The Tennessee Titans entered Sunday's Week 3 contest versus the Green Bay Packers in the midst of an embarrassing ongoing streak. It had been precisely 994 days since they last scored 30 points (January 2nd, 2022). Instead of ending that disappointing stretch, the Titans watched their former No. 3 quarterback Malik Willis put up 30 on their previously ranked No. 1 defense in a blowout 16-point defeat.
Willis completed 13-of-19 passing attempts for 202 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. He consistently hurt the Titans with his legs, too, scrambling for 73 yards and an additional score. The Titans had to watch their former teammate achieve what's been so elusive for them in recent years.
The Titans last scored 30 points in a 34-3 Week 17 blowout victory over the Miami Dolphins during the 2021 campaign. Starting right guard Dillon Radunz was the only current member of the offense on the field for that contest. The Titans have employed two head coaches and three offensive coordinators since, but an explosive offensive showing has remained elusive.
By the next time the Titans receive an opportunity to score 30 points, on Monday Night Football versus the Miami Dolphins in Week 4, it'll be more than 1,000 days since they last did so.
Today, we are at 992 days since the #Titans last scored at least 30 points, which means Sunday is their last chance to do it before they reach four figures. Will they get it done against the Packers?
— Mike Herndon (@MikeHerndonNFL) September 20, 2024
Fun Fact: Exactly 1 player on the field for this play is still on the roster. pic.twitter.com/t4Fo0SUqNi
The Titans hired offensive-minded head coach Brian Callahan to succeed the defensive-first Mike Vrabel to usher this offense into the current century. The explosive offense that was promised has not yet come to fruition. Through three straight defeats, the Titans are scoring a 28th-ranked 16 points per game. Starting quarterback Will Levis has committed a league-leading eight turnovers, including two pick-sixes.
The new-look offensive line has been a complete mess. They've already benched underperforming right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere. Levis has been under constant stress and duress while being sacked 15 times. The offensive line has posted a pass-block-win-rate of 43%, fourth-worst in the entire league, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
Perhaps growing pains were expected. Callahan is a first-time head coach and play caller. Offensive coordinator Nick Holz is in that role for the first time in his career. The offensive line boasts four new starters and is the youngest starting-five in the entire league, per median age. Levis entered the season having made nine starts as a rookie and he's still familiarizing himself with Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd. Not to mention his go-to target DeAndre Hopkins has been limited with a knee injury.
Despite all those new surroundings and circumstances, the offense has been worse than expected. Backbreaking turnovers, an offensive line that is leaking pressure, and a failure to sustain drives has doomed the Titans offense. Watching Willis score 30 at Nissan Stadium represented a new low.