The Tennessee Titans are starting anew in 2025. The franchise introduced in a brand new basic supervisor with Mike Borgonzi, who chosen a brand new quarterback in Cameron Ward with the No. 1 general choose, and there are causes to be optimistic that the worst workforce in soccer can present some enchancment this season.
Whereas the Titans have by no means obtained the form of consideration different groups just like the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers do, they weren’t at all times a rebuilding franchise. In reality, it wasn’t too way back the place they made an AFC Championship recreation and secured the No. 1 seed within the loaded AFC within the span of three seasons. The Titans have been a authentic risk to win the Super Bowl. What occurred?
The titanic collapse of the Titans was because of quite a lot of components. Questionable firings, adopted by questionable hirings that made questionable signings that left this workforce with out an identification. There have been quite a lot of horrific choices made by possession and the entrance workplace that deeply scarred a fan base and led to the final word low level. How did all of it occur?
Let’s return to 2021, and retrace the autumn of the Titans. We’ll begin with possibly the final time soccer followers in Nashville have been really joyful.
The notorious Bengals recreation
It needs to be a sports activities trivia query. Which AFC workforce held the No. 1 seed in 2021? It wasn’t the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, Buffalo Payments or Baltimore Ravens, it was the Tennessee Titans. What’s unbelievable about this truth is that Mike Vrabel’s squad completed 12-5 even after shedding star working again Derrick Henry to a foot harm suffered on Halloween, whereas star extensive receiver A.J. Brown had what was statistically the worst season of his profession.
The Titans pulled off a collection of spectacular victories in 2021. A goal-line stand helped Tennessee upset Buffalo on “Monday Night time Soccer,” then the Titans got here proper again round on a brief week and handed Patrick Mahomes the worst lack of his profession on the time, a 27-3 blowout which raised the eyebrows of the NFL world. The Titans additionally blew out the eventual Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams on their dwelling discipline in prime time, 28-16, en path to a 12-5 report and the No. 1 seed within the AFC.
After having fun with a well-earned first-round bye, the Titans have been scheduled to host Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. The date was Jan. 22, 2022, and it had the potential to be a historic sports activities day in Nashville. The Titans hadn’t received a house playoff recreation since 2003, and Henry was set to make his return to the sphere after lacking greater than two months with the foot harm. The stadium was packed, the Titans have been favored by 3.5 factors and Nashville was prepared for a Super Bowl run.
On the primary play from scrimmage, Ryan Tannehill threw an interception to Jessie Bates. It was the primary of three interceptions Tannehill would find yourself throwing, which straight led to the 19-16 loss Tennessee suffered. The Titans had discovered themselves on the shedding finish regardless of a heroic effort from the protection, which sacked Burrow 9 occasions — tying a single-game NFL playoff report.
Burrow did not rating a single landing on this recreation, and the Titans nonetheless misplaced. It was the primary of a number of surprising heartbreaks to return in Music Metropolis.
‘Crying on the mix’
The Titans then turned their consideration to the offseason. Vrabel received NFL Coach of the 12 months and obtained a contract extension, as did basic supervisor Jon Robinson. Nonetheless, that did not assist anybody neglect what occurred within the divisional spherical.
Whereas talking with reporters on the NFL mix two months after the Bengals loss, Robinson grew to become emotional when reflecting on how the Titans’ season ended.
Robinson’s tears have been a mirrored image of Titans followers’ fears.
Tennessee was set as much as make a authentic run. The Titans had home-field benefit in opposition to an inexperienced workforce that simply registered its first profitable season since 2015. This Titans squad had overcome adversity at each flip, however could not capitalize when issues have been in its favor? Would the Titans ever get that form of alternative once more?
Titans do not need to commerce A.J. Brown
One merchandise on the Titans’ offseason to-do checklist that yr was extending Brown. Regardless of his “down season” in 2021, it was understood he was a star. Brown crossed 1,000 yards receiving in every of his first two NFL seasons, and caught a complete of 24 touchdowns in his first 43 profession video games performed.
Robinson made it recognized that his intention was to increase Brown, and hold him in Tennessee.
“Proper now, we’re simply attempting to get by this free company interval, seeing the place we have landed cap-wise,” Robinson stated, via the Titans’ official website. “A.J. is a vital a part of what we do. He is an awesome teammate, he works laborious, he is about what we’re about. A.J. is a Titan and we need to hold A.J. a Titan. And that is a part of our purpose this offseason, or each time that manifests itself, to return to an settlement to maintain him round.”
