Lingering thoughts from Titans' season-opening loss to the Giants

Ben Arthur, Nashville Tennessean

September 12, 2022 at 8:08 PM·3 min read

Welcome to Talkin’ Titans. This is Titans beat reporter Ben Arthur.

Here are seven things that remain at the forefront of mind more than 24 hours after the Titans’ disappointing season-opening loss to the Giants:

Lack of touches for Robert Woods, Austin Hooper

Tennessee Titans tight end Austin Hooper (81) during the second quarter of a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Nissan Stadium Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

Woods had one catch for 13 yards. Hooper had one catch for six yards. Combined, they saw four targets – and they’re expected to be the Titans’ top receiver and tight end, respectively.

Tennessee has committed $16 million in guarantees between the two of them. They must become key cogs for the offense to have success this season. It’s on quarterback Ryan Tannehill and offensive coordinator Todd Downing to make sure they get the ball.

Todd Downing’s play calling

Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing watches his players during practice at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

The way the offense played makes it feel like the shortcomings of Downing’s play calling, a constant talking point last season, will continue dominating storylines in 2022.

A trend last year, there's plenty of room for growth in getting the ball into hands of the Titans' playmakers. The end around to rookie tight end Chig Okonkwo on a critical 3rd-and-1 late in the fourth quarter was the only play call I thought was “bad." Derrick Henry took his eyes off the ball on the wildcat play in the third quarter.

The other shortcomings are tough to assess because execution and personnel also play a key role in how a play call looks.

Woeful run defense

Tennessee Titans linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) and safety Kevin Byard (31) tackle New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

Was Saquon Barkley running all over the Titans’ defense a sign of what’s to come? Or was it just a bad day against an elite, shifty tailback? That’s tough to say after one game.

Impressive rookie class

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kyle Philips (18) pulls in a first down catch during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

The lack of rookie production the previous two seasons hurt the Titans. This year’s class appears to be different. In the opener, eight rookies played, two started and four played a key role on offense or defense. Ryan Stonehouse is the new punter.

A strong, early performing rookie class will help Tennessee in 2022 and beyond.

Ryan Tannehill played well

Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) passes the ball during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

Tannehill enters a critical season and I thought he kicked off 2022 on a good note, albeit shortcomings for the offense.

The passing completion rate was subpar (60.6%) and there were some misfires, but I thought he largely played efficiently and made good decisions. Having a clean pocket – he was sacked just once on a bootleg action – surely helped.

He threw for 266 yards and two touchdowns, posting a 106.4 passer rating and no turnovers.

Rashad Weaver flashes

Tennessee Titans linebacker Rashad Weaver (99) runs through the tunnel before an NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Nissan Stadium Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

Weaver has been a preseason star for the Titans the last two years, so it was encouraging to see him deliver in the regular season for the first time. He had two sacks.

Tennessee will need consistent production from him to help make up for the loss of top pass rusher Harold Landry.

Geoff Swaim’s role

Tennessee Titans tight end Geoff Swaim (87) during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

After Tannehill, the starting offensive line and Woods, no one saw more snaps that veteran tight end Geoff Swaim (45). It raised the eyebrows of fans. I asked coach Mike Vrabel what he’s done to earn the significant role. He said that Swaim is the best blocking tight end the team has.

That accentuates how blocking is the biggest responsibility of tight ends in Tennessee’s offense. But it also leaves you scratching your head, because the Titans gave Hooper $6 million to be the No. 1 tight end.

Swaim, a dependable player but limited pass catcher, should not be getting more snaps than the former Pro Bowler who the team has a big financial commitment in.

More Titans news

Other highlights this week:

Titans sign running back Trenton Cannon, linebacker Joe Jones to the 53-man roster
What Vrabel was encouraged by in the Week 1 stinker
Titans are big underdogs for Week 2 against Josh Allen, Bills

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Lingering thoughts from Titans' season-opening loss to the Giants

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