News Titans Team Notes

[Tennessee Titans]

Titans to open Tyjae Spears window to return from IR

Tyjae Spears started the season on injured reserve due to a high-ankle sprain he suffered in the preseason. Ian Rapoport reported this morning that the Tennessee Titans are expected to open his practice window this week. That gives the Titans three weeks to either activate him or place him on season-ending IR.

Getting Spears back should give the offense at least a slight bump. That gives them another option outside of Tony Pollard in the run game, and Spears is a good receiver out of the backfield. I cannot wait to see them try a screen to him that goes for zero yards.

Spears has been with the Titans since they drafted him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He has 765 yards rushing and six touchdowns in his career.

The Titans made a couple more moves today on the practice squad:

Practice squad moves for the @Titans:

Added:
RB Blake Watson
DB Alex Johnson

Waived:
RB Raheem Blackshear
OT Andrew Rupcich

— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) September 29, 2025

It’s a little bit surprising to see them waive Rupcich. If I were the Titans, I would be keeping every single offensive tackle I could get my hands on.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t...to-open-tyjae-spears-window-to-return-from-ir

 

[Tennessee Titans]

NFL power rankings week five and the Tennessee Titans

Well, this should be fun. I am typing this intro before I have looked at any power rankings. I will be shocked if anyone has the Tennessee Titans not ranked 32nd. There are other 0-4 teams, but no one, and I mean absolutely no one, has looked as inept as the Titans. The only reason someone doing these rankings wouldn’t have the Titans ranked last would be if they haven’t actually watched them play. I’ll be honest, I’m kind of jealous of that person.

Here we go:

CBS: 31

How much longer does Brian Callahan have as the coach? Getting shutout by the Texans is not a good look.

Sports Illustrated: 31

I wrote about what I see as the Brian Callahan era possibly coming to an end. This is going to be a fascinating test of new leadership in Tennessee and the bad habits of existing ownership. Can new general manager Mike Borgonzi, who, by all accounts, has fared well in his first draft class, translate his skill set to reading the room?

NBC Sports: 32

They’re lucky relegation isn’t a thing.

ESPN: 32

The Titans have struggled mightily to score points, leading to their first 0-4 start since 2009. They’re averaging 1.8 red zone visits per game, which ranks 31st in the NFL. They failed to reach the red zone at all against the Texans. And the rare occasions when the Titans reached the red zone in the first three weeks weren’t fruitful, either. Their 48.6% red zone touchdown conversion rate is sixth worst in the league. — Turron Davenport

The Athletic: 32

The first-round quarterback has shown flashes on the field and takes the Week 4 candor award for saying about his team after Sunday’s loss: “We ass.” Fourth-round wide receiver Elic Ayomanor has been a bright spot and was targeted seven times Sunday. He only caught two of those passes, but he still led the team with 44 receiving yards. He has 12 catches for 151 yards on the season.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t...r-rankings-week-five-and-the-tennessee-titans

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Titans head coaching candidates: Hot-Shot 1st-Timers

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 29: Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady of the Buffalo Bills looks on prior to a game against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images

Yesterday morning, we published an article on potential Tennessee Titans head coaching candidates. That article featured retread candidates such as Brian Flores and Mike McCarthy. Brian Callahan hasn’t been fired yet, but it feels inevitable, so we’re continuing to look at potential successors.

Today’s exercise focuses on the alternative candidates, the hot-shot first-timers. Callahan was of this variety, rising up the coaching ranks after an impressive stint as the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive coordinator (though he didn’t call plays). NFL fans are most excited when their team hires a coordinator, as the retread is often categorized as “boring.”

If the Titans go the first-timer route again, these candidates will be among the popular league-wide options.

Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills OC​

Joe Brady projects as the hottest candidate in the league come January. The Buffalo Bills are 4-0 and Josh Allen is the reigning MVP. Before the Titans seriously consider Brady, they need to ask why he’s thrived with Joe Burrow and Allen, but struggled in Carolina. Unfortunately, the Callahan mistake means the Titans need to approach this process with caution.

