Welp, I can't say I'm surprised. The Titans lost to a better team but, they were pretty competitive. I could taste the victory in certain moments. UGH.
The Titans looked sloppy, even head coach Brian Callahan looked rough with some baffling decision making. But it wasn't one person that lost this game. The team is young and inexperienced in every sense of the word, every phase of the game. It was a real team loss in general.
The Titans couldn't score a single touchdown all game long, and had 131 yards of penalties on top of it. That's just not going to win you games. The Titans forced four turnovers that amassed to a whopping six points. SHEESH.
Rookie QB Cam Ward looked fairly competent. The game was clearly fast for him but he also seemed composed for the most part. The Titans receivers seem really bad and the Broncos defense is pretty elite. All in all this was not a recipe for success. I think that Cam will have learned a lot from this game though and I look forward to seeing how he progresses from a rough game like this. He didn't turn the ball over until desperation crept in on the last drive.
I appreciate running back Tony Pollard and he brings a lot to the table but I think the team is a bit delusional in not having a second back. Tyjae Spears is injured again which I get, but I do think it's good to at least feed a third back as well. I think the team should prioritize this especially with a rookie QB. Pollard is ok, but he's kinda small and he fumbled yesterday in a big moment.
A lot of fans are hating on Brian Callahan too. Before halftime the Titans had a 6-3 lead deep in their own territory. The Titans passed twice which barely stopped the clock and the Broncos nearly got a safety on Ward. The Broncos got the ball back and took the lead right before halftime with a TD. Total gut punch. I totally get why fans are mad and I'm highly annoyed as well. But if this had worked out, Callahan would look good. It was risky but otherwise Callahan was pretty conservative all game long.
Again, the Titans had 131 yards of penalties and could not find the endzone once, couldn't even sniff it honestly. At the end of the game, Jeffery Simmons was hit with an unsportsmanlike penalty in the WORST moment ever. The play was over but Simmons came in and smashed the ball carrier for no reason. If Simmons wanted to play through the whistle just BEAR HUG THE GUY. Cody Barton had him, just help Barton hold the dude. The Titans were going to force a punt and give the offense a chance with like 2:30-3:00 of time left in the game. The Titans were down just 8 points. Simmons is supposed to be a CAPTAIN. Crazy.
So yeah, Callahan made a big error, but the Titans in general made a ton of errors and could not make plays on offense.
It was just one of those games. Opening week, young team. I think this will build character! A lot of rookies got a taste of not just NFL football, but a playoff team from last year. Props to the Broncos, they are a gritty bunch for sure.
It was nice to see the Titans play again though!!!
On to the next! The Rams visit Nashville next week.