Coach Vrabel was additionally requested about the potential of buying and selling Brown as he searches for an enormous contract extension. The three-time Super Bowl champion stated it wasn’t going to occur.
“Not so long as I am the pinnacle coach,” Vrabel stated on the “Wealthy Eisen Present” when requested if Brown may very well be traded. “I really like A.J. professionally, personally. I’ve gotten to know him nicely as his coach and revel in seeing him as a lot as I presumably can. Noticed him right here understanding right here earlier, stated hello. So long as I am the coach right here, I might need to have A.J. Brown on my soccer workforce.”
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A.J. Brown is traded
Throughout the first spherical of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Titans traded their No. 1 extensive receiver to the Philadelphia Eagles in alternate for the No. 18 and No. 101 general picks. That evening, Brown took to social media to say goodbye to Tennessee, posting a tweet that ended up being deleted:
“Tennessee I really like you and you’ll ceaselessly be in my coronary heart and I can say this now… THIS WAS NOT MY FAULT. However I want you all the perfect. Love”
After being acquired, Brown signed a four-year, $100 million cope with the Eagles that included $57 million assured. His new AAV of $25 million made Brown the No. 4 highest-paid receiver within the NFL on the time.
With the No. 18 general choose the Titans obtained in alternate for Brown, they drafted extensive receiver Treylon Burks out of Arkansas. The previous Razorback caught 66 passes for 1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns in his remaining collegiate season, and was really in comparison with Brown as a prospect.
Since Burks was chosen with the choose the Titans obtained whereas giving Brown away, he was anticipated to instantly fill his footwear.
A messy aftermath
The Titans made it clear they did not need to commerce Brown, but traded him on draft evening. So what occurred? Conflicting studies surfaced.
Brown advised ESPN he wished to remain in Tennessee, however the Titans could not provide you with a suggestion that was price $20 million per yr. Appears fairly unbelievable, proper? Different studies indicated that Brown not solely requested a commerce, however that his camp was making some fairly large monetary requests behind the scenes as nicely.
According to Dianna Russini, Brown requested a commerce, and requested the Titans for assured cash near $80 million. This determine was additionally reported by ESPN’s Turron Davenport, and John Glennon. Brown’s four-year cope with Philly included $57 million assured.
Whereas Brown claimed the Titans’ provide was $16 million per yr that might attain $20 million per yr with incentives, Russini reported that the Titans’ provide was greater than that, however her supply would not share the precise numbers. Brown stated he would have re-signed with the Titans for $22 million per yr, however Glennon studies Brown was asking for even more than the $25 million average he obtained from the Eagles.
It feels like a disastrous recreation of “phone.” Finally, the fault lies with the franchise.
Early points for Treylon Burks
With all eyes now on Burks, it was notable that he was reportedly unable to complete his first rookie minicamp apply because of what gave the impression to be conditioning points. He was on and off the apply discipline at OTAs, and what made the state of affairs extra bizarre than it needed to be was that he and the Titans have been coy about what was happening.
Because it seems, the child simply had bronchial asthma. It did not should be some unbelievable secret for the workforce to maintain below wraps. Fortunately, Titans extensive receivers coach Rob Moore lastly spelled it out for everybody.
“A few of these issues that occurred have been form of out of his management,” Moore stated, through ESPN. “The child’s received bronchial asthma. These issues occur. However he understands what the expectations are, however I feel on the finish of the day, it is actually him getting himself immersed within the tradition of how we do issues right here, how we play right here, which is completely different from each participant that is available in right here from faculty as a result of we ask these guys to do issues that a number of groups do not ask them to do.
“I am enthusiastic about Treylon and what he is going to have the ability to convey to this soccer workforce. He simply has to get himself wholesome and have the ability to present all people out right here on the sphere what he is able to.”
Burks caught 10 passes for 129 yards within the first 4 video games of the season, after which was positioned on short-term injured reserve with a turf toe harm. He would spend way more time on injured reserve sooner or later.
Remaining second of positivity takes place in Inexperienced Bay
Nov. 17, 2022 will be the final time the Titans fan base felt good concerning the path of the workforce at giant. In Week 11, Tannehill took the Titans as much as Inexperienced Bay, and got here away with a 27-17 victory over the Packers on “Thursday Night time Soccer.”
Tannehill accomplished 22 of 27 passes for 333 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Per NFL Next Gen stats, Tannehill accomplished +20.0% of his passes over anticipated — the very best CPOE in a recreation over the previous three seasons on the time (minimal 25 makes an attempt). Tannehill additionally earned a 97 NGS passing rating for his efficiency, the very best given to any quarterback that season on the time.
