Following a heartbreaking late-game interception and an anemic offensive display, head coach Robert Saleh addresses the rookie’s future as Tennessee faces a daunting winless hole.
The Tennessee Titans have lost games due to both their defense and offense over the last two weeks.
In Week 2, it was because of the defense.
The Titans took a 20-17 lead after a field goal from Joey Slye late in the fourth quarter. They gave the ball back to the Philadelphia Eagles offense and got them to third down multiple times.
The Eagles converted no matter how far behind the chains they were and eventually scored a go-ahead touchdown with nine seconds left.
The defense had many chances to stop the Eagles on that last drive and fell short.
On Sunday, the offense was just abysmal.
The Titans had five three-and-outs in the first half. They had 41 passing yards and 19 rushing yards at halftime. They didn't convert a single third down until the second half.
Things finally got going for the offense in the fourth quarter. The Titans had a 13-play scoring drive to make it 12-7 with under six minutes to go.
The defense gave them the ball back, and they marched down the field to try to win the game late.
The Titans' late push ended disappointingly. Cam Ward threw an interception to Jevon Holland as the Titans lost 12-7 and fell to 0-3.
One week, the Titans lost because of the defense, and now we've had a 180. This time, the Titans lost because the offense was anemic.
After Ward and the offense played so badly for most of the game, Robert Saleh was asked if there were any plans to bench him. Saleh simply replied no at the post-game press conference.
At some point, this Titans team has to be a complete game on both sides of the ball. This can't keep happening if the Titans expect to eventually turn things around and start winning games.
The Titans have been competitive in two of their last three games, but just can't put it all together when it matters.
The Titans are 0-3 after it was thought that they had a winnable stretch to open the year. Now, it's not going to get any easier.
The Titans face Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4 on the road. Then, they have their first matchup with the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium.
This is life in the NFL.
The Titans will have to learn from this quickly before it's too late. They have another chance for redemption next Sunday at noon CT on CBS.
