Tennessee Titans: 5 most disappointing players after 3 games
By Brian Akins
Rodger Saffold and the O-line
The most disappointing player or players for the Titans so far this season is Rodger Saffold and the offensive line.
Saffold was signed by the Titans during the offseason to a 4-year, $44 million deal — with $22.5 million guaranteed — to be an experienced addition to the offensive line, but he has performed very poorly in his first three games with Tennessee.
Saffold played with the Los Angeles Rams last season, where he only allowed three sacks in 16 games. He gave up three sacks in his first two games this season, according to Pro Football Focus.
Tennessee’s offensive line has been atrocious this season. They have given up 17 sacks through three games in 2019. That is the first time since 2002 that a QB has been sacked 17 times in three games.
Although Saffold’s performance has been one to forget this season, it’s not all on him. Veteran offensive lineman Taylor Lewan is the backbone of the line and he has been absent due to a four-game suspension.
With the experience of Lewan, Jack Conklin, and Ben Jones, plus the addition of Saffold, the offensive line was expected to be very good. Even after poor performances in the preseason and, PFF ranked Tennessee’s o-line as the fourth-best in the NFL.
Tennessee’s offense needs Lewan to return and play his best to help this struggling line regain their identity and protect their quarterback that already struggles with injury problems.
But there is no question that Lewan and Saffold have both let this unit down and have been a huge disappointment so far this season. If these protection issues continue, the Titans will have no chance of having a successful season.