Titans Report Card
With the Tennessee Titans’ bye week coming midway through the regular season, it’s time to look at how the different position groups have performed so far, and what to look for in the final nine games. While the 1-7 record isn’t what anyone wants, there have been some positive signs of progress for a team still in transition as it looks to dig itself out of cellar-dweller status in the AFC South. Here is the Titans’ report card at midseason.
Titans Report Card: Grading Every Position Group at Midseason
Quarterback – Grade: D
This is all about second-year starter Cam Ward, obviously, so let’s look at his stat line for the season: eight games, 1,483 passing yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions. Where does that rank among the other starters in the league? Ward is 21st in passing yards and sits 27th in the league with a QB rating of 78.7 (the league average is 91.5). Most importantly, the Titans are 1-7.
The record isn’t all on Ward, of course, but when it comes to team record, things always come back to the quarterback and head coach. In a season like this for the Titans, the question becomes, is Ward improving with the new offensive system of coordinator Brian Daboll?
He’s throwing for a nearly identical number of yards per game compared to last year, and the QB rating is only a few points lower. Just based on the smell test, things don’t look all that much different than Year 1. The second half of the season will go a long way in determining what level of faith the Titans’ organization has in Ward as their franchise QB going forward.
Running Backs – Grade: B
Tony Pollard is putting together another really good season, despite the overall struggles of the offense. He’s on pace for another 1,000-yard rushing season and has already surpassed last year’s rushing touchdown total (6 this season compared to 5 in 2025). Conversely, Tyjae Spears continues to do Tyjae Spears things, missing two games already this season and registering zero touchdowns with two fumbles.
Expect Pollard to keep up his pace, assuming he doesn’t get traded before the deadline. Also look for rookie Nick Singleton to get some more opportunities so the Titans can see what they may have in him for the future.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends – Grade: C
The biggest win here is the play of rookie Carnell Tate, who just won Offensive Rookie of the Month honors for October. Free-agent signing Wan’Dale Robinson has performed admirably, slightly edging Tate in receptions and reeling in three touchdown catches. Beyond that, the drop off is steep. No other member of this group has over 20 catches, with veteran Calvin Ridley only chiming in with six grabs on the season.
Whether Ridley has any trade value or not at this point, there should be more focus on getting the ball to young receivers like Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike. Tight end Gunnar Helm has also disappeared for games at times and needs to be a more consistent part of the offense.
Offensive Line – Grade: B-
The offensive line has exceeded some preseason expectations, particularly with its ability to withstand personnel changes and help establish a productive running game. Pass protection hasn’t been perfect, and injuries to key starters are concerning, but this group has been one of the more encouraging developments on the offensive side of the ball.
The Titans have allowed just 13 sacks through the first eight games, well ahead of the pace they had in 2025 when they allowed 56 in total. Losing Peter Skoronski and JC Latham to injuries against Cincinnati is certainly concerning. However, the group’s ability to remain competitive despite those absences is another encouraging development.
Defensive Line – Grade: C+
This is the Jeffery Simmons Memorial section of this article. In contrast to the offensive line, the d-line has somewhat underperformed. Though they are on pace to equal their sack total of 43 from last year, there was hope for more going into the 2026 campaign after they traded for Jermaine Johnson II and signed John Franklin-Myers, Jordan Elliott and Jacob Martin in free agency.
The defensive line has generally been more effective against the run than generating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Losing Simmons certainly complicates matters, particularly considering his importance to the interior defensive line. Nevertheless, Martin’s emergence and the group’s performance against Cincinnati offer some hope heading into the second half of the season.
Linebackers – Grade: C
The Titans’ linebacker group has experienced some growing pains during Robert Saleh’s first season in Tennessee. Second-round selection Anthony Hill Jr. has quickly established himself as a fixture in the starting lineup, recording 82 tackles through his first eight NFL games. His performance against Cincinnati, which included a team-high 14 tackles, was another encouraging development.
However, Hill isn’t the only young linebacker Tennessee needs to develop. Cedric Gray enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, recording 164 tackles while establishing himself as one of the league’s better run defenders. His role has been considerably reduced this season, as he’s played just 228 defensive snaps through seven games. Veteran Cody Barton has provided some stability, but the overall production hasn’t been particularly impressive.
Secondary – Grade: C
Amani Hooker is the clear standout here, already nabbing five interceptions this year. The emergence of Kevin Winston Jr. alongside Hooker also gives Tennessee an opportunity to develop a promising safety combination.
Unfortunately, the team’s improved turnover production hasn’t translated into consistently effective pass coverage. Opposing offenses are averaging nearly 273 passing yards per game and a 71% completion percentage for opposing quarterbacks. The Titans need considerably more consistency from their cornerbacks.
Special Teams – Grade: B
Dike got off to a rough start, losing some fumbles and confidence to go along with it. He’s rebounded nicely and was a significant part of setting up the Titans for scoring opportunities in their only win against the Colts. Joey Slye has been excellent on field goals, hitting 12 of 13 attempts and not missing any extra points. Punter Tommy Townsend was having a solid season before a recent injury. This unit started off a little shaky but has settled itself nicely in recent weeks.
Coaching – Grade: C-
Saleh, overall, as a head coach, has been just fine. He has not mismanaged many game situations and has handled all player-related matters very well. The defense has had its moments, but also has folded during key drives in the 4th quarter, leading to heartbreaking losses.
Daboll brings the grade down here. The offense has not looked improved from the 2025 season, with the Cincinnati game being the lone exception. Even when given short fields by the defense, or good field position by special teams, the Titans have had trouble punching the ball in for touchdowns.
Ward’s development is directly tied to Daboll now. If the offense cannot consistently manufacture drives and put up over 20 points a game, the questions from the naysayers will continue.
The Last Word
The Titans’ season has not gone how anyone would have wanted, but how most have expected. Trading Simmons further shows the direction of the organization to revamp in all areas.
With injuries to several veteran players, along with disappointing performances from others, the second half of the season should provide opportunities for younger players to establish themselves. The Titans might not be playing meaningful football in January, but the next nine games could go a long way toward determining which players will be part of the organization’s next competitive roster.
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Main Photo Courtesy of Katie Stratman – Imagn Images