Burks additionally had the perfect recreation of his profession, catching seven passes for 111 yards.
The Titans have been now sitting at 7-3 and in place to win the division for the third straight yr. Nevertheless, that pleasure would final for just some hours, as offensive coordinator Todd Downing was arrested for DUI the following morning. Issues would not get higher from there.
A.J. Brown smacks Titans in revenge recreation
The Titans misplaced their playoff rematch with the Bengals the next week, after which have been scheduled to fly to Philly for his or her first matchup in opposition to Brown and the Eagles.
There was a scary second within the first quarter the place Burks made an unbelievable 25-yard landing catch whereas getting knocked out on the play. He by some means held on to the ball for the rating, after which was dominated out for the rest of the sport. Then, it was time for the A.J. Brown present.
On the very subsequent possession, Brown trucked Titans cornerback Kristian Fulton for his first landing of the day.
Within the third quarter, Brown scored once more.
In all, Brown caught eight passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns in a 35-10 win in opposition to his former workforce. He spanked them. Actually.
“I wished to retire a Titan. I attempted to do all the things in my energy to stay a Titan,” Brown stated after the win. “It is a enterprise, as soon as once more. In that state of affairs I needed to develop up. I simply needed to study it was a enterprise. I wished to make them remorse that call.
“It has been private because the commerce. That is the place I wished to be. … Issues did not work out. It was form of like ‘right here you go, we do not need you anymore.’ You simply form of get pushed to the aspect. In that state of affairs, I needed to develop up.”
Titans hearth GM Jon Robinson
The loss to the Eagles was so embarrassing that controlling proprietor Amy Adams Strunk fired her basic supervisor two days after the sport. The Titans have been sitting atop the AFC South at 7-5 when the choice was made, and whereas it was stunning, it was one the place you can perceive the reasoning.
“Truthfully, I had made the choice. It was time to maneuver ahead,” Strunk told the Associated Press. “There was no motive to go six, seven, eight weeks, nevertheless lengthy remained within the season.
“It was not truthful to Jon, it was not truthful to the workforce. It simply appeared (like) the suitable time. It offers us loads of time to seek out future candidates we’ll interview. To observe the interior candidates.
“I am simply not that individual that’s going to take a seat on a call like that.”
The Titans by no means posted a shedding season below Robinson, and he made some phenomenal strikes throughout his time in cost. He drafted Tennessee’s two stars on offense: Henry and Brown. On protection, he chosen Kevin Byard out of MTSU within the third spherical of the 2016 NFL Draft, who would go on to be a two-time All-Professional and tied for the NFL lead in interceptions in 2017. The choice of Jeffery Simmons at No. 19 general in 2019 was an awesome choose, and do not forget that Robinson acquired Tannehill from the Miami Dolphins in a Day 3 choose swap in 2019. Tannehill would go on to win NFL Comeback Participant of the 12 months that very same season, and assist the Titans take the following step as a franchise.
Robinson additionally made some horrific strikes. His remaining three first-round picks in Isaiah Wilson, Caleb Farley and Burks have been huge busts. In reality, Wilson and Farley performed a mixed 13 video games for the Titans. Then there was the “Brown blunder,” the place he despatched his star extensive receiver away as a substitute of paying him, which in the end was the ultimate straw for this government.
Titans shut season with seven straight losses
Firing Robinson did not work, because the Titans then misplaced their remaining 5 video games after parting methods with their GM to complete 7-10. Sure, Tennessee went from atop the division at 7-3, to 7-10 and out of the playoffs. It marked the Titans’ first shedding season since 2015.
You possibly can’t say it was a forgettable finish to the season. Tannehill aggravated an ankle harm in Week 15 that knocked him out for the remainder of the yr. Rookie Malik Willis got here in to make his third begin of the yr vs. the Houston Texans, however struggled in a loss. With the season within the steadiness, the Titans signed Joshua Dobbs to begin the ultimate two video games of the common season. The AFC South really got here all the way down to a Week 18 showdown vs. the rival Jacksonville Jaguars, wherein Tennessee fell, 20-16.
Titans rent Ran Carthon as new GM
To switch Robinson, the Titans employed former San Francisco 49ers director of participant personnel Ran Carthon to take over as basic supervisor. Carthon was a former working again that performed his faculty ball on the College of Florida, and had a background in scouting as nicely.
