The Tennessee Titans’ offense has been plagued by numerous issues in 2024, from quarterback turnovers to inconsistent offensive line play and questionable play-calling. Despite the talent on the roster, the offense consistently underperforms on game days.
The Titans rank 31st in the NFL for offensive yards per game (259.2), last in passing yards per game (145.8), and 27th in points per game (17.7)—all worse than the 2023 squad, which led to a major coaching overhaul.
While the quarterback and offensive line problems are often highlighted, the real issue may lie in the offensive strategy itself under first-year head coach Brian Callahan.
Callahan’s Strategy
Brian Callahan has openly embraced a conservative offensive philosophy. His primary goals are to establish the run, sustain long drives, and rely on the defense to secure wins.
Take, for example, Tennessee’s Week 6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Will Levis passed for just 95 yards on 27 attempts, while Tony Pollard had a strong game with 93 yards and a touchdown. The Titans even managed two 17-play drives, yet only scored 17 points and still lost.
“That was obviously a conservative game plan style. I knew we were going to be able to run the ball well, and I think we did for the most part,” said Callahan after the game. “Through three quarters, that game looked about how I expected. Our defense was playing well, we ran the ball, and we had two different 17-play drives.
We also capitalized on a turnover. I thought we were doing enough to win, but obviously, we didn’t finish. We need to find ways to close in the fourth quarter, which has been an issue all season. Seventeen points isn’t enough.”
The problem, however, is that Callahan’s goals are fundamentally flawed. Even when the Titans execute his plan, they fail to generate enough points.
Outdated Offensive Philosophy
Callahan’s vision of long, methodical drives paired with a strong running game is not realistic for this roster. The team doesn’t have the personnel or chemistry to consistently march down the field in 15-play drives. Inevitably, these drives stall out due to penalties, sacks, or quarterback mistakes.
The lack of an explosive passing game has made Tennessee’s offense even more stagnant.
Lack of Explosive Plays
An explosive pass is defined as a play that gains 20+ yards. The Titans have recorded just 11 explosive passes through six games, and only four of those have come in the second half. Just one of those explosive passes came in the fourth quarter.
Tennessee’s inability to generate big plays is one reason they struggle to finish games and put up points. Instead of scoring quickly, the Titans rely on long drives that are vulnerable to mistakes—whether it’s a sack, penalty, or poor play call.
The Titans have managed only one pass over 30 yards this season, a deep touchdown to Calvin Ridley against the New York Jets.
In the end, the Titans’ conservative approach isn’t working. It’s time to rethink their offensive goals if they hope to see more success on the field.
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