After a disastrous defensive performance against Philadelphia, the head coach reveals how a lingering quad injury sidelined a key starter and exposed a thin secondary rotation.
The Tennessee Titans defense had its fair share of struggles in the game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
For whatever reason, third down was a real struggle for the Titans. They could not get the Eagles' offense off the field if their lives depended on it.
Time and time again, the Eagles converted third downs no matter how long the distance was. There would somehow be a receiver with plenty of space to make a catch and move the chains.
Whether it's the players still learning this defense or the playcalling Robert Saleh is using, the Titans were without one of their starting corners on Sunday.
Cor'Dale Flott wound up on the injury report on Friday with a quad issue. Saleh even said at a press conference leading up to the game that he expected Flott to play in Week 2.
Yet, Flott was one of the Titans players who was listed as inactive for the game.
Flott hasn't been perfect in the one game he's played for the Titans in the regular season, but the lack of depth behind him is concerning. Keeping him on the field should be a priority.
Saleh was asked what had changed with Flott that led the Titans to make him inactive at Monday's Zoom. The head coach shared that the quad issues began on Thursday, and he decided to give Flott Friday off to help.
Saleh was feeling hopeful that Flott would be available for Week 3.
"Well, first off, with Flott, you know, things were bothering him on Thursday," Saleh said. "Felt like giving him the day off on Friday would really help him. So, we were very hopeful that we'd be able to get him ready to play on Sunday. And it just kept going downhill from there. So, we're hopeful, you know, with having the weekend off. Monday, Tuesday, hopefully get back in practice on Wednesday. Ready for the Giants."
Getting Flott back on the field sooner rather than later is something the Titans need.
The Titans have Micah Robinson and Jaylon Jones behind him in the cornerback room. Robinson had a good offseason but is only in his second season in the NFL.
Jones is familiar with Gus Bradley and the defense, but hasn't played meaningful minutes in an NFL game since 2024.
The Titans were definitely exposed against the Eagles without having a capable starter like Flott out there.
Marcus Harris carried his weight. The starting slot corner intercepted Jalen Hurts, giving the Titans a chance to take the lead late in the fourth quarter and halting a strong late push by the Eagles' offense.
The Titans settled for a field goal on the ensuing drive, but Harris made a huge play when needed.
The starting cornerbacks haven't been the problem yet; it's just keeping them all healthy and on the field at the same time.
Flott's status throughout the week will be something to monitor as the Titans prepare to face the New York Giants on Sunday.
