Titans’ Defense Faces Reflection Point as Big Plays Reveal Vulnerabilities
The Tennessee Titans’ defense is in the spotlight after a series of glaring mishaps led to significant scoring opportunities for their opponents. With the Titans trailing 27-13, Jonathan Taylor received a handoff from Daniel Jones on a crucial third-and-four. He swiftly navigated through a gaping hole, shrugged off multiple tackles from Titans defenders, and sprinted past cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to find the end zone. Earlier in the game, with the Colts ahead 7-3, Jones rolled to the right and launched a deep throw to Josh Downs, setting up yet another scoring chance for the Colts.
These explosive plays have become a troubling trend for the Titans, who now find themselves allowing the fifth-most rushing yards in the NFL at an alarming 5.3 yards per carry, alongside the thirteenth-most passing yards at 7.19 yards per attempt. The inability to prevent big plays and the prevalence of missed tackles have raised urgent questions about the effectiveness of this once-stalwart defense.
Seeking Accountability
Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “We just gotta make the plays. Do what we gotta do to get the man down.” While the sentiment seems straightforward, the reality on the field has been far more complex. The Titans have not managed to execute consistently, particularly in the last two weeks, raising concerns about their defensive strategy.
Darrell Baker Jr. provided a more nuanced perspective on the issue. He pointed out that big plays often arise from collective lapses, noting, “Big plays are always happening because of something that we didn’t do well enough. We just gotta take that mirror test, go to the film, come back to our coaches, and just get back to the basics and fundamentals and dominate our jobs from there.”
Baker’s words underscore a critical point: it is not merely individual errors but a pattern of inconsistent performances across the team that is contributing to their struggles. Each player carries the responsibility to execute their role, and it is imperative for teammates and leaders to hold one another accountable.
A Need for Change
Defensively, the Titans have yet to find their footing, often failing to close out drives effectively. Opposing teams have exploited their weaknesses, executing plays that have put the Titans’ defense in precarious situations without adequate responses.
As the Titans look to rectify their defensive woes, they must embrace a mindset of introspection. Echoing the sentiment of Michael Jackson’s famous lyrics, they need to start with the “man in the mirror” and commit to making necessary changes. Execution is paramount—not just for individual players, but for the collective unit. For the Titans’ defense to regain its former strength, a return to fundamental football and a commitment to accountability are essential.
