Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan is anxious to put Sunday’s embarrassment versus the Jacksonville Jaguars behind him. The Titans scored six points and lost at home to a rudderless 2-10 team. Callahan’s next opportunity to flush that forgettable performance occurs against his old team, the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
There will be pressure for Callahan’s offense to deliver better results. He was appointed by owner Amy Adams Strunk and general manager Ran Carthon to usher the offense into the twenty-first century. Fast forward 14 weeks and the Titans are scoring a 30th-ranked 17.5 points per week. Earlier this week, he faced questions about his job security for the first time.
.@Titans HC Brian Callahan: I don't worry about, or focus on, (my job security) ... Worried about day to day, building a foundation for success
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) December 9, 2024
And just like it was in the Jaguars game, the upcoming matchup is favorable on paper. The Bengals have been a mess defensively. Lou Anarumo’s underperforming unit is allowing a 29th-ranked 27.7 points per contest. They rank 27th versus the pass (235.2) and 23rd against the run (130.3).
Callahan served on Zac Taylor’s coaching staff for five years (2018-23) as the offensive coordinator. It’s been an extremely disappointing season for the 5-8 Bengals in Taylor’s first year without Callahan by his side, but in truth, the Bengals don’t miss last year’s OC. Joe Burrow is enjoying an MVP-like season, one that’s been totally derailed by the defense and recurring gaffes.
The Bengals are scoring an explosive sixth-best 27.8 points per contest. They own the league’s top ranked passing attack at 271.6 air yards per game. Burrow leads the league in passing yards (3,706) and touchdown passes (33). Ja’Marr Chase is threatening to win the triple crown with 93 receptions for 1,319 yards and 15 TDs. The offense is humming along.
Callahan won’t be the only Titan squaring off with his former team. Carthon added familiarity for Callahan in free agency by signing two former Bengals, cornerback Chido Awuzie, and wide receiver Tyler Boyd. Awuzie returned versus the Jaguars on Sunday after a lengthy stint on the sidelines. He made an immediate impact, recording an interception on the only passing target thrown his way. Boyd has been a steadying veteran presence for the offense, ranking third in catches (33) and receiving yards (317).