A pair of three-game losing streaks interrupted by a lone two wins had defined the Tennessee Titans' season prior to a Week 10 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.
At least, the Titans had been coming off a win over the New England Patriots. There was some semblance of momentum. Yet, the Titans continued their alarming trend of failing to score 20 points in a game and ended up losing to L.A. by a score of 27-17.
Yes, the Titans offense has been abysmal this season. Regardless of who the quarterback has been, Tennessee has not done a good job putting points on the board. In fact, this team has only scored 20 or more points in two games on the year.
In seven games, this team has scored 17 points or less. It's been an embarrassment. And, in all fairness to the defense, that unit actually started out the season looking fairly promising. The Titans defense was a highly-underrated group coming into the season and proved as much through the first month or so of the season.
But, the defense could only carry this team for so long -- if you want to put it like that.
More Titans news:
Sitting at 2-7, the Titans' season is now a lost cause. This is a team that's headed closer to the no. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft than they are even sniffing a postseason opportunity. But, that doesn't mean the locker room has any reason to give up just yet.
At least, not according to defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.
Jeffery Simmons took ownership of Titans' struggles and preached a sobering message after loss to Chargers
Titans reporter Jim Wyatt recently wrote on some postgame thoughts from some of the bigger names in this locker room, and that included Simmons. As for what the big man told his teammates following the loss? He got real honest.
"This is the NFL, and my message to the guys is: 'Say less, and do more.' We have to stop talking, including myself, and we have to say less and do more," Simmons said.
These are some interesting words coming from Simmons, as he's usually one to be more outspoken than others, even at the expense of losing his cool at times. So, for Simmons to offer up this advice and even admit to himself needing to abide by it is a small sample of maturity from the star defensive lineman.
The next three games don't get any easier for the Titans, with matchups against the Vikings, Texans and Commanders; all of whom have winning records. Tennessee is going to have a hard time winning any one of them, but as far as Simmons is concerned, the effort needs to be taken up a notch.
Fans know this season isn't going anywhere, but if they can at least see improved effort by some players, then there's somewhat of a hope for the future.