Jon Robinson & Mike Vrabel's gamble is costing the Titans more than just wins
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. That should be the motto of the Tennessee Titans so far in 2022. That's exactly what Mike Vrabel, Jon Robinson, and those in the Titans' coaching staff are learning the hard way to begin this season. The Titans' 41-7 loss in primetime to the Buffalo Bills was more than […]
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
That should be the motto of the Tennessee Titans so far in 2022.
That's exactly what Mike Vrabel, Jon Robinson, and those in the Titans' coaching staff are learning the hard way to begin this season.
The Titans' 41-7 loss in primetime to the Buffalo Bills was more than an embarrassment. It was a public shaming of a franchise that failed to take the steps necessary to solidify a championship-level core, and instead kicked the can further down the line, miring the team in mediocrity.
It was an indictment on a staff that is stuck in its ways, and seems to lack the creativity to operate outside of the box they placed themselves in.
Titans decision-makers took a gamble. They chose to stick with their play-caller despite an underachieving 2021 passing game. They let bonafide playmakers walk out the door, and chose to rely on young, unproven talent to fill the gaps left in the roster.
They chose to stay stubborn, and the fallout of those decisions is now rearing it's ugly head.
Derrick Henry finished with just 1.9 yards per carry and three negative plays on HB tosses. The absence of Kristian Fulton led to Tre Avery, an undrafted rookie, attempting to guard Stefon Diggs in man coverage.
Quick reminder how that turned out:
All things considered, the AFC South is still the worst division in football. I'd even wager the Titans wind up making the playoffs when this is all said and done. But it's evident that the organization has taken a step back.
The 2022 Titans are not going to be the top seed in the AFC or the Super Bowl contenders of years past. Buffalo just showed everyone how wide that gap really is.
That's what a championship team looks like.
The Titans' rookie class has showed some promise, but many of the young players on the roster are not NFL ready, and cannot be relied upon to be starters on a contending team.
That's the sad, unfortunate reality.
The Titans bet on the likes Dillon Radunz, Caleb Farley, and other in-house options to take the next step, and that gamble is costing them games.
My fear is that it could cost them a whole lot more if it wastes the years they have left with some of their premier talent. NFL windows close fast, and morale fades even faster.
Image via George Walker IV / Tennessean.com-USA TODAY NETWORK
