Sept. 22, 2026, 7:03 a.m.
ET
The Tennessee Titans (0-2) played hard and took a step forward on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, but unfortunately, they fell just short, losing 24-20 in Week 2 action. This week, they travel on the road for the first time in the regular season, heading to New Jersey to face the New York Giants (1-1).
Incredibly, it will be the first time since early in training camp, Week 1 of the preseason, that the team will leave Nashville. The Giants will be coming off a short week after playing on Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams and have some injury questions to answer. The Giants lost more than the game, with both Jaxon Dart going out with what looks like a severe knee injury.
Injuries are never good, and coming on a short week with a cross-country trip makes it even worse. Week 3 is just four days away, so let’s take the pulse of the Titans around the NFL. There is no such thing as a moral victory Tennessee came out and played better against the Eagles, and lost what was a winnable game.
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This was definitely a step in the right direction, but the Titans still left too much on the field and still have a lot to correct moving forward. Between being a young team and the improved play, many on social media have talked about it being a moral victory, something Robert Saleh and the organization have completely downplayed since the final whistle. Was it better? Absolutely, but as many have pointed out, it was still a loss. The secondary needs some work The Titans’ front seven improved against the Eagles, but they weren’t quite in sync with the back end of the defense, and that cost them the game.
Tennessee’s secondary, playing without Cor’Dale Flott, struggled to contain the Eagles’ passing attack, especially on third down, where Philadelphia owned them. If Tennessee wants to turn things around, the secondary must be better. The offensive line must improve The offensive line was better, but like much of the organization, is still a work in progress. Unfortunately, patience with the fanbase is wearing thin, especially with left tackle Dan Moore, who has continued to struggle as he enters his second season in Nashville after signing a massive contract in 2025. Cam took a step forward After a week under the microscope, Cam Ward came out, played a solid game, and took a step forward in his development. While it wasn’t a perfect outing, Ward looked in control, and he put the Titans in a position to win.
Why so conservative? One of the biggest questions coming out of the outing was the conservative approach Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll took in the red zone on Sunday. Twice, Cam Ward led the offense on drives that ended in field goals, but in both cases, the offense went run-heavy and appeared to play for the field goal. If the Titans are going to take a step forward, they need to stop living in their fears and let the offense make plays. What’s wrong with the kickoffs? Through two games, Joey Slye and the kickoff team have been one of the biggest issues of the season.
Slye has also failed to consistently place the ball in the landing zone, leading to multiple penalties. Couple that with leading the league in kicking touchbacks, and you’ve got the defense dealing with poor field position. Will time of possession ever flip?
The Titans defense has struggled to get off the field in the first two games, and there is no single reason why. In Week 1, the Jets were consistent and methodical in their game plan, using the run to put them in advantageous situations. In Week 2, as mentioned above, it was secondary issues. Either way, fans and outlets have noticed, and it doesn’t look good.
Old home week, redux When the Titans take the field against the Giants, familiar faces will be on the opposite sideline, with former head coach Brian Callahan and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson playing key roles in New York. The same could be said for the Giants, who will see many former staff members, led by offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, and multiple players like Wan’Dale Robinson, Austin Schlottmann, and Cor’Dale Flott start and play significant snaps for the Titans. At least this will be the last week we have to deal with so many familiar faces.
