even more in the run game.
At right tackle, JC Latham has gone from a player whose spot felt shaky entering the season to someone the Titans clearly trust. There were questions about whether he was a "Mike Borgonzi guy" or not, since he was not drafted by the current regime, and plenty of fans were skeptical.
But Borgonzi, Robert Saleh, and OL coach Carmen Bricillo stuck with their belief that Latham could grow into more than just a starter. They saw a player who could become a real foundation piece, and that bet is paying off.
His play on tape and his attitude have both taken a noticeable step forward, and he and Skoronski are starting to look like exactly what Tennessee hoped for from first-round picks.
Dan Moore has been fine on the left side. For an NFL left tackle, that still counts for plenty, because the job is brutal and every mistake gets replayed after a loss.
Inside, Austin Schlottmann has had his ups and downs, but he has been solid where it matters most. He is handling the protection calls and keeping everyone aligned, and at center that kind of steadiness goes a long way. Players and coaches have praised his experience in this system, and he is giving them what they need.
The right guard spot has also held together. Fernando Carmona was a standout rookie before getting hurt, and Jackson Slater along with Antonio Mafi have filled in effectively since then. Mafi, in particular, has done a good job holding the line until Carmona returns, though it is also clear that Carmona is a level above both of them, which should be encouraging for Tennessee.
Put it all together and this is a group that looks strong and well coached. They are giving Cam Ward time to throw, and the better they perform, the more confidence they earn from the staff.
That should lead to more offense across the board. The Titans may not like where the games are going right now, but at least they do not have to worry about an offensive line that is falling apart.
In Other News...
Titans Executive Shakeup Leaves One Power Structure Looking Untouchable
The Titans have been in the middle of a notable business-side shakeup, parting ways with three executive vice presidents as the organization keeps reshaping itself behind the scenes. Among those who moved on was Erin Swartz, the executive who helped lead the clubs recent rebranding effort, a reminder that even the most visible off-field projects can quickly become part of a bigger reset.
Burke Nihill, who has been empowered to speak for owner Amy Adams Strunk, declined interview requests about the in-season personnel changes, leaving plenty of questions about what comes next. What is clear is that the Titans president and CEO remains in place, even as the rest of the executive structure continues to churn around him on the business side. [Read more 🡒]
Titans Put JC Latham In Spotlight For A Defining AFC South Test
The Titans head into Week 5 with an AFC South trip to Houston that already feels loaded, even before considering the standings. Both Tennessee and the Texans are still searching for their first division win, which puts a little extra weight on every snap for a Titans team trying to steady itself against one of the leagues most demanding fronts.
JC Latham is in the center of that challenge, with the rookie right tackle set to spend plenty of time dealing with Will Anderson Jr., who Pro Football Focus rates as the highest-graded defender in the NFL. Latham has shown noticeable growth in both pass protection and the run game this season, and this matchup will say a lot about how far he has come, and how ready he is for the kind of test that can shape a division race. [Read more 🡒]
Titans Fans Have A New Rookie To Watch In Houston
The Titans have already gotten plenty of mileage out of this rookie class, with several young players carving out meaningful roles and drawing attention early in the season. Fernando Carmona has pushed his way into the lineup, Anthony Hill has earned recognition, and Keldric Faulk has become one of the more interesting developmental stories on the roster thanks to the way his play has steadily improved.
Faulks progress matters now because Houston is the next stop, and the matchup brings a new test against quarterback C.J. Stroud. There is also growing buzz around Carnell Tate after a notable receiving performance, adding another layer to a rookie group that is starting to shape the Titans present as much as their future. The question is whether Faulks recent jump is enough to earn even more playing time in a game that should reveal a lot about where he stands. [Read more 🡒]