The Tennessee Titans fell to 0-2 on the season following a loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. It stayed close in the first half, with the Titans actually carrying a 13-10 lead into the locker room at halftime. But the second half was a different story. Similar to last season, the Titans are still struggling to compete for an entire four quarters.
Rookie quarterback Cam Ward continues to look like a professional football player who will have a solid NFL career, as long as he doesn’t get injured. Which is likely to happen if he continues to take sacks. He’s been sacked 11 times in two games, and while he worked to escape the pocket against the Rams, it wasn’t enough to get away from taking hits.
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The Titans desperately need discipline, something that Brian Callahan can’t seem to do. Between the penalties and the inability to finish a game, it’s going to be a long season for the Titans.
As we enter Week 3, here’s a look at where the Titans place in a multitude of power rankings.
Nate Davis, USA TODAY: 29 (+1)
No. 1 pick Cam Ward has already been sacked 11 times, putting him on pace to suffer nearly 100 over 17 games. Someone help this man.
Elic Ayomanor, the team’s fourth-round draft pick, looks like a find. He had four catches for 56 yards and a touchdown. He’s already the Titans’ No. 2 receiver. He’ll be a good match with Cam Ward as they both develop.
Diante Lee, The Ringer: 29 (-2)
Having to open the season against the Broncos’ and Rams’ relentless pass rushing units must have felt like hell for rookie quarterback Cam Ward, but he acquitted himselve exceptionally well. While teh Titans’ Sunday box score doesn’t look gaudy for the second consecutive week, he was very good when escaping the pocket, and he avoided mistakes.
While you’d like to see the TItans win against playoff-caliber competition, being competitive is a good enough bar to clear for now.
The Titans saw what Cam Ward can do as their long-term franchise quarterback. Unfortunately, they have too many issues on defense, with the running game and elsewhere to be competitive this season.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: 30 (NC)
The defense that played solidly in Week 1 fell apart against the Rams. The face the undefeated Colts for a chance to turn it around this week.
The Titans are the worst team in the NFL through two weeks in second-half scoring. While this is a challenge with any rookie quarterback, it’s time to see Cam Ward stand out for something he does within the structured confines of the offense.
Pollard had 20 carries for 92 yards in Week 2 and, according to Next Gen Stats, forced a career-high 14 missed tackles. Pollard is fourth in the league with 38 carries after two weeks and is the only thing working for the offense right now because rookie quarterback Cam Ward is completing a league-low 50.8 percent of his passes.
Barry Werner, List Wire: 26 (-1)
Losing to the Rams is nothing to be ashamed of for the Titans. They will have all sorts of trouble finding the end zone this season if the first two games are an indicator. That would be one touchdown and eight field goals. Cam Ward is going to take time to develop. It will be tough times this year.
The Titans are 0-2, but they’ve played against the Broncos and Rams, two teams listed in Group B. Cam Ward has shown enough to indicate that he’ll be able to defeat Group D and F teams.
NFL Nation, ESPN: 27 (+1)
Any doubts that Ward would be an effective NFL quarterback are gradually being put to rest. Although the numbers haven’t been earthshattering, he has shown the ability to extend plays and make good things happen. His first touchdown pass was an excellent example. Ward scrambled 36 yards before finding Elic Ayomanor for the score. Coach Brian Callahan has been most impressed by the mental aspect of Ward’s game. Callahan said the rookie has handled the operational part of the job, from getting in and out of the huddle to changing protection and routes. Ward’s volume of passes will increase as the season goes on and Callahan expands his role.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: NFL Power Rankings Roundup: How do Titans fare heading into Week 3?