It seems that every insider and expert has been predicting the Titans to be sellers and going into a rebuild at the trade deadline and going into the offseason for about 3 years. It has become a self-fulfilling prophecy that will eventually be correct. With both Henry and Tannehill in contract years, the prophesy figures to be fulfilled sooner than later. But should it be fulfilled before the trade deadline?
After a sub-par performance in London, fans and analysts alike were looking for a Titans fire sale. With cooler heads prevailing, does it make sense? I would argue that it doesn’t, yet. Coming into the season, it was assumed that the teeth of the schedule would be before the bye week for Tennessee. The feeling was that if the Titans could go into the bye at 3-3, then they would be in a position to make a run.
While 2-4 is not 3-3, two winnable games got away from the Titans late. Even with the inconsistent performance of the offense, there is a chance for the offense to get its feet underneath them and correct some things coming out of the bye. Atlanta (99), Steelers (79), and Bucs (90) have all scored fewer points than the Titans (104), so they won’t find themselves in a scoring competition over the next 3 weeks. These are all games that are not only winnable but will play to Tennessee’s strengths. Carolina has outscored Tennessee 112-104, however, the Panthers have allowed 69 more points than the Titans. Seattle doesn’t exactly light up the scoreboard, either.
If the team does get back above .500 going into the back half of the schedule, they may have to do it without their starting quarterback. Regardless of which backup gets the nod, that will likely mean Tim Kelly reverting the team to a Derrick Henry-heavy offensive game plan. Before any of that happens, there are a few things the front office has to do during the week off, if there is any chance to rescue the season.
Figure Out Left Tackle
Andre Dillard has not made a good showing for himself in 2023. Nicholas Petit-Frere returned from suspension in Week 6 and came off the bench to take over at LT late in the game. After aligning incorrectly to negate a chunk run by Henry earlier in the game, he found himself out of position and allowing multiple sacks in his limited action late. Tennessee is top 10 in available cap space. If the answer is not Dillard or NPF, then make a move. It doesn’t matter who the quarterback or running back is until this position gets settled.
Start Will Levis
With Tannehill re-injuring his ankle, he should not be thrown back on the field less than 100%. He has been in the bottom half of the league when healthy, rushing him back will not help cover up or fix any of the team’s issues. Willis has had several opportunities and returned very little production. Will Levis should be given the chance to create a quarterback controversy against Atlanta.
Is There A Corner For Sale?
If GM Ran Carthon does not make a move at left tackle, he should be shopping for a corner before the trade deadline. The team has Lawrence on the schedule twice, CJ Stroud on the schedule twice, and Tua on deck. If we are going to beat teams that can average more than 20 points per game, we have to be able to stop some of these QBs from having career days.
