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Titans vs. Chargers: Reasons for optimism and concern for Tennessee

By Ravi Konjeti

MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 29: Joey Bosa #97 of the Los Angeles Chargers warms up prior to the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Chargers at Hard Rock Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 29: Joey Bosa #97 of the Los Angeles Chargers warms up prior to the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Chargers at Hard Rock Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee Titans defensive tackle, Jeffery Simmons.
JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 30: Jeffery Simmons #94 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs in action against the Louisville Cardinals during the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bulldogs won 31-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Optimism: Possible debut of Jeffery Simmons

The Titans struggled to get pressure on the quarterback last week, sacking Joe Flacco only once. Cameron Wake missed the Broncos game and it was clear that his presence was missed. The Titans front seven was also quite leaky against the run, giving up a total of 103 rushing yards.

However, one bit of news might provide a bright outlook: rookie defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons has returned to practice and could play in Week 7.

The bright side is that when healthy, Simmons was a top five prospect coming into the draft. Simmons has the upside to match the production of past NFL greats, but he needs to get healthy first. Even if Simmons does play this week, it will likely take a few weeks before he is fully game ready and earns the trust of Mike Vrabel and Dean Pees to see significant snaps.

At this point, the Titans need to take a realistic look at their chances of making the playoffs. If the Titans lose this game, then the playoffs will become an extreme long shot with games against the Chiefs, Panthers, and Saints remaining on the schedule, as well as division games against the Texans and the Colts.

The Titans will need to examine key young pieces this season to see who to keep and who to move on from. If Simmons can realize his potential, then the Titans can focus on the offensive side of the ball even more this offseason.

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