Tennessee Titans Continue Checking Boxes Off The Season-Is-A-Mess List Which Involves QBs, RB And Trades
The anatomy of an NFL season in decline for most teams traditionally includes losses, of course. And disappointment, of course. But there's other stuff, too. And the Tennessee Titans are showing continued signs of that now.
More signs, aside from substandard play?
How about a team selling talent just before the trade deadline because the future becomes more important than the present? The Titans crossed that off their list Monday. The list also has to include uncertainty at quarterback.
The Titans have that now.
Because Tuesday coach Mike Vrabel announced both Malik Willis and rookie Will Levis might play in Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. The reason for that is presumed starter Ryan Tannehill is nursing a high ankle sprain and his status for the game is uncertain.
Mike Vrabel Makes QB Announcement
"Ryan won't practice today," Vrabel told reporters. We'll see where he is at the end of the week and I would imagine that if Ryan can't play, I would anticipate both those quarterbacks playing in the football game.
"But Ryan is out of his roller or walker or whatever he had and we'll see where he is at the end of the week."
So Vrabel will have a tough decision at the end of the week. And none of his choices will be awesome.
If Tannehill, who injured the same ankle he had surgery on last season, can play against the Falcons, the Titans will be going with their veteran. Problem is their veteran is having a bad season.
Tannehill, when healthy, has managed to throw two TD passes in six games. And six interceptions.
Tannehill's 62 % completion percentage is the lowest its been since 2015 when he was with the Miami Dolphins. And his quarterback rating of 71.0 is the lowest of his 12-year career.
And he's going to be better Sunday if he's hobbled and playing with fewer days of preparation? Yeah, not optimal.
Malik Willis Or Will Levis Are Choices
The other choices don't scream solutions for Vrabel, either.
Willis is a second-year player who clearly is still developing. But he's doing that under a new general manager in Ran Carthon who drafted Levis in the second round this year.
So last year's quarterback of the future and this year's quarterback of the future are trying to gain favor enough to get on the field. And the fact Vrabel mentioned both would play if Tannehill cannot suggests neither has separated from the other.
This all comes one day after the Titans traded veteran defensive back Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles for a couple of third-day-of-the-draft selections in 2024.
It's a move that puts the Titans in the category of sellers prior to the Oct. 31 trade deadline, which is another box checked on the season is stinking list.
And this trade is not being greeted with a lot of approval in the Titans locker room.
"Obviously it sucks," strong safety Amani Hooker said.
"Obviously, I want him here but it's the business side of football," running back Derrick Henry said. "He's the best safety to ever play here. Great leader, great teammate, a great pro."
So general locker room unhappiness is also a box the Titans are close to checking.
Derrick Henry May Be Next
Henry realizes the Titans made a business decision. But, yes, making business decisions that diminish the team now in exchange for hopeful improvement in the future with late-round draft picks is not a sign things are going swimmingly.
"It's the business side of football," Henry said. "You never want to see one of your leaders, one of your captains, one of the guys who has been a great player for the organization for a long time go like that ..."
The question is whether this is where the Titans draw the line? Do they go forward trying to salvage a season that still has 11 games remaining? Or do they continue to sell off parts for the sake of a better future.
That future, by the way, might not include Henry, who is unsigned beyond this season. And that contract status also makes Henry a target for a trade deadline move.
The premier running back was asked about that Tuesday and he didn't exactly embrace the idea.
"I'm here," he said. "Here at work. Ready to go to practice and focus on beating the Falcons."