Titans current losing streak features a very disturbing trend

Back to the 1970s, there was a short-lived phenomenon that included one taking their clothes off and running amok. One very bold gentleman made an appearance at the 1974 Academy Awards, and had little to show for it. Humorist Ray Stevens recorded a song, “The Streak” that became a big hit.

These days, there’s nothing funny when it comes to the Tennessee Titans’ start to the 2024 season. The club owns a 1-6 record heading into Sunday's contest versus the New England Patriots and remains in the AFC South basement.

The floodgates have opened the last three weeks

Once again, Brian Callahan’s club is embroiled in a three-game losing streak for the second time this season. But it’s the way those setbacks have come about that raises and eyebrow or two.

Week 6: The Titans took a 17-10 lead into the fourth quarter against the visiting Indianapolis Colts. Shane Steichen’s club scored the final 10 points of the afternoon and rallied for a 20-17 victory.

Week 7: Mason Rudolph made his first start of the season for the club. The Titans opened up a stunning 10-0 advantage in the second quarter over the AFC East leaders at Buffalo. The Bills responded with 34 unanswered points in a 24-point win.

Week 8: The Lions and Titans traded touchdowns in the opening 15-plus minutes at Ford Field last Sunday. With the game knotted at 14-all, the NFC North frontrunners came up with the last 38 points of the game and handed Callahan’s club a 52-14 setback.

Sound familiar? Go back to the opening Sunday of the season at Soldier Field, when the Callahan era began with the Titans owning a 17-0 second-quarter lead over the Chicago Bears. That would disappear by day’s end, as the Bears came up with 24 unanswered points for a seven-point victory. You could even throw in the 24-17 loss to the New York Jets in Week 2. With the teams tied at 17-17, Aaron Rodgers and Co. came up with the deciding touchdown with 4:31 remaining in the fourth quarter.

For what it’s worth, the Titans have scored the same number of points as their opponents (38) in the first quarter. However, the team has been outscored a disturbing 158-82 the rest of the game. So much for staying power. Will this trend continue on Sunday at home against the visiting Patriots?

Callahan's struggling squad needs to buck this trend sooner rather than later.