The most disappointing thing about the Titans offense that nobody is talking about, pre- and post-Brian Callahan firing

How many times have you come away from a Tennessee Titans game this year more disappointed in the offense than the defense?

It’s been most of the games for me. It was certainly the case this past weekend in their 20-10 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. As Cam Ward put it in his postgame presser, “At the end of the day, we’re not doing anything on offense.” This Titans defense has been far from perfect. Their run defense has been too shaky so far. They were downright putrid in the second half of the Colts game. But more often than not, they’ve done enough to hold up their end of the bargain.

The same cannot be said about the offense, not even close. And the most inexcusable part of this mess becomes apparent when you remember back to how we talked about this roster in the offseason.

Titans Offseason Focus Has Been On Offense

The Titans offense has scored one (1) touchdown on 37 first half possessions this season. They’ve tied the franchise’s modern low-water mark for number of games under 4.0 yards per offensive play, and there are still 11 games left to play!

It’s been lifeless. Their burst of competency in the final three drives against Arizona have proven to be a total flash in the pan. A fluke. Nothing besides that fourth quarter has indicated this group can string together a good game. And when I think back to how we talked about the Titans offense and defense in the offseason, it’s equal part befuddling and infuriating.

Remember those conversations? The expectations for this defense were being tempered. By the team, by media, and by observant fans alike. Why? Well, because there just hadn’t been the same level of investment on that side of the ball. The 2025 offseason of roster moves leaned in favor of building up offense around the new rookie QB. He himself was your primary investment, after all. The first overall pick in the draft was used on offense at the most important position on the team.

Six of the nine draft picks the team had in April went to offense. The three defenders were a pair of long-play investments in Femi Oladejo and Kevin Winston Jr, and a dart throw at a special teamer defensive back in Marcus Harris. Cam Ward was expected to be an early impact. So were Chimere Dike, Gunner Helm, and Elic Ayomanor to an extent. Even RB Kalel Mullings was going to play a role in the 2025 unit.

In free agency, the Titans spent in the neighborhood of $100 million on offense. Their one and only big ticket item was Dan Moore, who they paid top of market to be their new left tackle. He joined an offensive line full of heavy recent investment. JC Latham was the first round pick the year prior, and Peter Skoronski the year before that. Lloyd Cushenberry was paid top of market for his services in 2024. And veteran Kevin Zeitler was one of the most talented veteran guards on the market this past spring. They spared no expense building a wall in front of Cam Ward.

Signing Calvin Ridley in 2024 was of course a big swing to bring a serious weapon to town. The skill players around him are significantly greener or have a lower ceiling, but the Titans made sure to acquire plenty of options to build a solid floor.

On defense, it felt pretty universally understood that patience would be necessary. It felt like DC Dennard Wilson would have to draw blood from a stone this year with the pieces at his disposal. Yes, Jeffery Simmons is still as good as they come. L’Jarius Sneed was a massive acquisition at the time, but coming into the year we had no idea if he would even be available. T’Vondre Sweat was a top pick and an impact player his rookie year, but he missed the majority of training camp (and now, the season).

This defense is largely a collection of fine players and overachievers. And the depth is razor thin. But what they’re doing is admirable because they’re putting the offense in a position to be able to play complementary football. They’re doing enough. The offense, despite being the focal point of recent investment, is not. That’s what’s most unacceptable about this team right now, and it’s a mark against everybody involved.