Jesse Minter, Los Angeles Chargers DC​

The 42-year-old Jesse Minter won a National Championship at Michigan with Jim Harbaugh and now he’s thriving alongside him at the NFL level with the Los Angeles Chargers. Minter also worked under John Harbaugh in Baltimore, a path that’s proved fruitful for Mike Macdonald and the success he’s having in Seattle. He’s worked at other programs such as Notre Dame and Vanderbilt, and his father was the former head coach at Cincinnati.

Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens OC​

Why has the 59-year-old Todd Monken never been an NFL head coach? That’s a legitimate question. The former Knox College quarterback has done outstanding work with the Ravens and Lamar Jackson as one of the most flexible coordinators in the league. He has head coaching experience, leading Southern Miss from 2013-15. Monken would be terrific for Cam Ward’s development.

Jeff Hafley, Green Bay Packers DC​

Jeff Hafley was Boston College’s head coach for four seasons (2020-23). Titans GM Mike Borgonzi is from Massachusetts and worked at BC in 2007-08. They’re surely familiar with one another. Hafley is advancing his resume as the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator this season.

Chris Shula, Los Angeles Rams DC​

How many Sean McVay assistants get head coaching jobs? Chris Shula could be next. The legendary Shula family has produced another prodigy as the fast-rising 39-year-old is excelling as McVay’s defensive coordinator this year. He’ll get interviews.

Others who could garner consideration; Mike Kafka (Giants OC), Adam Stenavich (Packers OC), Kevin Patullo (Eagles OC), Drew Petzing (Cardinals OC), Bobby Babich (Bills DC), Klint Kubiak (Seahawks OC).

Kafka worked with Borgonzi in KC and has received interviews in the past. Stenavich is working under Matt LaFleur and spent multiple seasons with Chad Brinker in GB. Patullo nearly crossed paths with Borgonzi in KC and also crossed paths with Dennard Wilson in Philadelphia (probably not notable).

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t...-head-coaching-candidates-hot-shot-1st-timers

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Titans missing two starters at Wednesday practice

Well, we are officially on week four of JC Latham’s injury. The Tennessee Titans chose not to put Latham on injured reserve after he was injured in the week one loss to the Denver Broncos. That decision will look foolish if Latham isn’t able to go this week. Of course, Latham would not have healed any quicker had he been on IR, but the Titans could have had an extra roster spot to play with for the last month.

Calvin Ridley also missed practice on Wednesday. He didn’t play much, if at all, in the loss to the Houston Texans last week. There was some buzz about the reason for that, but Brian Callahan said on Monday that it was because of an injury. He did come up limping at one point in the second half, but he did play at least a few more plays after that happened.

As always, there is the disclaimer that today is just Wednesday. Guys, especially veterans like Ridley, can miss Wednesday at times without it being a big deal. It is something to keep an eye on as the week progresses.

Bryce Oliver and Blake Hance also missed Wednesday’s practice.

Full Titans injury report from Wednesday:

.@Titans Injury Report from Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/6FBkPREQiu

— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 1, 2025

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t...ns-missing-two-starters-at-wednesday-practice

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Titans LB Cedric Gray had a career-best day in Week 4

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 22: Cedric Gray #51 of the Tennessee Titans in coverage during an NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Minnesota Vikings at Nissan Stadium on August 22, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)

There weren’t really any positive takeaways from the Tennessee Titans’ embarrassing shutout loss to the Houston Texans. If there’s one player whose performance was worthwhile, it was sophomore linebacker Cedric Gray. Gray enjoyed a career-best day, making a personal-high 17 tackles on defense.

Pro Football Focus also saw Gray’s performance in a positive light. His 90.2 overall defensive grade and 90.0 run-defense grade were both career highs. Gray was PFF’s second-highest graded overall linebacker in Week 4, trailing just superstar ‘backer Fred Warner (90.9).

What’s perhaps most impressive is Gray wasn’t credited with a single missed tackle. PFF had him with an 18-tackle day (12 solo tackles, six assists). Gray was credited with six run stops, a positive result for the defense that constitutes a “failure” for the offense, per their definition. It was the most single-game tackles by a Titans LB since Akeem Ayers in Week 3, 2012 (vs. DET), per James Foster.

