Tennessee Titans September report card: Defense

Sep 14, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

Cornerbacks

Well, relying on 36-year-old Johnathan Joseph and Malcolm Butler fresh off injury has gone about as well as expected.

Joseph was a great player in his day, but he’s very clearly lost a step, and shouldn’t be playing this big of a role in his age 36 season. Shockingly, Butler has been even worse, with a 49.7 PFF grade, and honestly, it should probably be even lower. Butler has been targeted 21 times and allowed 13 receptions, with 0 INT’s.

This secondary desperately needs Adoree Jackson to return. To make matters worse, Kristian Fulton, the rookie from LSU, is on the COVID-19 list. This is even more unfortunate because Fulton has been the lone bright spot in the cornerback room.

Fellow rookie Chris Jackson has been absolutely abysmal to this point, allowing 8 receptions on 12 targets and earning a putrid 27.2 PFF grade.

After Adoree is recovered from injury, and Fulton is cleared from COVID-19, this group should actually be decent. As of now, it’s clear that the team greatly misses Logan Ryan, and they need help. Here’s to hoping the combination of Joseph, Butler, and Jackson can hold it together just until Adoree and Fulton return.

Grade: D-