The Tennessee Titans are now 3-6 on the year after they dropped their eighth consecutive game on the road dating back to last season. By the time Week 11 kicks off, Tennessee will have went an entire calendar year without winning a single game away from Nissan Stadium.
A 14-point loss to a now 4-5 Buccaneers team was truly one of the lowest points in recent memory, as the Titans were lifeless throughout the entire game.
The offense couldn’t get anything going behind a horrendous performance by the offensive line, the pass-rush struggled to make Baker Mayfield uncomfortable and the secondary got lit up.
Even special teams failed to do its part at times despite being one of the most reliable units throughout the year.
This was a deflating game in nearly every aspect, and the grades on this week’s report card clearly reflect that. Without further adieu, let’s dive right into it following the Titans’ 20-6 loss to the Buccaneers.
Quarterback: C-
I’ll be generous with this grade because Will Levis was under duress throughout the entire game.
It truly felt like he was getting knocked to the ground every other play and, unsurprisingly, it eventually made him erratic, subsequently causing him to throw dangerous passes. The Titans desperately need to get the young quarterback some adequate help this offseason.
Levis finished the day completing just 48.7 percent of his passes (19-of-39) for 139 yards and one interception.
Running backs: D-
The poor run blocking that occurred throughout the game is the only reason I won’t go “F” here. It would’ve been hard for any running back to do anything after the blocking the the running backs received.
Derrick Henry and Tyjae Spears recorded a combined 42 yards on 16 carries (2.6 yards per carry). Needless to say, when your team’s identity is supposed to revolve around the run game, that’s clearly not going to be good enough.
Wide receivers: F
It felt like the wide receivers were non-existent for the majority of the contest.
Kyle Philips had another strong performance statistically, recording over 60 yards for the second straight game. Unfortunately, DeAndre Hopkins, Chris Moore and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine only combined for 57 between the three of them.
Tight ends: F
Remember when Chig Okonkwo was supposed to be a breakout candidate? Well, he’s become a liability more than anything else. No. 85 went from an electric playmaker a season ago to an unreliable pass-catcher who makes you hold your breath when targeted.
The offense might’ve actually scored a touchdown if he would’ve come down with one of his red zone targets. Instead, he nearly turned it into an interception had it not been for a phenomenal pass break-up by Hopkins.
Okonkwo’s sophomore slump is undoubtedly one of the biggest disappointments in 2023.
Offensive line: F-
I’ll keep this one short: Pathetic pass-blocking, pathetic run-blocking, pathetic all-around performance.
Defensive line: D
The Titans’ disappointing and inconsistent pass-rush continued on Sunday. What was supposed to be a formidable group has suddenly looked like a lifeless unit, more often than not.
The good news is, the run defense finally held an opponent to under 80 yards on the ground. Therefore, I’ll give the defensive line a slightly better grade than an F.
Nevertheless, this team isn’t going to be very good until it gets back to consistently affecting the opposing quarterback.
Outside linebackers: D+
To be fair, Harold Landry and Denico Autry each recorded a sack. For that reason alone, I’ll give the outside linebacker something a little better then a failing mark.
Regardless, the larger sample size we’re getting from this unit simply isn’t good enough.
Landry doesn’t have that elite bend he constantly displayed before his knee injury, Autry is slowly starting to look his age and Arden Key’s impact has been non-existent as of late.
This group is making too much money to be having this little of an impact.
Inside linebackers: F
It’s a safe bet that we’re probably going to see most, if not all of this group getting replaced this spring.
Azeez Al-Shaair has his bright moments, but he also mixes them in with some boneheaded mistakes. Al-Shaair had another ridiculous penalty that helped to extend a Bucs drive.
Jack Gibbens isn’t strong enough at the point of attack to shed blocks once he’s in the grasp of blockers. Meanwhile, Monty Rice is a complete liability who routinely puts himself in disadvantageous positions due to his poor instincts.
Cornerbacks: F
The Titans’ cornerbacks should be thankful that the Bucs wide receivers weren’t able to reel in a couple of catches or their day would’ve looked worse.
Roger McCreary had an impressive first half, but even he regressed by the end of the game. If there was one thing that was solidified after today, it’s the fact that the Titans are going to enter the offseason with a big need at the cornerback position.
Safeties: F
The Titans miss the leadership of Kevin Byard along the backend more than anything else. The entire secondary feels like it’s frequently out there guessing instead of being a synchronized unit.
The Titans gave Amani Hooker a big contract to be a playmaker, but since then, he’s been anything but that. If that’s not going to change, then Tennessee needs to strongly consider moving on this offseason.
Specialists: C
We should’ve known we were in for a long day once Nick Folk missed his first field goal of the season. The Arizona product did make his other two kicks, while Ryan Stonehouse averaged over 56 yards per punt.
For those reasons, they still get a respectable grade for the day.
