Titans face composure crisis as penalties hinder early-season success
The Tennessee Titans are grappling with a troubling trend that has cast a shadow over their initial games of the NFL season. While they lead the league in one statistical category, it’s hardly a badge of honor.
Struggling with penalties
Through the first two weeks of play, the Titans have amassed an alarming total of 23 penalties, resulting in a staggering 193 penalty yards. This troubling statistic is a significant contributor to their current 0-2 record.
Tight end Chig Okonkwo offered insight into the team’s struggles, emphasizing the disconnect between practice and in-game performance. “Differently, I’m not sure because that was our number one thing this offseason and I feel like this offseason, we did a good job with limiting our penalties,” Okonkwo noted.
Despite their focus on reducing penalties during training, the execution during games has faltered. Okonkwo continued, “We have all the data when we practice and stuff. So, when we have a percentage that we try to hit, and we were hitting those percentages, I think now when it just comes to game time, a lot of guys in new positions, maybe first time in a position. Not a lot of games under their belt, just got to be able to calm down, keep their composure, and be able just to run the offense with the team.”
The impact of inexperience
The Titans’ current predicament reflects a broader issue of composure under pressure. With many players finding themselves in unfamiliar roles and situations, the need for poise becomes paramount. The team’s inability to maintain focus and discipline on the field has proven costly, leading to critical setbacks at pivotal moments in games.
As the Titans look to turn their season around, addressing this issue of composure will be essential. Their next games will serve as a litmus test for whether they can overcome these early-season challenges and find their footing in a competitive league.