Cedric Gray had 17 tackles yesterday, most for a Titans LB in a single game since Akeem Ayers in Week 3, 2012 (vs. DET) pic.twitter.com/JCR7tiBFK9

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) September 29, 2025

Gray’s performance was particularly notable. After playing a significant amount of snaps in Weeks 1 and 2, the sophomore fourth-rounder saw his playing-time cut by a large margin in Week 3, with practice squad call-up Kyzir White getting a rotational opportunity. Gray was back to a full workload versus the Texans, and the coaching staff will think twice about benching him again.

If Gray struggled in one area in Houston, it was as a coverage defender. PFF credited him with allowing six receptions on six targets. Those catches only gained 54 yards, less than a first-down conversion (9.0) per completion. Coverage continues to be a weak-point of Gray’s game, however.

The winless Titans are searching for answers. Gray isn’t a surefire long-term solution yet, but the sophomore linebacker is enjoying a much better season after watching his rookie campaign be totally derailed by injury. The Titans were totally embarrassed in Houston, but Gray’s arrow continues to trend upwards.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t...b-cedric-gray-had-a-career-best-day-in-week-4

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Checking in on how Bo Hardegree did in his first game calling plays for the Titans

The Tennessee Titans got shut out and didn’t even get into the red zone in their loss to the Houston Texans. That really tells you all you need to know about Bo Hardegree’s first game calling plays. We know it was bad, but just how bad was it? Let me show you a couple of charts:

Bo Hardegree broke the chart in his first week of play calling with the Titans after taking over for Brian Callahan.

What are the best potential landing spots for Joe Brady if he’s hired as a head coach this offseason? pic.twitter.com/BL9Oe8CI3r

— Steven Patton (@PattonAnalytics) October 1, 2025

As the tweet says, Hardegree broke the chart in the wrong direction. Maybe he shouldn’t have tried all of those trick plays in the first half? After reading about the success that Hardegree had when he took over calling plays for the Raiders, I actually had some hope that we would get a bump in offensive production. We did not.

For the season, both the offensive playcallers and Dennard Wilson, the defensive playcaller, have been really bad:

Week 5 Play Caller Rankings

Andy Reid and the Chiefs take the top spot after a dominant performance last Sunday.

Only three NFC teams are in the top 10; the Lions, Eagles, and Seahawks. pic.twitter.com/SgjC5asasE

— Steven Patton (@PattonAnalytics) October 1, 2025

I’m not sure exactly what those numbers mean, but when the gap between number 1 and number 31 is almost as big as the gap between number 31 and the Titans at number 32, you know it’s really bad.

The only positive here is that the Titans will have new playcallers on both sides of the ball next year.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t...n-his-first-game-calling-plays-for-the-titans

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Calvin Ridley and JC Latham miss second straight day of Titans practice

Both Calvin Ridley and JC Latham were listed as “did not practice” for the second straight day. Jim Wyatt did say that Ridley was seen doing some work on a side field. That does give some hope that he will be able to go on Sunday when the Tennessee Titans face the Arizona Cardinals. He probably needs to at least get a limited practice in tomorrow to have a chance.

JC Latham also missed his second straight day of practice. I will save you the dialogue on them not putting Latham on injured reserve after the week one loss to the Denver Broncos. Latham seems like a lock to miss his fourth straight game.

Tyjae Spears, who has been on injured reserve, was listed as limited once again today. The Titans opened his return window this week, so there is a chance he can go on Sunday. He looks pretty healthy from the videos posted on Twitter:

A spin move from @Titans RB Tyjae Spears @tyjae22 in Thursday’s practice. pic.twitter.com/1vLZNiNm96

— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 2, 2025

Spears would give the Titans a little boost on offense. At the very least, he could take some of the work off of Tony Pollard. Pollard has been great, but he wasn’t signed to be a bellcow.

Here is the full injury report from Thursday:

.@Titans Injury Report on Thursday pic.twitter.com/s4bGSdCSdy

— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 2, 2025

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t...m-miss-second-straight-day-of-titans-practice

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Why does this Titans coaching staff struggle with injury timelines?

