Tennessee Titans: Second quarter collapse hurts Titans

The Tennessee Titans shut down the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter, but after that, it was all Panthers, and there was nothing the Titans could do.

After the first quarter, it looked like the Tennessee Titans were going to keep it close with the Carolina Panthers. Neither offense was able to put a point on the board while both defenses were locking everything down.

The second quarter was a different story, however. After not allowing the Panthers to score in the first quarter, the Titans defense couldn’t stop the Panthers’ offense as the Panthers went on to lead 17-0 at halftime over the Titans.

That was on the back of Christian McCaffrey, who finished the day with 147 yards and three touchdowns, and Kyle Allen was able to find his groove too.

This 17-point deficit in the second quarter was too much for the Titans as they made an attempt to comeback in the second half, but the Panthers were able to do just enough to get the win.

The Titans offense was finally able to figure themselves out and start putting points on the board but not at a rate where they could come back and top the Panthers.

Ryan Tannehill had another solid day as he threw for 331 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Those two interceptions were costly for the Titans and if they could get those two plays back who knows they might’ve scored on those two drives.

Derrick Henry didn’t get as much production as I expected. He only had 13 carries for 63 yards. It’s tough to get the passing game and the running game going when you’re not 100% committed to both of them throughout the game, and I don’t think the Titans were committed to the run.

The Titans’ defense also struggled throughout the day. The front seven were unable to get enough pressure on Allen to force some mistakes. Allen was able to progress through his reads and make the right decisions throughout most of the game without worrying about the pass rush.

Adoree Jackson and Malcolm Butler both had an opportunity to grab an interception, but both were unable to do so. Butler also suffered an injury that forced him to leave the game early which could hurt the Titans depending on how long he’s out for.

The kicking game also didn’t improve in Ryan Succop‘s return to the field. He missed three field goals, with two of them hitting the goal post.

The Titans struggled on all sides of the football on Sunday against the Panthers. It just wasn’t their game, but a break here and a break there, and the Titans might have won the football game.

Now, the Titans hope to figure things out before they face the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of their BYE week. It could be do or die for the Titans’ season depending on the outcome.