Titans' OL disaster in Week 1 might be more illusion than truth

The Tennessee Titans had a rough showing in many aspects in their Week 1 loss to the Denver Broncos, many of which they expected better from. Even in a game that was expected to be very difficult overall, they found ways to make it frustrating, and it is hard to be encouraged moving forward.

One of the areas where they struggled was the offensive line, which was tough to see after the changes that were made this offseason. The eye test along with the numbers tell you that almost everyone struggled to some degree, as the only lineman who did not allow a pressure was Peter Skoronski.

That being said, when you think about what we knew about this offensive line and the task they were up against, the outcome versus the Broncos was not shocking. It certainly wasn't good enough on Sunday, and it has to get better as the season progresses forward, but the Week 1 matchup was not a fair indicator of what they can be moving forward.

Week 1 not an indicator of the Tennessee Titans' improved offensive line

Everyone knew that the Titans' offensive line would have a tough time in this contest due to the elements that were out of their control. It was a Week 1 game, which meant chemistry would be iffy, and on top of that, it was at altitude against a top-ranked defense, and center Lloyd Cushenberry was playing his first game back since tearing his Achilles last season.

The Broncos are a difficult matchup for the best offensive lines in football, but even after their improvements on paper, the Titans were never thought of as having a top-ranked unit. They're expected to be a middling unit, around the 16th or 17th best in the league, which meant that you should expect some struggles here and there. The Broncos fit that "here and there."

Not only that, but they were playing against a Broncos team that is known to have a top three pass rush in the NFL. The Titans were being thrown to the wolves from the start and were expected to be bested in the trenches, and that is exactly what happened on Sunday.

Their top free agency acquisition in Dan Moore struggled the most of any starter, but his results were in line with expectations. He has a reputation for being perfectly average, and while he can handle lower tier pass rushers, he struggles against elite ones. That showed against one of the league's best EDGEs in Nik Bonitto.

Cushenberry, who of course was coming off of his injury, had some down moments. JC Latham reaggravated a hip injury he has been dealing with for weeks now and was replaced by Oli Udoh, who unsurprisingly, struggled mightily.

So given the already average caliber of the offensive line, the lack of chemistry, the injuries, and their opponent, while playing in Denver of all places, you can see why Tennessee's offensive line was an overall dud in Week 1.

There might be some more performances like this, maybe even in Week 2, when they face another good pass rushing team in the Los Angeles Rams. But remember, if they can be even serviceable throughout the course of the season, they will have met expectations, so let's give them an opportunity to show it and refrain from overreacting after Week 1.