Here’s What Stood Out in Tennessee Titans Week 1 Preseason Game

Nashville, Tn — The Tennessee Titans opened up their preseason at home against the Super Bowl runner-up San Francisco 49ers on Saturday evening. 

Tennessee entered with a fresh start at almost every level of the organization and tons of optimism from fans and media alike. This was new head coach, Brian Callahan’s first game as the lead man and second-year signal caller Will Levis’ first offseason as the top quarterback.

It was also the first action for first-time coordinators Nick Holz and Dennard Wilson, both whom joined the team this year. 

Overview

Tennessee didn’t show much on offense and defense, as the play-calling was pretty vanilla for the majority of the game, which is expected. 

The special teams unit was the star of the first half for the team, setting up the offense with good field position on their first two possessions. Kearis Jackson had a big game with two returns for 81 yards, highlighted by his opening return that went for 63 yards. Rookie Jha’Quan Jackson had one punt return that went for 26 yards.

There was a noticeable difference in the offensive scheme in contrast to last season. There was more pre-snap motion allowing for mismatches and easy diagnosing of coverages. 

Levis was an efficient four out of five (80%) for 35 passing yards and a rushing touchdown. Running back Tony Pollard also had a solid debut for the Titans with 35 rushing yards on four carries. 

The defense played well despite giving up a touchdown on the opening drive. Rookie defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat was a force, getting penetration routinely. Rookies Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and Gabe Jeudy-Lally both had solid showings in their first professional game. They helped the Titans secondary prevent the 49ers from getting a passing touchdown all game, a far better statistic than last year. 

The backup quarterback battle was in full heat as both backups had good and bad sequences. Neither Mason Rudolph nor Malik Willis set themselves apart but both will have a chance to do so in the coming weeks. 

 

Positives:

– The offensive line kept Will Levis upright.

– Special teams was special!

– Clean first half: Tennessee did not have a single penalty in the first two quarters.

– Moving the sticks: Tennessee was an efficient 9/17 (53%) on third down.

– No injuries.

– Young but ready: Multiple rookies had impactful plays in the game.

 

Negatives:

– No passing touchdowns for the offense.

– Front seven struggled to chain together stops in the run game.

– 50% in the red zone despite threatening four times.

The Tennessee Titans will host the Seattle Seahawks for joint practices in the coming week. Tennessee will also play the Seahawks at Nissan Stadium on August 17th for week two of the preseason.

Seattle has one of the best defensive units in the league as well as one of the most potent receiving corps. This will give the Titans a chance to truly evaluate the team’s weakest areas. Seattle is comng off an impressive win against the Los Angeles Chargers in their first preseason game.