Gather around everybody, because we have another sad story to tell. Our Titans put up 416 yards against the Detroit Lions. Yes, 416 yards from this offense. And what did we get for it? A 52-14 spanking. Only the Titans could nearly double up their opponent in total yards and somehow walk away with a scoreline that looks like we forgot to show up.
The Good: At Least We Moved the Ball
Give it to Mason Rudolph—he managed over 250 passing yards, and Calvin Ridley had himself a day with 143 yards. This game could’ve looked a lot different… if not for the chaos of our special teams, some untimely flags, and, well, you’ll see.
The Bad: Penalties and Special Teams? Good God That Was Something
Eight penalties for 60 yards against Detroit’s three for 29. It was apparent the Titans couldn’t get out of their own way. The real heartbreak? Our “special” teams handed the Lions enough free points for them to cook up the elusive “50-Burger” (shout-out Big Cat) that is rarely seen in the NFL. Khalil Dorsey ran a kickoff back 75 yards. And ex-Titan Khalif Raymond? Oh, just a 64-yard punt return AND a 90-yard touchdown return. I felt like I was watching Noel Devine’s high school highlight tape every time Detroit returned a kick.
Side note: I used to watch these highlights all the time growing up. Legend status.
The Ugly: Rebuilding, Here We Come
At 1-6, tied with the Panthers for the league’s worst record, it’s rebuild season. Trading away DeAndre Hopkins to the Chiefs sealed it. Brian Callahan knows the season is over. Be on the lookout for some of the Titans players to check-out for the season. The guys fighting for a contact will still be battling, but those players on long-term deals are likely to catch some apathy.
My Two Cents
Now I am not saying I am some sort of football savant. Far from it. I am just an average fan, who grew up obsessed with the sports page of the newspaper and watching as many college and NFL games as I could. But what the hell was Miss Amy doing letting go of Mike Vrabel? Yes, his offense got a bit stale at the end, but he almost always had his teams ready to play. His Titans teams made the playoffs 50% of the time when he was coaching (3 of Mike’s 6 total seasons). Terrible roster management hampered him the last couple of seasons, and it feels like Vrabel got the Old Yeller treatment in spite of Jon Robinson’s poor drafting and roster management.
Could Vrabes be a bit stubborn about who he wanted coaching around him? Sure. I won’t deny that. But he had some teams that put up points (2020 season averaged 30 PPG). Coach Vrabel not bringing on a more evolved offensive mind was his downfall. However, when it comes to pure coaching, there is no argument he is superior to Callahan.
Next Steps: Aiming for the No. 1 Pick
Let’s be real—our best shot right now is the 2025 NFL Draft and our cap availability. Titans fans, it’s rough, but we’re due for a fresh start. Ran Carthon will need to hit on the draft and try to grab some more players through free agency. Here’s to the future… and a long offseason of soul-searching.
