The Tennessee Titans lost another close game at home in Week 16, this time to the Seattle Seahawks by a score of 20-17.
While this was obviously another disappointing outcome, this was a much better overall showing than they had against the Houston Texans’ “B” team back in Week 15.
Tennessee’s position groups ended up finishing that week with six position groups that received a “D” or worse, with the highest grade going to the specialists who received the only above-average grade.
This week, things aren’t nearly as bad when it comes to the positional report card grades. There are a couple of below-average marks scattered around, but there’s also a handful of “C’s,” “B’s” and one “A”.
It was also a good bounce-back performance by the Titans’ ground game after a pathetic performance the week prior.
Having said all of that, let’s find out which position groups graded well, which graded poorly, and which groups were average, at best.
Quarterback: D
Ryan Tannehill had a couple of positive moments, so I can’t go “F” here. However, he also had several plays that were simply unacceptable for any quarterback, let alone a 12-year veteran.
More specifically, when it came to the final drive of the game. Tannehill held the ball way too long and took back-breaking sacks. He then concluded by throwing a pass that didn’t allow his receiver to get out of bounds, subsequently allowing the clock to run out.
If this game showed us anything, it’s that Tennessee made the right choice by making the switch to Will Levis.
Running backs: B+
A week ago, the Titans’ running backs received an “F” after a historically bad outing, especially from Derrick Henry.
This week, Henry and Tyjae Spears looked much better as a tandem, combining for 166 scrimmage yards, 128 of which came on the ground. The former Offensive Player of the Year also threw a touchdown pass to go along with his 111 yards on the day (including passing yards).
The two of them are a lethal duo out of the backfield that complement each other very well. It’s going to be interesting to see what Tennessee decides to do this offseason because an argument can be made that Henry is still an elite back with adequate run-blocking.
On the contrary, you could also argue that Spears is clearly ready to be the featured ball-carrier in Tennessee.
Only time will tell which way the Titans decide to go, but it’s performances like the one from Week 16 that make it a difficult decision to make.
Wide receivers: D
There were a total of five receivers who caught at least one pass against the Seahawks. Unfortunately, the five of them only combined for 63 receiving yards.
You know it’s a rough outing when Treylon Burks led the way at the position with just 25 receiving yards. The only reason I won’t go “F” here is because the quarterback play was very inconsistent on the day, which undoubtedly played a role in these numbers.
Tight ends: B+
Chig Okonkwo has been awesome over the last month, and that continued on Sunday.
The Maryland product recorded a team-high six catches for 63 yards and one touchdown while also having several notable blocks in the run game as well. The other tight ends didn’t record any stats, but they occasionally held their own in the run game when they were given the chance.
Offensive line: D
The offensive line wasn’t a complete dumpster fire like we saw a week ago, with the group upfront having a better all-around performance.
However,, you know it’s been bad when a six-sack outing by the opposition is considered an improvement. Granted, the quarterback can be blamed for some of these sacks, but this showing was yet another reminder that this group desperately needs a complete overhaul this offseason.
Defensive line: C
While the Jeffery Simmons-less defensive line didn’t do much in the pass-rush, the group upfront did hold Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker to just 3.4 yards per carry, a stark turnaround from Week 15.
Outside linebackers: B+
The Titans’ trio of Harold Landry, Arden Key, and Denico Autry had another impressive game, totaling 12 tackles, three tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks between the three of them.
They faced a formidable opponent who rosters one of the better young tackle tandems in the NFL, and they more than held their own.
Inside linebackers: C-
Sunday’s outing was nothing special from the Titans’ linebacker corps. that was without a starter in Jack Gibbens. Azeez Al-Shaair made a couple of nice plays like he always does, but nothing to write home about.
Cornerbacks: D
All things considered, the Titans’ secondary performed admirably against one of the best wide receiver trios.
Tennessee played this game without two of its top cornerbacks but did not allow any of the Seahawks’ top receivers to reach the 100-yard threshold individually.
Sadly, this grade is brought down significantly by the horrendous fourth quarter by Tre Avery.
The Rutgers product finished the day allowing completions on 7-of-10 targets for 75 yards and two touchdowns. Avery also had a couple of unacceptable penalties to go along with his dismal numbers.
Safeties: C-
This is another group that was depleted, as it entered the game without both starting safeties Amani Hooker and K’Von Wallace.
Elijah Molden, Terrell Edmunds, and Mike Brown did a decent job, but the absences of Hooker and Wallace were felt on occasion. The unit didn’t have any truly horrendous moments, though, so I’ll give it an average grade, considering the expectations were low to begin with.
Specialists: A-
Per usual, the Titans’ specialists did their jobs well.
Nick Folk made all of his kicks and Ty Zentner placed two out of his three punts inside the 20.
Ryan Stonehouse is certainly missed, but this group has mostly played winning football without him.
If only the same can be said for the rest of the roster.