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 15: JC Latham #55 of the Tennessee Titans walks across the field during an NFL preseason football game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

The 0-4 Tennessee Titans have already been without several key starters throughout the first four weeks. The most discouraging absences have been that of their first two selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. JC Latham played half of Week 1, and T’Vondre Sweat is currently on IR after missing large portions of training camp with tonsillitis before injuring his ankle. Sweat peculiarly declared himself healthy before going on IR.

Injuries happen. The Titans are disappointed to not have Latham or Sweat available. What the Titans can control is how they respond, juggle the roster, and handle their return-to-play timelines.

There’s quite a bit of evidence to suggest Brian Callahan and his staff struggle with that. Latham exited Week 1 after re-aggravating a hip injury that was discarded as a nothing-burger in training camp. Sure, reaggravation happens. Latham wasn’t placed on IR. He’s already missed three contests and appears headed to miss a fourth this weekend.

JC Latham is trending upward and getting close. Matter of which day. #Titans.

— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) October 1, 2025

That would mean the Titans should have placed Latham on IR and taken advantage of the extra roster spot. In fairness, Latham’s presence is so important to the offense, that any chance of him potentially returning to the lineup prior to the four-week minimum was worth keeping him active for. And the Titans had legitimate hope he’d be back soon.

But his example is one of several.

Rookie safety Kevin Winston Jr. has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury at training camp. It’s been further complicated by a partially torn ACL he suffered at Penn State last season. The Titans possibly overloaded his plate early in camp before he got injured. Winston Jr. wasn’t placed on the PUP or IR to begin the campaign, and he also appears headed for a fifth consecutive missed game on Sunday.

Rookie running back Kalel Mullings was first injured during the preseason. The Titans didn’t place him on IR until Friday, September 26th. Delaying the process of placing Mullings on IR will cause him to possibly miss more games than necessary.

And then there’s the 2024 L’Jarius Sneed example. Sneed injured his quad in a mid-October game with the Indianapolis Colts last season. He was placed on season-ending IR six weeks later. All parties involved described the quad injury as incredibly peculiar, but how many of these examples are supposed to be treated as rare coincidences?

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t...coaching-staff-struggle-with-injury-timelines

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Titans vs. Cardinals final injury report

JC Latham has now missed four straight months of practice for the Tennessee Titans. It would be really cool if the NFL had a way where you could give that guy a status where he didn’t count against your 53 man roster, but you could still bring him back once he was healthy. Wait, they do? Someone should tell the Titans. OK, I’m done.

In addition to Latham being OUT, wide receiver Bryce Oliver, safety Mike Brown, and offensive lineman Blake Hance will all miss tomorrow’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Calvin Ridley, who missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, was able to log a limited practice on Friday. He is questionable. The Titans need him out there. Tyjae Spears is also listed as limited. He is on IR, but could be activated for the game on Sunday.

Defensive lineman James Lynch and rookie safety Kevin Winston Jr. are also listed as questionable. Winston has missed the first four games with an injury. If only…

Here is the Titans’ full injury report:

.@Titans Final Injury Report vs @AZCardinals pic.twitter.com/YLJJNPXLes

— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 3, 2025

Here is the final injury report for the Cardinals:

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t...61948/titans-vs-cardinals-final-injury-report

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Brian Callahan doesn’t seem happy with Cam Ward’s postgame comments

Cam Ward didn’t hold anything back in his comments right after the Tennessee Titans’ 26-0 loss to the Houston Texans. In case you missed what he said, here it is:

#Titans QB Cam Ward is clearly frustrated with the lack of production on offense starting with himself. "If we keep it a buck right now, we ass." pic.twitter.com/ApQzABZBG2

— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) September 28, 2025

First off, he didn’t say anything that wasn’t true. He also listed his issues first among the issues that he listed. Passion and accountability are two things that you love to see from your quarterback.

