The Tennessee Titans currently possess a revolving door at right tackle. Head coach Brian Callahan has started three different players at that position in the team's three most recent games. The process has been maddening, confusing, and difficult to comprehend.
The presumed starter entering the season was Nicholas Petit-Frere. After allowing 15 pressures and four sacks in his first four starts, the Titans understandably decided to make a change at the position. The former Ohio State standout was actually initially benched midway through a Week 3 defeat to the Green Bay Packers in favor of sophomore blocker Jaelyn Duncan, who did not fare any better. Petit-Frere returned as the Week 4 starter, but another lackluster showing forced the Titans to consider alternative options (again).
What occurred in the coming days was somewhat surprising. The Titans waived third-choice tackle John Ojukwu from the 53 man roster and promoted Leroy Watson from the practice squad. That's the same Watson that was released at final cuts, with the Titans choosing Petit-Frere, Duncan, and Ojukwu instead of him.
Nonetheless, it was Watson, not Duncan, who earned the start against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 6. In fact, Duncan was inactive as a healthy scratch. The Titans, for the first time in forever, did not allow a sack in that defeat to the Colts. Context is key, however. Starting quarterback Will Levis averaged a league-fast 2.23 seconds time-to-throw, according to Next Gen Stats, averaging just 3.5 yards per attempt. The Titans peppered the line of scrimmage with throwing targets, limiting Indianapolis' opportunities to rush the quarterback. Watson was whistled for three penalties and allowed two pressures en route to a Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade of 46.6. Callahan offered a bullish review of Watson post-game.
When the Titans announced their inactives prior to Sunday's embarrassing defeat to the Buffalo Bills, it was surprising to see Watson featured. The Titans made another unforeseen decision, this time to start Duncan at right tackle. The same Duncan that was their third-choice tackle in street clothes the week prior.
Duncan injured his hamstring on the first offensive series, because of course. Petit-Frere entered the lineup and arguably played his worst game of the season. PFF credited him with allowing eight (!) pressures and a sack en route to a season-worst pass-pro score of 21.0.
Credit the Titans for leaving no stone unturned in search of competent right tackle play. But at this point, the sample size on Petit-Frere and Duncan is painfully large enough to know they're incapable of providing it. The roster doesn't possess the in-house solution offensive line coach Bill Callahan desperately craves, but the Titans keep recycling the same tired, old options.