Tennessee Titans: Rodger Saffold voices frustration with his critics
Left guard Rodger Saffold thinks he’s the most hated man on the Tennessee Titans.
In the midst of what can be considered a down season for him, Tennessee Titans left guard Rodger Saffold has been a lightning rod for criticism in 2019.
Saffold, who signed a four-year, $44 million contract this past offseason to help shore up the left side of the Titans’ offensive line, has been a turnstile at times during his first season in Tennessee. In fact, he has already allowed more sacks this season than he did all of last season.
As a result, Saffold has drawn criticism, especially from fans who are frustrated with his play and have seen a once elite guard with the Los Angeles Rams turn into a shell of himself with the Titans.
After the Week 10 win over the Kansas City Chiefs that saw him fail to pick up Chiefs defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah, leading to a sack of quarterback Ryan Tannehill, Saffold took to Twitter to voice his frustration with his critics.
He even called himself “the most hated guy on the Titans”.
I think I’m the most hated guy on the @Titans Win lose or draw it’s just nothing but negativity and insults. Mistakes happen in this game we all know that but without knowing scheme or the way we play to judge instantly is just unfair. I mean we just beat a top AFC team enjoy it.
— Rodger Saffold (@Rodger_Saffold) November 10, 2019
I hate to break it to Saffold, but the criticism of his play is warranted. He is getting paid a lot of money to perform at a level far below what we saw of him in 2018. Great expectations come with the kind of contract he signed and so far he hasn’t lived up to those expectations.
Nobody hates Saffold and every Titans fan out there wants him to succeed to help this team, but they are frustrated with the early returns.
Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro shared some support for his embattled teammate following Saffold’s tweet.
Block out the noise bro. We just gonna keep doing what we do. Same people hatin gotta wake up tomorrow and do some shit they hate https://t.co/Q80qTCt1CC
— G1 Savage @ DREAMHACK SAN DIEGO RLCS (@kennyvaccaro) November 10, 2019
As a whole, the Titans have allowed a league-high 42 sacks, four or which came in the Week 10 win. While it certainly isn’t all Saffold’s fault, he has contributed to the mess that has been the Titans’ offensive line this season.
And Saffold isn’t the only one getting heat. Even left tackle Taylor Lewan, who has committed several drive-killing penalties after his return from a four-game suspension, is being widely criticized by the media and fan base. Hell, his own wife is even roasting him for it.
Saffold needs to realize that this is what comes with the territory, and if he wants to change the perception of his play, he needs to step up and do better. One win doesn’t change what we’ve seen all season long — not by a long shot.