Well, Brian Callahan didn’t seem to be too thrilled today about the words Ward chose to show that passion and accountability:

Brian Callahan on Cam Ward: “He’s learning to grow up in the NFL and learning the weight his words carry” pic.twitter.com/uT2I45tbCf

— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) October 1, 2025

I don’t know, man. This seems to me more like Callahan didn’t like Ward being so transparent with his feelings when those feelings reflected poorly on Callahan. There has been a lot of desperation from Cally lately because he knows how close he is to losing his job and probably never getting another shot to be a head coach in the NFL.

I’m sure Ward will issue some sort of apology the next time he talks to the media because Callahan has encouraged him to do so. I don’t like that. Let the kid speak his mind. People buy into that type of leadership.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t...t-seem-happy-with-cam-wards-postgame-comments

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Titans vs. Cardinals Sunday morning thoughts

Brian Callahan and the Tennessee Titans desperately need a win. File that under one of the most obvious things you have ever read. Callahan said this week that he doesn’t think there is a sense of doom in the building. That might be true right now, but you better believe that will start to slip in more and more with each passing loss. He’s not the guy going forward, but for the good of the future of the franchise, you don’t want that locker room to become a disaster.

It’s hard for me to care too much about draft position at this point in the season. Generally, I am against pulling against the team to lose just for draft position, especially this early in the season. There are a lot of good EDGE guys in the 2026 draft class. The Titans will likely be drafting in the top five. Go get a win today.

This sounds crazy to say as a Titans fan, but I don’t think the Arizona Cardinals are that good. They are also down to their third running back here. The Titans can at least cover the 8.5-point spread here, right?

One thing I am predicting for today is that Cam Ward gets his first multi-passing touchdown day of the season. You saw his passion after the loss last week. Brian Callahan might not have liked it, but I did. Ward said in training camp that he only cares about a few things in life. Winning football games is near the top of that list. He’s going to come out with renewed fire today.

Don’t forget, this is a rare 3:05 start for this game today. The good news is that you can sit back and enjoy the noon slate of games without having to be drug down by the Titans.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t...0/titans-vs-cardinals-sunday-morning-thoughts

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Cam Ward proved today why he was worthy of the number one pick

Cam Ward was pretty good in the first two games of the season with nothing to show for it. He was not as good in week three against the Indianapolis Colts, and he was really bad in week four against the Houston Texans. This week, against the Arizona Cardinals, he wasn’t great for the first three quarters, going 8 of 20 for just 72 yards, but then the last three drives happened.

On those three drives, he was 13 of 19 for 193 yards. He did throw a pick on a tipped ball, but of course, that ended up being a touchdown for the Tennessee Titans. He made two ridiculous throws to Calvin Ridley in the fourth quarter:

Cam Ward with a beautiful pass up the seam to Ridley

TENvsAZ on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/dZss03CNbb

— NFL (@NFL) October 5, 2025

WARD TO RIDLEY FOR 38 YARDS!

TENvsAZ on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/GjvrhPsFim

— NFL (@NFL) October 5, 2025

A franchise quarterback has to put the team on his back sometimes when things aren’t going well around him. That is just what Ward did in the fourth quarter today.

It is important to remember that development isn’t always linear. Just because he ended the game on fire today doesn’t mean that there won’t be some more downswings along the way, but Ward proved today that no moment is going to be too big for him. If he can continue to rise to the moment, the future is really bright for him.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t...oday-why-he-was-worthy-of-the-number-one-pick

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Jeffery Simmons is playing at a defensive player of the year level

There has been a lot of talk about whether or not the Tennessee Titans should trade Jeffery Simmons. On one hand, trading him makes a lot of sense given his age and how far away the Titans seem to be from competing. If the Titans aren’t going to be a legitimate contender until 2027, it might make sense to get some draft capital for him now.

With all of that being said, the price for a team to acquire Simmons should be sky high. Brian Callahan said after the game that Simmons is playing at a Defensive Player of the Year level right now. He’s exactly right on that one. Check out these numbers from yesterday:

Jeffery Simmons generated a season-high 6 pressures and 1.5 sacks on 35 pass rushes (17.1% pressure rate) against the Cardinals in Week 5.