There have been questions relating to if Carthon or Vrabel would have management over the roster, however they have been touted by Tennessee as a “workforce.” Their first draft class included offensive tackle-turned-guard Peter Skoronski, quarterback Will Levis, working again Tyjae Spears, tight finish Josh Whyle, offensive deal with Jaelyn Duncan and extensive receiver Colton Dowell. It is potential simply two or three of those gamers might be on the Titans’ energetic roster in 2025.
Titans end 2023 with shedding report
The 2023 season was one other powerful one for Tennessee. Tannehill misplaced his job because the unquestioned starter after struggling one more ankle harm within the Week 6 London matchup vs. the Ravens, however Levis excited the soccer world by throwing 4 touchdowns in his NFL debut vs. the Atlanta Falcons.
The Titans registered a dramatic upset/comeback over the Dolphins in Week 14, and saved the Jaguars out of the playoffs with a 28-20 upset victory within the regular-season finale. Nonetheless, the Titans completed with a 6-11 report, and a backside 5 offense that was held again by the worst offensive line within the NFL. That straight led to what occurred subsequent.
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Titans hearth Mike Vrabel
After six seasons, the Titans fired Vrabel. He went 54-45 as lead man, and compiled profitable information in every of his first 4 seasons earlier than posting back-to-back shedding campaigns in 2022-23. In his second season as coach, Tennessee made the AFC Championship recreation because of a quarterback change and the excellent play of Henry. As we already mentioned, Vrabel was named Coach of the 12 months in 2021 after his injury-riddled Titans secured the No. 1 seed within the AFC. From 2020-21 the Titans went 23-10. In Vrabel’s remaining two seasons, Tennessee went 13-21.
Amy Adams Strunk’s message to followers
The choice to fireside Vrabel was a controversial one, and it led Strunk to ship a message to the general public. She spoke about Titans followers deserving a championship, and the way she’s ready to make the powerful choices to get this franchise the place it must go.
She pointed to 2 explanation why “the sky is the restrict” for the Titans shifting ahead: Carthon and Levis. It will age poorly.
Titans rent Brian Callahan
To switch Vrabel, the Titans herald an offensive thoughts with Brian Callahan. The son of offensive line guru Invoice Callahan spent 5 seasons because the offensive coordinator of the Bengals, and coached a number of big-name quarterbacks at completely different phases of their careers, similar to Peyton Manning, Matthew Stafford, Derek Carr and Burrow.
Callahan wasn’t the architect of the Bengals’ high-powered offense (that was Zac Taylor), however the determination to rent an offensive-minded coach to develop Levis was applauded by followers.
“For me, he is a player-first coach,” Bengals wideout Tee Higgins advised CBS Sports activities aboy Callahan two weeks earlier than he took the Titans job. “He is all about making his gamers joyful. He is a household man. He treats us like one among his personal. Only a nice man and an excellent coach on the finish of the day.”
Derrick Henry indicators with the Ravens
Two months after the hiring of Callahan, one of many best gamers in Titans historical past lastly jumped ship. The NFL’s two-time speeding yards chief Derrick Henry determined to hitch forces with Lamar Jackson, and signed a two-year cope with the Ravens.
Titans go on buying spree
With Vrabel out of the way in which, this was Carthon’s roster to construct. In response to Roster Administration System, the Titans spent $228.2 million throughout that offseason, per ESPN. Tennessee handed out a $92 million deal to extensive receiver Calvin Ridley, gave $50 million to heart Lloyd Cushenberry then traded for Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and gave him a $76.4 million deal. The Titans seemingly overpaid for some gamers, similar to cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (three years, $36 million) and linebacker Kenneth Murray (two years, $18 million), but in addition added some large names like former Cowboys working again Tony Pollard and Professional Bowl safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs.
On paper, the Titans put collectively a fairly thrilling roster. The issue is that soccer video games aren’t performed on paper.
The summer season of unwarranted positivity
It is unbelievable to revisit a few of the headlines that got here out of Nashville final offseason:
There have been extra than simply the headlines. Levis entered the season because the unquestioned starter, which was a mistake in hindsight. Coach Callahan talked about shaping his offense across the quarterback and playmakers to spotlight their strengths. That clearly didn’t occur. Callahan additionally selected to disregard the blatant subject at proper deal with, one thing famous by CBS Sports activities at coaching camp. The primary-year coach needed to study a lesson the remainder of the fan base already understood: Nicholas Petit-Frere ain’t it. Tennessee would once more go on to have one of many worst offensive traces within the NFL.
