The Tennessee Titans are approximately one quarter through their 2026 season. It's been another winless start, matching last year's 0-4 record. Sophomore quarterback Cam Ward is growing and developing under a new coaching staff.
Brian Daboll's offense is struggling. The Titans have seen some positives, but a fed-up fanbase wants victories. Hopefully the Titans' on-field growth translates to winning games soon.
With roughly 25% of the 2026 campaign concluded, we've identified the Titans' biggest early-season winners and losers. Some players have exceeded expectations. Others have been disappointments.
Tennessee Titans Winners after first quarter of 2026 season
WR Carnell Tate
Rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate ranks 15th in the NFL in receiving yards heading into Week 5. The fourth overall selection enjoyed his breakout game in Week 4, having registered nine catches for 145 yards versus the Ravens. Tate needs to continue being the focal point of Brian Daboll's passing attack.
RT JC Latham
The Titans are getting the breakout season from third-year right tackle JC Latham they desperately needed. It's a pivotal campaign for the former Alabama standout. The offense is trusting Latham to block on an island via one-on-one matchups, and Latham has responded by developing into an elite right tackle.
DT Jeffery Simmons
Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons continues to play superstar ball despite being placed in a new system overseen by Robert Saleh. Simmons' 22 pass-rushing wins ranks first in the league among all interior defenders, per ESPN Analytics. The four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle is still an elite pass rusher.
RG Fernando Carmona
It's a shame fifth-round rookie Fernando Carmona went on IR after Week 3. The 142nd selection won the right guard job out of training camp and played three quality regular-season games before injuring his ankle. The Titans hope to get Carmona back at some point this season, though his timeline is currently unpredictable after undergoing surgery.
Tennessee Titans Losers after first quarter of 2026 season
WR Calvin Ridley
The Titans restructured Calvin Ridley's contract earlier this offseason to keep him involved in the passing offense. Inconsistencies with Cam Ward and competition for reps has largely made Ridley an afterthought. The veteran pass catcher has just three receptions for 48 yards in four games, and is looking like a departure candidate as we approach the trade deadline.
TE Gunnar Helm
Everyone expected tight end Gunnar Helm to enjoy a breakout sophomore campaign. In reality, he's averaging just three targets and 15 receiving yards per game while being asked to be an inline blocker. Coach Daboll needs to get Helm more involved in the passing attack moving forward.
DE Jermaine Johnson II
Defensive end Jermaine Johnson II played his best outing as a Titan in Week 4. Hopefully that's a sign of improved performance. He's stopping the run at an effective level, but Johnson has the Titans' lowest pass-rushing win rate. The return on investment needed to be greater after trading T'Vondre Sweat in exchange.
LB Cedric Gray
Linebacker Cedric Gray was supposed to build on last season's breakout campaign while benefiting from Coach Saleh's presence. Instead, he missed Week 1 after an off-field accident and has been playing behind Cody Barton since returning. Gray has surprisingly been trending in the opposite direction.
CB Alontae Taylor
Alontae Taylor has been physical and versatile. He has come nowhere being a shutdown cornerback though. Pro Football Focus has Taylor giving up 15 receptions on 18 targets for 149 yards and a 83.3% completion percentage to opposing quarterbacks. Taylor's $19.3 million per-year salary demands better results despite his competitiveness.
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