Simmons was doubled on only 37.1% of pass rushes, his lowest double-team rate of the season and capitalized recording 5 quick pressures in… pic.twitter.com/UdkBROGqxj

— Easton Freeze (@eastonfreeze) October 6, 2025

Those are crazy numbers, especially for a defensive tackle.

If Mike Borgonzi is going to shop Simmons at the NFL trade deadline, the price should start at two first round picks. He isn’t going to get that, but he should start there. Borgonzi shouldn’t let him go for anything less than a first round pick and another day two pick. If teams aren’t willing to pay that, Borgonzi should just keep Simmons and watch him continue to wreck opposing offenses.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t...aying-at-a-defensive-player-of-the-year-level

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Titans vs. Raiders opening odds: Tennessee opens as 5.5-point underdog

The Tennessee Titans are an underdog for the sixth straight week to open the 2025 season. This time, against they are a 5.5-point underdog at FanDuel Sportsbook against the Las Vegas Raiders on the road. The Titans will look to win back-to-back games for the first time since November of 2022. That’s insane.

The biggest key for this one will be Cam Ward building off the momentum from the fourth quarter comeback against the Arizona Cardinals. We knew that for this team to be good, it was going to take Ward carrying them at times. He did just that on Sunday.

There should be a good chance that JC Latham plays in this one. That would give the Titans their starting offensive line for the first time since week one against the Denver Broncos. The interior of the line has been good, and Dan Moore had his best game of the year against the Cardinals. The Titans might actually have something up front with Latham back in there.

Is all of that enough for you to bet the Titans +5.5 this week?

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t...ng-odds-tennessee-opens-as-5-5-point-underdog

 

[Tennessee Titans]

NFL power rankings week 6 and the Tennessee Titans

Heading into the fourth quarter on Sunday, it looked like the Tennessee Titans were heading for a clean sweep of 32nd in NFL power rankings this week. The only other team that was really in the conversation last week, the New Orleans Saints, had already won. But the Titans, or really the Arizona Cardinals with all of their mistakes, said “Not so fast, my friend” as they pulled off the miracle comeback. It might sound crazy to say, but if the Titans can pull off another win against the Las Vegas Raiders this week, they might pull into the mid-20s in most spots next week.

Here are where the Titans rank in various NFL power rankings around the internet:

ESPN: 31

Ridley showed promise during training camp, where he made a connection with rookie quarterback Cam Ward. Unfortunately, Ridley has only 15 receptions and no touchdowns this season. He faced a similar situation last season, with nine catches in his first five games. But, he still finished with 1,000 yards. He showed promise this Sunday after having five receptions for 131 yards, giving fantasy managers 18.1 points. Although Ridley didn’t get to the end zone, he had two impactful receptions that led to 10 of Tennessee’s fourth-quarter points. — Turron Davenport

The Athletic: 30

It took a Cam Ward interception that was fumbled and kicked into the end zone for a touchdown, but the Titans became the first team since 2019 to overcome a deficit of 18 or more points with a rookie quarterback. It wasn’t pretty, but, hey, they have their first win, and that should take some heat off of head coach Brian Callahan — at least for one week.

CBS Sports: 29

Somehow, they found a way to rally to beat Arizona in a weird game. But that’s big for head coach Brian Callahan, as he was firmly on the hot seat.

FOX Sports: 30

It took a bunch of flukey plays for the Titans to get their first win. But you know what? They still put up 212 yards and 16 points in the fourth quarter. Suddenly, they don’t look like “ass” anymore.

Yahoo Sports: 31

The Titans have to be thrilled with Sunday’s win, even if it was about as fluky as it gets. That’s OK, a win is a win for an 0-4 team that should have been trailing 28-6 in the fourth quarter in Week 5. The Titans will have to play better, but one win takes a lot of the pressure off them.

USA Today: 31

No. 1 pick Cam Ward may be a rookie, but he’ll never throw a better interception.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t...ower-rankings-week-6-and-the-tennessee-titans

 

[Tennessee Titans]

On Brian Callahan’s decision to kick the extra point instead of a 2-point conversion

After Arizona Cardinals running back Emeri Demercado committed the unthinkable early-celebration-fumble, the Tennessee Titans took over possession at their own 20-yard line following a touchback, down 21-6. Cam Ward and the offense generated an 80-yard scoring drive that concluded with a Tony Pollard touchdown run. Trailing 21-12 following the Pollard score, Brian Callahan immediately held up a single finger, signaling the Titans would try the point-after attempt, as opposed to a two-point conversion.

