Titans Make Progress in Last Few Weeks, Building Towards 2026 Season
The Tennessee Titans were not competitive for most of the season. Their three wins were against the Arizona Cardinals (thanks to many mistakes by the Cardinals), the Cleveland Browns (a back-and-forth game that the Titans almost lost), and an already eliminated Kansas City Chiefs team (with third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun playing most of the game).
That makes it sound like the season was pretty bleak for the Titans, but the truth is actually the opposite.
This season was never about being competitive and stacking up wins. It was about developing Cam Ward and assessing the other talent on the Titans’ roster so they can build a winning team for the future.
Cam Ward has grown and matured as the season progressed. What started with turnovers galore and getting sacked multiple times a game has given way to several turnover-free games and a better offensive line keeping Ward’s jersey clean, or at least cleaner.
Ward has not been perfect, nor has the offensive line, but there has been specific and measurable growth throughout the season.
The running game has also improved. Tony Pollard struggled early in the season but then had three consecutive 100+ yard games. Pollard ended up rushing for over 1,000 yards in a season where he was less than effective for most of it.
The Titans found not one, not two, but three pass-catching gems in the fourth round of the last draft, giving Ward an array of fellow rookies to feed and help develop with him.
Chimere Dike started the season as the kick returner but blossomed into an offensive weapon while maintaining his role as an electric returner. He is a Pro-Bowler and the NFL leader in all-purpose yards.
Elic Ayomanor was slightly more involved in the Titans’ offense early in the season, catching Ward’s first NFL touchdown. He has four touchdowns, just like Dike.
Tight end Gunnar Helm has two touchdowns, but has split reps with Chig Okonkwo, who has also been a reliable target for Cam Ward.
Heading into the season, it was Calvin Ridley, Van Jefferson, and Tyler Lockett who looked like they were the receivers who would help Ward settle into life in the NFL. Instead, it’s been fellow rookies who exploded onto the scene and have given Titans’ fans plenty of hope for the future.
As for the Titans’ defense, it has been a bit more convoluted. Jefferey Simmons is a Pro-Bowler and has been his usual game-wrecking self. Aside from him, though, the Titans have struggled defensively, battled injuries, and had revolving doors at several positions, especially cornerback. Some players have shown, like linebacker Cedric Gray, the team’s leading tackler. Fellow linebacker Cody Barton and cornerback Darrell Baker Jr. also had decent seasons. But most have struggled. Injuries don’t help, and some talented players like rookie safety Kevin Winston Jr. and veteran cornerback L’Jarius Sneed have ended up on IR.
The Titans will end up with another high draft pick, which is a good thing. They could draft a skill player or a top defensive talent. They could also trade back and acquire additional picks they can use strategically to improve the team.
The Titans will also have a lot of cap space to attract free agents and add a veteran presence to the team.
One of the most important things, though, is finding a new head coach. Brian Callahan was not the guy. The Titans need to find the right guy because most of their talent is still young and will need a strong, intelligent, and motivated leader.
If the Titans hire the right coach, draft well, and sign some impactful free agents, next season, the wins and losses will matter. And the wins will be more numerous than the losses.
Titan Up.