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USA Today Sports Media Group

Sport

Mike Moraitis

Ryan Tannehill implodes in Titans’ loss to Saints: Everything we know

Titans Ryan Tannehill Saints Arden Key Tennessee (Organization) Amani Hooker Derrick Henry Nick Folk Tennessee Titans Denico Autry

The Tennessee Titans dropped their season-opening game to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome, 16-15.

The game went about as we expected for both teams, with the offenses struggling mightily and the defenses playing at a high level.

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We also weren’t surprised to see the officials being terrible at their job, as the zebras missed several calls that hurt the Titans throughout the game. In fact, head coach Mike Vrabel had to use both of his challenges in the first half.

The most egregious officiating error came on what should have been an Arden Key strip sack that would have been returned for a touchdown. Vrabel used his second and final challenge flag on that play but the booth somehow didn’t overturn it even though it was clear as day.

What we didn’t expect was for Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill to have arguably the worst game of his tenure in Nashville, as he tossed three interceptions and was THE reason Tennessee lost, even with the officiating being an absolute joke.

If not for a sensational effort from the Titans’ defense and a big game from kicker Nick Folk, this contest wouldn’t have been close. Here’s a look at everything we know from the Week 1 loss.

Final score: Saints 16, Titans 15

Team	1	2	3	4	F
TEN	6	3	3	3	15
NO	3	3	10	0	16

Titans' top performers

OLB Arden Key: 4 tackles, 1.5 sacks, TFL, PD, 2 QB hits

DL Denico Autry: 5 tackles, 1.5 sacks, TFL, 4 QB hits

RB Derrick Henry: 15 CAR, 63 YDS; 2 REC, 56 YDS

K Nick Folk: 5-5 FGs (long 50)

S Amani Hooker: 5 tackles, TFL, INT, 2 PD, FF, FR

Instant analysis: Offense

-Ryan Tannehill was downright awful, plain and simple. He threw three picks (two of them into double coverage) and should have had at least two more. He also didn’t see several open receivers throughout the game and missed Chig wide open down the sideline on a flea flicker. He deserved to be pulled from this game, that’s how bad he was.

-The offensive line’s pass protection improved as the game progressed, but the run-blocking got worse as the game went on. Andre Dillard was getting bullied by Carl Granderson in the first half, but like the rest of the unit, he settled in during the second half. Things need to be better upfront but they were good enough and Tannehill’s putrid showing can’t be blamed on the protection as a result.

-Mike Vrabel made a questionable decision to go for a field goal on fourth-and-6 in the fourth quarter with the Titans down 16-12 with 2:17 remaining. He probably should’ve went for it, but with how poorly Tannehill was playing, it wasn’t a total shock to see him opt for the field goal there.

-Derrick Henry was ripping off chunks of yardage on the ground and through the air in the first half but for some reason the Titans went away from him in the second half. I like Tyjae Spears as much as the next guy, but the Titans needed more Henry in this game.

-DeAndre Hopkins pulled in seven of his 13 targets for 65 yards and might have had a big day if not for Tannehill stinking up the joint. The Titans are still playing and throwing to NWI far too much and there wasn’t enough Treylon Burks in this game. Burks had a crucial drop in the second half.

-The Titans were an abysmal 2-12 on third downs and 0-3 in the red zone.

Instant analysis: Defense

-Tennessee’s defensive front was dominant in the first half, with Arden Key, Denico Autry and Jeffery Simmons all getting sacks. Key was particularly great in the first two quarters. Unfortunately, the pass-rush was neutralized during the second half, and that allowed the Saints offense to make more plays through the air.

-Coverage wasn’t good for the most part, with the Saints ripping off a handful of big plays throughout. Kristian Fulton missed the majority of the game with a hamstring injury before returning late and promptly getting burnt for the game-sealing reception. Amani Hooker notched Tennessee’s only turnover with an interception but suffered a concussion.

-The Titans likely would’ve had a fumble return for a touchdown off what should have been a Key strip sack when he knocked the ball out of Derek Carr’s hand, but the play was blown dead and ruled an incomplete pass. Inexplicably, the booth did not overturn the play after review.

-As expected, Tennessee’s run defense was superb, with the Saints tallying just 69 yards on 27 carries.

Instant analysis: Special teams

-Hooker got the Titans off on the right foot by forcing and recovering a fumble on the opening kickoff. Tennessee only managed to score three points off the turnover, though.

-One of Ryan Stonehouse’s punts were blocked. The Saints turned it into three points. Stonehouse did have a nice 62-yard directional punt.

-Nick Folk made all five of his field goals, including a long of 50. He was clean outside of a near-miss on his 27-yard make.

-Tennessee’s return game didn’t do much, with Kearis Jackson totaling four punt returns for 37 yards. He didn’t return any kickoffs.

Injuries

CB Kristian Fulton (hamstring)

DL Kyle Peko (undisclosed)

S Amani Hooker (concussion)

Highlights

WHAT A WAY TO START THE SEASON @amanihooker37 🤯

📺: Watch #TENvsNO on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/STAgPFuoFX

— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) September 10, 2023

FIRST STIFF-ARM OF THE SEASON FRON @KingHenry_2 👑

📺: Watch #TENvsNO on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/lwrZLK1vde

— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) September 10, 2023