The analytics strongly suggest the Titans should have tried a two-point attempt, which would have made it a seven-point game had the Titans successfully converted it. Instead, Callahan wanted to make it an eight-point game. Joey Slye missed the extra point, meaning the Titans still trailed by two scores.

Slye should never have missed the XP, so the outcome shouldn’t impact how you feel about Callahan’s decision. Regardless, Callahan was blasted on social media for ignoring the analytics. He was asked about it on Monday by Paul Kuharsky on Monday, explaining that decision was the “Titans’ philosophy” in that spot.

Why didn’t Brian Callahan go for 2? #Titans pic.twitter.com/t46a9aKpNF

— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) October 6, 2025

Titans Twitter appeared in solidarity, irate with Callahan’s decision to ignore the analytics. The outrage only increased after Slye missed the XP. I’ll raise my hand and admit I don’t necessarily agree with the outrage.

If the Titans converted the two-point conversion, they’d be down seven, requiring another score anyway. Had Slye converted the XP, they’d be down eight… still needing another score. The timing of when you attempt the two-point conversion simply shifts.

Converting the extra point extends the game and keeps the players fighting hard, trailing by one score. The “go for two” crowd underestimates the psychological side of football. A failed conversion means you’re trailing by two scores, and the players may quietly admit defeat on a comeback attempt. Extending the game keeps faith and hope alive, potentially improving performance down the critical stretch.

Callahan didn’t explain what his “philosophy” in that spot entails, but it’s reasonable to assume he believes in extending the game and keeping his players fighting hard. I don’t necessarily see why that’s such an egregious belief to so many.

I absolutely understand the math of why the analytics indicate trying a two-point conversion makes sense in that scenario. I simply don’t believe the decision is so straightforward. Football isn’t played on spreadsheets. Claiming that decision was vehemently the incorrect one overlooks the human side of the game.

It was ultimately a moot point. The Titans executed the most improbable comeback of the 2025 season, beating Arizona 22-21 on a last-second Slye FG. We should analyze Callahan’s process over results, and I simply don’t understand why many felt Callahan was so wrong in that spot.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t...e-extra-point-instead-of-a-2-point-conversion

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Titans OT JC Latham could face trial by fire in potential return to lineup

The Tennessee Titans hope to get JC Latham back against the Las Vegas Raiders this weekend. That’s the current working expectation. If Latham indeed returns, he could face a difficult matchup versus superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby.

Latham injured his hip during the first half of Tennessee’s Week 1 loss to the Denver Broncos. It was a recurring issue that initially occurred in training camp. The Titans didn’t put Latham on IR, but he’s already missed four consecutive contests. The Titans have been cautious with his timeline, but the sophomore blocker appears primed to play against the Raiders.

JC Latham is trending upward and getting close. Matter of which day. #Titans.

— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) October 1, 2025

The Titans had been starting Oli Udoh and John Ojukwu in Latham’s absence. In recent weeks, Udoh claimed the full-time reserve role. He’s played reasonably well all things considered, but both options are an obvious level below Latham.

Udoh has allowed the second-most pressures on the Titans (13), according to Pro Football Focus. Ojukwu has allowed the third-most (10). That’s despite Udoh playing the fifth-most pass-blocking snaps among all linemen, and Ojukwu playing the sixth-most. They’ve obviously allowed more pressures per play than any other Titans lineman.

Crosby is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. His current pass-rush-win-rate (PRWR) is 20%, per ESPN Analytics. Crosby’s 20 individual wins as a pass rusher is third-most among all EDGEs, trailing just Nick Herbig (25) and Will Anderson Jr. (21), per the same tracking data source.