A nightmare begin to the season
Week 1 on the Chicago Bears
The Titans really jumped out to a 17-0 lead over Caleb Williams and Co. within the season opener, however then imploded. The Bears launched into a 24-0 run highlighted by a blocked punt landing and an embarrassing choose six from Levis, which was the game-winning rating.
The Bears grew to become the third workforce in NFL historical past to drag off a 17-point comeback win whereas scoring zero offensive touchdowns. Chicago recorded simply 148 yards of complete offense and went 2 of 13 on third downs.
Week 2 vs. the New York Jets
For the second week in a row, the Titans blew a lead within the second half. The spotlight (lowlight) of this recreation was Levis attempting to do an excessive amount of, and turning the ball over within the crimson zone.
Week 3 vs. the Inexperienced Bay Packers
Bear in mind, on roster cutdown day the Titans traded third-string quarterback Malik Willis to the Packers for a seventh-round choose. It appeared he was on the chopping block anyway, so this wasn’t an enormous shock. Nevertheless, after Jordan Love was injured within the season opener, it was Willis who led the Packers into Nissan Stadium.
In a 30-14 win over his former workforce, Willis accomplished 13 of 19 passes for 202 yards and one landing, and led all gamers with 73 speeding yards and a landing as nicely. Indubitably, it was the perfect Willis had ever appeared in his NFL profession, and he exited Week 3 main the NFL in yards per try (9.8) AND yards per rush (9.5). In the meantime, Levis was main the NFL with eight turnovers.
Cam Ward’s welcome to the NFL rookie second got here on the excellent time in Titans-Bucs joint apply
Dave Richard
Titans end 3-14, Ran Carthon is fired
We do not have to recap each recreation from the Titans’ 2024 marketing campaign. Simply know they completed 3-14 because of unhealthy quarterback play, unhealthy offensive line play and an inconsistent particular groups unit that damage them at occasions, too. After throwing cash round in free company and hyping themselves up, the Titans have been an unmitigated catastrophe.
With the Titans being the worst workforce in soccer, it was pure to surprise if there could be a fall man, or would Strunk simply clear home? Coach Callahan, Carthon and president of soccer operations Chad Brinker. Might one go, or all of them? As an alternative, it was Carthon who was dropped, one yr into his new function of “government vp and basic supervisor.” What’s fascinating is that Brinker, who was the previous assistant basic supervisor and president of soccer operations, and had a task within the 2024 embarrassment, was given what gave the impression to be a promotion in having “final authority on all football matters, including the roster.”
It is disappointing, as this franchise went from being the No. 1 seed within the AFC led by the Coach of the 12 months, to selecting No. 1 general within the draft below unsure but ever-changing management within the blink of an eye fixed.
Derrick Henry impresses with Ravens, whereas A.J. Brown wins Super Bowl
Because the Titans wrapped up the worst season in franchise historical past, a few former gamers have been thriving with their new groups. Henry rushed for 1,921 yards and tied the league lead in speeding touchdowns with 16, whereas Brown crossed 1,000 yards receiving for the third consecutive season and received Super Bowl LIX with the Eagles.
Titans draft Cameron Ward, will run it again with Brian Callahan
Regardless of how disastrous but forgettable the previous few seasons have been for the Titans, there’s motive for optimism. Anytime you draft a quarterback at No. 1 general, there’s hope he can put collectively a rookie season like C.J. Stroud and Jayden Daniels did to get your franchise again heading in the right direction. Ward is not seen as the highest No. 1 prospect of all time, however he does seem like wired the suitable method as a former zero-star recruit that performed for 3 completely different faculties, and was a star at every cease. He would not get too excessive, would not get too low, and has clear expertise that ought to translate on the subsequent stage. Nonetheless, there are different urgent questions.
What do the Titans need to be? What’s the identification of this workforce? These questions weren’t answered final yr. The protection was alleged to be aggressive, however groups just like the Carolina Panthers and Jaguars recorded extra sacks. The offense was alleged to be tailor-made to its gamers, however it was indeterminate. Certain, it did not assist that the quarterback was a turnover magnet, however that simply results in extra questions. Why did Levis take a step backwards below the care of an offensive-minded head coach introduced in particularly to assist him? What does that say for Ward’s possibilities in 12 months 1 below this regime?
Titans waive Treylon Burks: Tennessee cuts former first-round WR following fractured collarbone
Will Backus
Possibly there’s simply as a lot motive for pessimism coming into 2025, however this fan base needs to see two issues within the coming months: Ward show that he has the makings of a franchise quarterback, and Callahan take clear steps ahead as a frontrunner, a play-caller and a developer of expertise.
