Tennessee entered 2025 with a clear direction: rebuild through youth and let the next generation grow into NFL roles. Through two weeks, that plan has delivered exactly what you’d expect -- flashes of promise mixed with growing pains that keep showing up on the scoreboard.
The result? An 0-2 record and an eight-game losing streak stretching back to last season.
Both losses have been frustrating as Tennessee has been competitive, which is really the ultimate goal during an NFL campaign for such a youth-infused roster with new faces in new places with newfound expectations. They led playoff teams Denver and Los Angeles before ultimately falling apart.
Rebuilding Titans must stick the course despite 0-2 start to 2025 season
Against the Rams, the Titans carried a 13-10 halftime lead, only to be outgained 133-40 in the third quarter and eventually lose 33-19. That’s been a theme: Tennessee has been outscored 20-3 in the fourth quarter this season, unable to close out ballgames when it matters most.
That inability has put head coach Brian Callahan in the crosshairs.
Already in his second year, Callahan was expected to shepherd a rookie quarterback and a retooled roster into respectability. Instead, he’s watching his team stall offensively, leaning on kicker Joey Slye to put points up. Through two weeks, Slye has accounted for eight field goals -- tying a post-merger record for consecutive four-FG outings to start a season -- while the Titans’ offense has only managed one touchdown drive in two contests.
For all the talk of development, it’s hard to win NFL games without scoring touchdowns.
The good news is that the rookie class, the foundation of this rebuild, is showing up. No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward has endured pressure (11 sacks allowed in two games) but still delivered his first touchdown pass on a scramble against the Rams. WR Elic Ayomanor, an early Day 3 pick, looks like an early gem. He caught four passes for 56 yards, including a highlight-reel one-handed grab and his first NFL touchdown. Other rookies -- WR Chimere Dike on special teams and TE Gunnar Helm in spot duty -- have also flashed.
It's the type of growth Tennessee wanted to see, even if it comes in small bursts.
The concern is how much strain that growth is putting on the roster. An offensive line that was supposed to be improved under Bill Callahan’s guidance has already surrendered 11 sacks, nearly matching some of the worst two-game stretches for rookie quarterbacks in league history.
Losing starting tackle JC Latham (hip) and veteran guard Kevin Zeitler (elbow) hasn’t helped, but for Ward is to survive and develop, Tennessee has to keep him upright.
For now, the Titans’ outlook hinges on balance. There’s promise in the rookies, but urgency in the standings. They face a critical Week 3 matchup at home against division-rival Indianapolis before embarking on a three-game road swing. Drop that game, and an 0-5 hole creeps up on the horizon.
Ultimately, it's the reality of a rebuild: patience is required, but patience doesn’t erase the pressure of losing streaks and offensive futility. The Titans are building something with Ward, Ayomanor, and their young core, and all good things take time.
VERDICT: PATIENCE