Titans defender embarrasses himself in revenge game opportunity vs. Chargers

Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon signed linebacker Kenneth Murray to a two-year contract worth $15.5 million during the offseason's free agency period. Murray's four-year rookie deal with the Los Angeles Chargers had just expired. The Chargers showed no interest in retaining him after previously declining his fifth-year rookie option as a former first-round pick that failed to meet their expectations.

Murray swiftly signed with the Titans and became Dennard Wilson's No. 1 linebacker after Azeez Al-Shaair departed Nashville to sign with the Houston Texans. The Titans quickly placed Murray in a leadership role as a veteran player that routinely earned praise from the coaching staff throughout training camp and the preseason.

Murray has arguably given the Titans a decent return on their minor investment. The former Oklahoma standout leads the Titans in tackles with 59, 15 more than the current second-place defender (Amani Hooker, 44). Murray entered Sunday's Week 10 matchup versus the Chargers with an intriguing revenge game opportunity at play.

Murray failed to maximize a chance to show the Chargers they made a mistake. In fact, Murray played poorly, showcasing exactly why the Chargers possessed such little interest in retaining him.

Kennth Murray struggles vs. Chargers

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert particularly attacked Murray in coverage, an area of his game that's always been questionable. Pro Football Focus credited Murray with allowing five receptions on six targets in coverage for 49 yards and a touchdown.

Murray was also whistled for defensive pass interference in the red zone near the goal line. His 29.8 coverage grade was his lowest of the season thus far. Herbert was efficient, finishing 14 of 18 with 164 yards, the aforementioned touchdown, and zero interceptions.

Murray's overall defensive grade was 29.9, per PFF, his lowest of the 2024 campaign. Tennessee's second-level defense consistently struggled to deal with Herbert's dual-threat rushing abilities. Herbert rushed for 32 yards and a touchdown via nine scrambles. One of his runs broke Murray's ankles.

Murray is currently the only starting-caliber linebacker on the Titans' roster signed through next season. Jack Gibbens, who has been starting next to Murray ever since Carthon traded Ernest Jones to Seattle, is set to be an exclusive rights free agent (ERFA). Jerome Baker, who the team acquired in the Jones deal, has yet to play a defensive snap.

Murray received a much-needed fresh start in Tennessee. The ex-Sooners defender has occasionally looked like a quality addition to the defense. On Sunday, Murray unfortunately displayed the Chargers opted for a new direction.