Titans Are Playing the Long Game: Can Moral Victories Now Lead to Real Victories Later?

The Tennessee Titans are 0-4.

Their most recent game was a putrid, ugly, disgusting, (insert negative adjective of your choice) game against the Houston Texans. 

But there is still reason for optimism. The Titans knew they probably weren’t going anywhere this season. It’s all about getting Cam Ward reps and NFL experience. 

It’s also about figuring out what else they have around him. For example, rookie Elic Ayomanor has been a revelation in the receiver room.

Week 2 against the LA Rams was when this duo came to life.

In the preseason, it was another rookie pass catcher who was catching attention. Gunnar Helm, from Texas, had a great preseason and has been a reliable pass-catching option this season, as well as a good blocker. 

The Titans made another pass-catching draft pick in the fourth round, Chimere Dike. He has established himself as an electric kick returner and a gadget player on offense. 

Of course, the big focus is on Cam Ward.

Although​​ he was horrible against the Texans, he has shown glimpses of future stardom and maturity beyond his years in the NFL. 

From his first snaps in the preseason, Ward has shown potential. 

Most rookie quarterbacks are a bit slow out of the gate, though, especially when they have to start in Week 1, and Ward is no exception. 

Patience is needed with Ward. He will lead the Titans to the playoffs at some point, maybe even next season. Bold prediction? Maybe. But is it unrealistic? Not at all. 

Unlike last season when quarterback was the Titans’ main problem, this season it’s every other position that’s an issue. 

Okay, maybe not every other position, punter Johnny Hekker has looked pretty good. 

Jokes aside, the Titans do have a myriad of problems. From dropped passes to excessive penalties, poor pass defense, poor pass protection, missed kicks, poor coaching decisions/play-calling, etc. Some of these issues, like the penalties and drops, are improving from week to week, albeit slightly. The kicking problems are new, though. Joey Slye was perfect for 2 weeks but has now missed four kicks in the last two games. The Titans are losing battles in both trenches and can’t seem to get stops in crucial in-game moments. These problems stem partly from coaching, partly from young/new players learning a new system/level of play. 

Week 3 is a good microcosm for the Titans’ season so far. Cam Ward had his best game, despite throwing an early pick-six. But the Titans could not stop Daniel “Indiana” Jones and Jonathan Taylor, and the Indianapolis Colts won comfortably. 

The Titans have yet to play a complete game this season. It’s only been four weeks, but any hopes of a miracle playoff run are basically gone. This Titans team is now 100% focused on the future. 

They need to iron out these issues while continuing to develop their young talent. But sometimes difficult decisions need to be made. 

Last week, the Titans traded 2024 5th-round pick Jarvis Brownlee Jr. to the Jets. Don’t be surprised if the Titans make more moves throughout the season. Not to win now, but to learn now, win later. 

That’s what the Titans are doing this season, not losing, but learning. Hopefully, they can apply whatever they are learning and eventually turn it into some wins. 

Many intellectual thinkers claim that in life, there is the sacrifice of pain now for pleasure later. That seems to be the approach of the Titans and their fan base. 

Not many people believe in the Titans right now, but for those who do, they will be rewarded one day.