Defensive Observations from the Tennessee Titans' Recent Game
- Tennessee Titans
- 12/01/2025 08:14:26 PM
The Tennessee Titans’ recent 28-24 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars laid bare a defense of contradictions—flashing dominance in spots but showing critical flaws that threaten their playoff hopes. For DC Shane Bowen, the game offered clear takeaways: from a resurgent pass rush to a struggling secondary. Defensive Observations from the Tennessee Titans' Recent Game breaks down these key trends and needed adjustments.
The biggest bright spot was the Titans’ pass rush, which found rhythm after a slow start. Jeffery Simmons returned to form with two sacks and four QB hits, using strength to bull-rush the Jaguars’ interior line (e.g., pushing left guard Ben Bartch back for a sack of Trevor Lawrence) and quickness for a spin move that yielded another takedown. Edge rushers Arden Key (1 sack, 2 pressures) and Rashad Weaver (forced hurried throw for interception) also contributed. “When Simmons plays like this, he’s elite, and it opens things up for others,” said a local analyst. Defensive Observations from the Tennessee Titans' Recent Game emphasizes this rush is a foundation—if other units improve.
The secondary was a major concern, struggling to contain Calvin Ridley (8 catches, 123 yards, 2 TDs). Deep coverage lapses plagued them: Kristian Fulton bit on a double move, letting Ridley score on a 35-yard post; Elijah Molden failed to track the ball on a deep fade, allowing a one-handed TD catch. Tackling issues also hurt—Kevin Byard missed two stops on Travis Etienne, turning short passes into 15+ yard gains. “They lacked communication, missed tackles, and couldn’t stop deep balls—deadly against playmakers,” said a former NFL DB. The secondary also gave up key third-down conversions, keeping the Titans’ offense off the field. Defensive Observations from the Tennessee Titans' Recent Game highlights this as an urgent fix with pass-heavy teams ahead.
The Tennessee Titans’ usually solid run defense showed cracks, letting Etienne rush for 97 yards (4.6 YPC). The defensive line was pushed back by Jacksonville’s O-line, creating gaps. On a critical fourth-quarter third-and-1, left tackle Cam Robinson drove Arden Key back, opening a lane for Etienne’s first down. Linebackers struggled too: David Long Jr. overpursued, leaving cutbacks; Azeez Al-Shaair missed a tackle on a 12-yard run that set up the game-winning TD. “It wasn’t terrible, but below their standard,” said the post-game host. For the Tennessee Titans, this is worrying—next up is Houston’s Dameon Pierce-led run game. If unaddressed, the Texans could control the clock. Defensive Observations from the Tennessee Titans' Recent Game shows the Tennessee Titans need to shore up run defense fast.
Blitz packages for the Tennessee Titans had mixed results. Shane Bowen called 12 blitzes: some worked (Kristian Fulton’s cornerback blitz forced a hurry), others backfired. A six-rusher blitz in the second quarter let Jacksonville hit a screen to Etienne for 18 yards; a Kevin Byard safety blitz was read by Lawrence, who completed a 25-yard pass to Ridley. “Blitzes were predictable at times, and Lawrence exploited that,” said the former DB. Rushers also lacked discipline, overrunning the pocket and giving Lawrence escape routes. For the Tennessee Titans, Bowen needs to be more selective—focusing on third-and-long and avoiding blitzes Jacksonville can counter. Defensive Observations from the Tennessee Titans' Recent Game underscores the need to refine blitz strategy.
Finally, the game highlighted Tennessee Titans defensive leadership—Byard and Simmons stood out. After Jacksonville took a 21-17 lead, Byard called a huddle to rally teammates; Simmons followed with his second sack, pointing to Byard in celebration. “They’re the heart of this defense,” said the analyst. But more leaders are needed: other players looked defeated after big plays, especially young secondary members like Fulton and Molden, who lack veteran guidance. Defensive Observations from the Tennessee Titans' Recent Game concludes the Tennessee Titans have elite talent—fixing the secondary, run defense, blitzes, and leadership can turn their season around. Without adjustments, the Jaguars game will preview more struggles.