Titans Hit Rock Bottom in Jacksonville, and Jeffery Simmons Isn’t Sugarcoating It
There’s no way to dress this one up: the Tennessee Titans were outclassed, outplayed, and out of answers in a 25-3 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. From the opening kickoff to the final whistle, it was a performance that raised serious questions-not just about the roster, but about the entire direction of the franchise.
Let’s start with the basics. The Titans couldn’t get anything going offensively, finishing with fewer than 200 total yards and failing to find the end zone.
That’s not just a bad day at the office-that’s a red flag for a team that’s now 1-11 and searching for any kind of identity. Meanwhile, the Jaguars moved the ball at will, controlling the game from the start and never letting up.
The tone was set early when rookie returner Chimere Dike fumbled a first-quarter kickoff. Jacksonville capitalized almost immediately, turning that mistake into a multi-score lead before the Titans could even settle in. That kind of early gut punch can happen-but the lack of response from Tennessee was what stood out.
After the game, star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons didn’t hold back. When asked about the team’s looming head coaching search, Simmons made it clear: the Titans need someone who can overhaul the culture. And he’s not wrong.
Since moving on from Mike Vrabel, the Titans have looked like a team adrift. Brian Callahan was brought in with a reputation as a sharp offensive mind, but leadership and locker room presence haven’t been strengths. Things haven’t improved under interim coach Mike McCoy, and Sunday’s showing only added to the growing concerns.
Right now, this team has no offensive identity. They’re not built to air it out, but they can’t run the ball with authority either.
The offensive line lacks physicality, and the unit as a whole struggles to impose its will. That’s a tough combination in a league where you need to be able to do at least one thing well.
What’s more troubling is the lack of urgency. At 1-11, the Titans have nothing to lose-and yet, they’re still playing it safe.
McCoy’s decision to settle for a field goal on 4th-and-3 from the Jaguars’ 10-yard line was emblematic of a conservative approach that doesn’t match the situation. Tennessee is the only team in the NFL without a touchdown on an opening possession this season, yet they continue to punt and kick in spots where aggression is not just warranted-it’s necessary.
This isn’t just about X’s and O’s. It’s about mindset.
It’s about a team that looks like it’s going through the motions, and a coaching staff that hasn’t been able to light a fire. That’s why Simmons’ comments carry weight.
The next head coach has to bring more than a playbook-he needs to bring leadership, toughness, and a vision the locker room can rally behind.
Of course, the roster needs help too. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward is going to need a lot more support if he’s going to develop into the franchise centerpiece the Titans hope he can be.
But the problems run deeper than just personnel. Motivation, aggression, and accountability have to be part of the rebuild.
As general manager Mike Borgonzi and assistant GM Chad Brinker begin their search for the next head coach, they’ll need to think bigger than scheme. They’ll need someone who can reset the tone, reestablish an identity, and get this team believing again. Because right now, the Titans aren’t just losing games-they’re losing their way.
Simmons said it best: culture matters. And for Tennessee, it’s time to start building one again.