Is the Titans’ Offense or Defense More to Blame for 0-2 Start?
The scores and surface-level stats tell a story of a team struggling to find its identity with a rookie quarterback and several new pieces on both sides of the ball. Still, some other metrics show how the Titans’ problems go beyond just new faces getting used to new surroundings.
Offense
Cam Ward has shown some promise in his first two NFL games, but the rest of the offense has struggled.
The Titans have scored one touchdown in two games.
They are averaging a measly 15.5 points per game so far this season.
Pretty much all of that is thanks to Joey Slye’s leg.
For comparison, the Buffalo Bills (who are 2-0) are averaging 35.5 points per game so far this season.
Nobody expected the Titans to be like the Bills, but the gulf in offensive effectiveness is evident.
Another statistic that highlights the Titans' offensive struggles is their red zone efficiency. The Titans rank 30th in red zone scoring percentage.
Some of this has to do with Cam Ward still adjusting to the NFL game, but all the blame cannot be placed on Ward.
His offensive line has not helped him. Ward has been sacked 11 times in two games.
Ouch.
The Titans need to protect Ward better and get into the end zone more to at least be competitive in their games this season.
Defense
The Titans have relied on their defense in recent years, but this year, the defense has not been as good as usual so far.
In week 2, the defense could not stop Matthew Stafford and the Rams. The offense kept it close in the first half, but ran out of steam in the second half, and the defense couldn’t keep the game close.
The Titans have allowed Bo Nix and Matthew Stafford to complete over 20 passes each.
Cam Ward has completed a total of 31 passes in those two games.
It’s not just the secondary that is to blame, though. The Titans' pass rush has been nonexistent.
The Titans have two sacks this season.
The Titans do have a turnover margin of +2, but that has more to do with Bo Nix’s struggles this season rather than anything the Titans' defense did right.
Final Verdict
The Titans have problems on both sides of the ball. They are losing battles in both trenches.
They are committing way too many penalties.
So, who is more to blame? Offense or Defense?
It’s 50/50.
Both sides of the ball need to improve and play well as a team. Playing the blame game won’t help anyone.
With that being said, the usually reliable defense has faltered, especially in week 2. But the offensive line has been just as bad. It’s unfair to say one side has been worse than the other.
The Titans can still have a good season, but they need to iron out these issues before it's too late.