Back to Where They Started -- And That's Not a Good Thing

Bleav in Titans

In their third game of the 2023 season, the Tennessee Titans looked like the same team that lost at New Orleans in Week 1 and not the one that defeated the Los Angeles Chargers. Specifically, the offensive line struggled to create opportunities to run or throw the ball, and the pass defense allowed too many big plays at too many key moments. ... Left guard Peter Skoronski is likely to miss at least one more game due to an appendectomy and no personnel changes appear imminent along the offensive line, and it is not if there are many attractive options. ... Left tackle Andre Dilliard has struggled as much as anyone, particularly in pass protection. It is a disappointing start for a player who was such a high priority in free agency despite a limited history of actual production in the NFL. ... Last year's right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere has three games remaining on his suspension. HIs eventual return could be the impetus for change, if it is to happen. ... Two former Titans tackles are available as free agents but neither is a legitimate possibility for an addition. ... Cornerback Kristian Fulton has struggled mightily on pass defense as opposing quarterbacks have completed seven of eight passes thrown at him, which is unexpected given his play in previous seasons. Fulton also has missed a game with a hamstring injury, which is all too familiar given the injuries he has experienced in recent seasons. ... At 1-2, the Titans will host the Cincinnati Bengals (1-2) on Sunday. Cincinnati is 3-0 against Tennessee in the five-plus seasons that Mike Vrabel has been the Titans' head coach. The Bengals also have a roster that should be able to exploit the obvious weaknesses in Tennessee's play to this point.