The Tennessee Titans didn't play well in any phase throughout their disappointing Week 1 defeat to the New York Jets. They were totally ineffective on offense, defense, and special teams. Several Titans in the starting lineup failed to meet expectations.
It's too early for overreactions, but head coach Robert Saleh could eventually consider making depth chart changes if performances don't improve quickly. The Titans are a rebuilding roster. They possess rookies and sophomores who began the campaign as reserves.
So many first-year Titans played in rather disappointing fashion. Some returning faces were also ineffective. We've identified three Titans starters already under pressure following their Week 1 whimper.
3 Tennessee Titans players on the hot seat after brutal Week 1
Cody Barton, LB
Veteran Titans linebacker was grossly outplayed by rookie Anthony Hill Jr., who notched a team-high 16 tackles. Remember that Hill was only starting because Cedric Gray failed to clear concussion protocol in time for Week 1. Coach Saleh recently confirmed that Gray has been cleared for Week 2.
The Titans should absolutely move forward with a pairing of Gray and Hill at linebacker. Pro Football Focus credited Barton with just two takedowns and one missed tackle. The aging Barton has looked a step slow since the preseason, and he's definitely in danger of losing his starting gig to Hill.
Austin Schlottmann, C
The Titans went bargain bin shopping for a new starting center in free agency and it immediately cost them. After things didn't break their way at center, they settled for veteran journeyman Austin Schlottmann because he knew Brian Daboll's offense. Schlottmann endured a rough outing in Week 1, struggling with the Jets' interior both as a run blocker and pass protector.
The Titans drafted center Pat Coogan in the sixth round. They also have sophomore Jackson Slater, who possesses center-guard flexibility. Both Coogan and Slater have bigger future upside, and one could push to replace Schlottmann if the blocking doesn't improve.
Jermaine Johnson II, DE
The Titans traded for veteran defensive end Jermaine Johnson II during the offseason partially because he previously played for Saleh. Well, he was one of the Titans' most ineffective defenders in Week 1. Johnson notched just one pressure, didn't do enough to make Geno Smith uncomfortable, and was also pushed around in the run game.
The Titans have two young pass rushers on the roster in Femi Oladejo and Keldric Faulk. Oladejo was arguably the Titans' best defensive lineman in Week 1, earning a PFF grade of 89.3. Johnson is going to start losing snaps if he doesn't bounce back immediately.
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