MNF Preview — Titans vs. Dolphins
The Tennessee Titans are set to take on the Miami Dolphins tonight as the Titans try and avoid their worst start since 2009 by going 0-4. Both the Dolphins and the Titans are playing short handed and we’ll see how that plays out soon enough.
A key piece of the Titans defense will probably end up missing the game tonight. Jeffery Simmons has been ruled as “Doubtful” on the Titans latest injury report. The Titans will have to make due with Sebastian Joseph-Day carrying most of the load in Simmons’ absence. This could mean a decisive advantage in the run game. Devon Achane is one of the most electric backs in the NFL as he’s capable of taking it all the way on any given play. In addition, the Titans pass rush will certainly be affected as well. With Simmons and Sweat plugging up the middle the Titans have had a moderate amount of success rushing the passer. It will be even more difficult now for the Titans defense to make Tyler Huntley’s life difficult.
Brian Callahan needs to re-evaluate everything during the bye week. This game can help salvage the Titans season. Although the playoffs are out of the question having a respectable ending to the season is probably just as important. So far the Titans have looked outplayed, out-hustled, and out-coached. One of the biggest areas of improvement needs to come in the form of scheming Will Levis to make short quick passes knowing that the OL just can’t hold up. We saw HC Matt LeFleur of Green Bay scheme up two beautiful games for Malik Willis and that worked to absolute perfection. Yet, someone that is clearly more talent — Will Levis — can’t get a proper scheme to help him? I find that perplexing. Especially since Brian Callahan was brought to Tennessee because it was understood that we needed an offensive minded coach that could help aid a young skilled QB. However, that has NOT been the case so far. It’s been nightmarish for Levis. Between the mind numbing idiotic decisions from Levis there’s still too many times where Treylon Burks is getting the ball on a revers or the main target of deep passes. Burks is also out snapping DeAndre Hopkins — that’s just unacceptable. Burks has 11 yards through 3 games receiving the ball. He also has a 33% catch percentage according to PFF. At this point NWI needs to replace Burks on the depth chart immediately if the Titans want to have a competent passing attack. The bye week can’t get here soon enough. Brian Callahan needs to seriously evaluate himself and this team if he wants to avoid the hotseat.
After letting backup QB Malik Willis carve up the Titans defense Tyler Huntley is set to do the same this week. Huntley had previously backed up Lamar Jackson for several years and had his moments in spots in football games. Unfortunately, the Titans have a penchant for allowing backup QB’s to play like superstars…ala T.J. Yates, Gardner Minshew, Jacoby Brissett, Tyrod Taylor, Case Keenum, Malik Willis, etc. I expect Tyler Huntley will join the ranks of those illustrious QB’s soon enough. The Titans will also be without Chidobe Awuzie who was officially placed on IR late this past week. Jarvis Brownlee Jr. was forced to play in relief as Awuzie went down early in the Packers game. The Titans should have a difficult time trying to dampen one of the most elite WR corps in the NFL. Superstar CB L’Jarius Sneed has so far not lived up to his record contract he received from the Titans. He ranks currently 76th of all NFL CB’s in the NFL according to PFF with a meager 39.8 coverage grade. To add insult to injury…The third highest rated CB in the NFL is Kristian Fulton — yes, that Kristian Fulton. That stat should make Titans fans sick to their stomach. Both Sneed and Hooker are questionable for tonight’s game. If one or both are missing it’s going to be a long game for the Titans defense that has done little to force turnovers or make easy 3rd down stops. The Dolphins should be able to have their way against the Titans secondary with or without missing 3 or 4 of their top 5 starters in the secondary.
Will Levis is once again being called upon to live up to the expectations that were given to him from the offseason. So far it’s been much more bust than boom. It’s unfortunate that he finds himself in this situation. However, much of it was self-inflicted. I still believe the Titans give Levis the benefit of the doubt this season. There’s no reason to pull him so early. Yes, Mason Rudolph exists but he’s not going to propel the Titans to the playoffs; that ship has sailed. The Titans ought to do everything they can short of guaranteeing he starts in 2025. Now is a great time to evaluate if Levis can be THAT guy. Yes, his protection is even worse than last year somehow. However, he shouldn’t be turning the ball over multiple times a game which has become the norm the past 3 games. I don’t foresee Levis playing well on MNF or doing enough to dispel the naysayers.
The Titans are in for a doozy tonight. The Titans will have trouble stopping Waddle, Hill, Achane, and Tyler Huntley as they will consistently make plays to extend drives and keep the Titans off balance defensively. Levis will probably have another turnover filled day and that will be that. Titans lose 24-17.
