The Tennessee Titans put forth their worst defensive performance of the 2026 campaign in Week 7. They lost 27-24 to the Cleveland Browns. A previously struggling Browns offense generated 491 yards, with Deshaun Watson throwing for 308.
The Browns also rushed for two touchdowns while averaging 6.3 yards per attempt. Titans head coach Robert Saleh was disgusted with the defense's showing, saying so both during the post-game presser, and on Monday via his virtual press conference. The defense may be picking the worst time imaginable to spiral.
Sunday's Week 8 opponent is the Cincinnati Bengals. Quarterback Joe Burrow was outstanding in the Bengals' comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7. Burrow appears to be heating up just in time for his matchup with the Titans' feeble defense.
Bengals QB Joe Burrow had a phenomenal performance vs. the Ravens, and has torched the Titans in the past
The Titans are allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete 69.2% of their passes, second-worst in the NFL. They also rank bottom 10 in passing yards allowed (both total and per game), and yards per passing attempt. The secondary is consistently struggling.
The secondary is also dealing with a situation surrounding its highest-priced cornerback, Alontae Taylor. He was a healthy scratch in Week 6, and benched in Week 7. Taylor's struggles while on a $58 million contract has been a bad development for the passing defense.
The Titans are not prepared for the Joe Burrow onslaught coming their way
Burrow threw for 292 yards and four touchdowns versus the Ravens in Week 7. It was his second consecutive outing with four touchdown passes. The Bengals scored a season-high 35 points, marking the third time they've surpassed 30 points this season.
Burrow's 292 passing yards was a season-best result for him. His completion percentage (73.3%) was his second-most efficient output. Burrow has thrown eight touchdowns versus zero interceptions across the previous two weeks.
The Titans seem ill-equipped to face a surging Bengals passing attack that is featuring both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Burrow is beginning to catch fire at the absolute worst possible time for a Titans defense still reeling from its Week 7 stinker. Coach Saleh's defense would require quite the bounce-back performance to avoid embarrassment versus Burrow.
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