Tennessee
Tennessee Titans’ offensive core ranked dead last in NFL
After laying an egg on offense during the 2024 season, the Tennessee Titans have made significant changes to their offense for the 2025 season. Armed with a new quarterback in rookie first overall selection Cam Ward, a rebuilt receiver group, and an upgraded offensive line, head coach Brian Callahan is hoping that this new unit outperforms what he coordinated in his first year as head coach.
The performance of the new-look unit remains unknown as the team heads into training camp, with multiple questions left unanswered.
With all of the uncertainty, it is no surprise to see the Titans’ offense ranked at the bottom of the core position group rankings compiled by Bill Barnwell of ESPN.
32. Tennessee Titans
2024 rank: 19 | 2023 rank: 29
Tony Pollard looked better than he did while recovering from a fractured fibula with the Cowboys in 2023, but Tennessee’s lead back ranked 20th out of the 23 players with at least 200 carries in success rate. The receiving efficiency he showed in Dallas before the injury didn’t come back, either, as he often was reduced to a safety valve. Tyjae Spears had a better success rate, but virtually no explosiveness; just two of Spears’ 84 carries went for more than 12 yards. The hope will have to be that an improved offensive line and another year under legendary assistant coach Bill Callahan will unlock the run game.
No. 1 pick Cam Ward’s group of receivers are … well-seasoned. Tyler Lockett, 32, was a cap casualty in Seattle whose numbers were way down during his final year with the Seahawks. He joins to link up with 30-year-old Calvin Ridley, who was better moving around the formation in Tennessee after being trapped on the outside in Jacksonville, but he dropped seven passes and wasn’t always the reliable target a struggling group of quarterbacks needed. Van Jefferson, a second-round pick in 2020, might be valued for his blocking and professionalism, but he has averaged 0.7 yards per route run over the past two seasons. This feels like a group where there could be three new starters in 2026.
Rookie fourth-rounder Elic Ayomanor has the upside to push for a starting role and a leg up on a division rival; his best game at Stanford came in 2023, when a fair amount of his 294 receiving yards came past, over and through Colorado cornerback Travis Hunter, who will see Ayomanor twice a year with the Jaguars.
In breaking down the methodology behind the rankings, a significant portion of the weight was placed on the wide receiver group, where the Titans have numerous unanswered questions. Calvin Ridley is the only established threat in the system and has been working overtime to build chemistry with Ward. After Ridley, how things shake out is uncertain.
The Titans spent the majority of the offseason reshaping the unit within the building; how they perform on the field once the season starts remains to be seen. Their veteran acquisitions were not game-changing, although the additions of Van Jefferson and Tyler Lockett may be more beneficial in the locker room as they bring along some talented young receivers in Bryce Oliver, Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, and Xavier Restrepo. While there is potential for success within this group, until it happens, Barnwell’s analysis is spot on.
The Titans’ offense is expected to benefit from an improved offensive line in 2025, which should have a significant impact on the success of both the running and passing games. Tennessee fielded one of the worst units in the league in 2024, and the changes they have made should have them trending in the right direction.
The Tennessee Titans’ search for their next head coach is coming into focus, and the initial interview phase is in full swing.
Following the news that Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy would be having a first virtual interview on Thursday, the dates and times for some interviews for other candidates have come out.
Multiple reports on social media indicate that Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will meet with Mike Borgonzi on Wednesday, followed by Nagy on Thursday. The team will then follow that up by meeting with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski on Saturday and former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on Monday.
Tennessee will also meet with interim head coach Mike McCoy, and is rumored to have interest in former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
It’s an ever-changing process in Nashville. Stay up to date with all the coaching search news with us here at Titans Wire, and please sound off with your thoughts.
Tennessee
Sick and tired: Counties near Chattanooga are now reporting highest flu rates in Tennessee
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn — Tennessee health officials say flu activity is rising sharply in around Chattanooga, with counties surrounding Hamilton showing some of the highest rates in the state.
Marion, Grundy, Sequatchie, Bradley, Meigs, Rhea, Bledsoe, McMinn and Polk counties are currently the only areas in Tennessee rated “very high” for influenza activity by the Tennessee Dept. of Health. Photo via the Tennessee Health Dept.
Marion, Grundy, Sequatchie, Bradley, Meigs, Rhea, Bledsoe, McMinn and Polk counties are currently the only areas in Tennessee rated “very high” for influenza activity by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
These counties have flu positivity rates greater than 10 percent. By comparison, the statewide average is 6.5 percent, and Hamilton County itself is at 6.9 percent.
State and federal health experts say the surge comes as influenza A(H3N2) continues to circulate widely. The CDC reports at least 11 million flu illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths nationwide so far this season. One pediatric death was reported this week in Tennessee, bringing the season total to nine nationwide.
File photo: Getty Images.
Georgia officials are also reporting higher-than-average flu activity, signaling that the region is experiencing a particularly active season. Health authorities encourage residents six months and older to get vaccinated if they have not already and to take precautions such as frequent handwashing and staying home when sick.
Flu activity is expected to remain elevated in Tennessee and across the U.S. for several more weeks, according to the CDC. Local hospitals and clinics are urging families to monitor symptoms and seek care early, especially for children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions.
For the latest guidance on influenza vaccination and antiviral treatments, visit the Tennessee Department of Health or the CDC at cdc.gov.
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