Assuming Latham returns, it’ll be interesting to monitor which Titans tackle Crosby spends most of his reps aligning across from. Left tackle Dan Moore has improved his performance in recent weeks, but he’s still allowed a team-high 15 pressures. Latham is the better blocker, but he’s also got a considerable amount of rust to shake off. Crosby will probably take turns before deciding which player is the weaker link.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t...e-trial-by-fire-in-potential-return-to-lineup

 

[Tennessee Titans]

JC Latham returns to practice for the Titans

Tennessee Titans right tackle, JC Latham, was on the practice field for the first time yesterday since injuring his hip in the week one loss to the Denver Broncos. He was officially listed as a limited participant. That is an encouraging development that gives the Titans a chance to have their starting offensive line together for the first time in over a month.

The Titans had a lengthy injury report on Wednesday:

.@Titans Injury Report on Wednesday pic.twitter.com/xROSPguziF

— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 8, 2025

It is good to see that Bryce Oliver was able to be a limited participant. He flashed in the preseason but hasn’t played since week two. It is also good that both Tyjae Spears and Kevin Winston Jr were able to practice on a limited basis. Spears returned this past week after starting the season on IR. Winston saw his first action of the season last week after missing the first four games with a hamstring injury.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t.../jc-latham-returns-to-practice-for-the-titans

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Titans will attempt to break this multi-year drought in Week 6

The Tennessee Titans claimed their first victory of the 2025 campaign on Sunday, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 22-21 via thrilling fashion in Week 5. On Sunday, the Titans will attempt to achieve something they haven’t done in four seasons. If they defeat the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6, it’ll mark their first consecutive victories since 2022.

The Titans last won consecutive games over the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers on November 13/17 during the 2022 campaign. That Mike Vrabel-coached team was 7-3, but concluded the campaign losing seven straight to miss the postseason at 7-10. Vrabel’s 2023 Titans finished 6-11, never winning consecutive contests.

The #Titans’ challenge Sunday in Las Vegas:

The last time they won consecutive games was Nov. 13 vs DEN and Nov 17 at GB in 2022.

— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) October 6, 2025

Brian Callahan’s debut season obviously went terribly. The Titans went 3-14. Their three victories occurred in Weeks 4, 9, and 12. They dropped their final six contests, helping them earn the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the right to draft Cam Ward, who already looks like a franchise quarterback.

Sunday represents a terrific opportunity for the Titans to end this lackluster multi-year streak. The Raiders share Tennessee’s record at 1-4. Though while the Titans are coming off an emotional and exciting victory, the Raiders are trending in the opposite direction, fresh off an embarrassing 40-6 defeat to the Indianapolis Colts.

The Raiders have dropped four straight contests. Their defense is allowing 27.8 points per outing. Starting quarterback Geno Smith has three multi-interception games this year, having thrown a league-leading nine interceptions.

Smith and the offense have failed to score more than 24 points throughout their ongoing losing streak. Twice, they’ve been held under 10 points. Pete Carroll’s struggling squad is searching for answers.

The Titans should also have JC Latham on Sunday. Hopefully the Week 5 victory over the Cardinals got players like Ward and Calvin Ridley trending in the right direction. If so, it could power the Titans to their first consecutive victories since 2022.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t...pt-to-break-this-multi-year-drought-in-week-6

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Titans vs. Raiders final injury report

JC Latham is officially listed as questionable for the Tennessee Titans against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Latham is expected to play. This will give the Titans their complete offensive line for the first time since the week one game against the Denver Broncos. Latham has been battling the hip injury since training camp. Hopefully, the last month off has given it enough time to fully heal.

Kicker Joey Slye will miss Sunday’s game with a calf injury. Slye has really struggled the last few weeks. Matthew Wright, whom the Titans signed to the practice squad earlier this week, will be elevated to the active roster and be the kicker on Sunday. Wright spent time with the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Titans last season. He made 15 of his 16 field goal attempts in 2024.

Here is the full injury report for the Titans:

.@Titans final injury report vs @Raiders. pic.twitter.com/gWrf18amUd

— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 10, 2025

For the Raiders, it sounds like tight end Brock Bowers will miss the game on Sunday. That’s a huge break for the Titans as Bowers is one of the best tight ends in the league.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t...s/62046/titans-vs-raiders-final-injury-report