Tennessee Titans Offense Continues Struggles Under New Coordinator

Oct 7, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains (right) talks with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) as quarterback Rusty Smith (11) and offensive coordinator Chris Palmer listens during a break in the game with the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings win 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Tennessee Titans fired offensive coordinator Chris Palmer after their 19-24 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12. They then promoted QB’s coach Dowell Loggains to be the interim OC. Tennessee media then pushed the idea that Loggains is a promising up-and-comer, being wanted by the likes of Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears.

Now just to clarify before I continue, I’m not saying he’s not. But I am questioning it.

The Tennessee Titans have struggled to find a rhythm on offense all season. Nothing has changed since Loggains has taken over. The Titans are still struggling and after last weeks game, they’re looking worse than ever. But is it Loggains fault?

The offensive line is in the worse shape it has ever been in with only one true starter not being on IR. That’s forced a young QB to have to do much, especially with the struggles it has created for the run game. There has also been the loss of TE Jared Cook, who was a big target for Locker.

That being said, there still calls that leave you shaking your head asking why. Looking at the Titans last game against the Green Bay Packers, Locker was asked to throw the ball deep early and often. We all saw how that turned out. Short passes for small gains (IMO) should have been how they started off so that Locker could get in a rhythm. While it’s nice to come out with a big play, the Titans needed to play it smarter and they didn’t. The offensive line crumbled under constant blitzes and those deep patterns made Locker hold on to the ball too long. To be fair, Locker has struggle with tipped passes, but something needed to be done different. High percentage passes weren’t attempted enough and it made the Titans look terrible.

Many speculated that Loggains would get the job of offensive coordinator after the season ended, but his resumé isn’t looking too good right now, and with coaches, such as Norv Turner, being on the market after this season, things aren’t looking good for Loggains. Owner Bud Adams is feeling his mortality and he wants that Super Bowl ring before he hits the grave.

It’ll be interesting to see who he entrusts this offense to for the 2013 season. Whoever it is, I hope they can find a way to tap into the potential it has. No one else seems to be able to thus far.

You can find me on Twitter @JustinLStewart