The Tennessee Titans (1-8) were on their bye week in Week 10, but that did not stop them from making waves and making changes as they prepare to start the second half of their season against the Houston Texans. 

The Titans are continuing to reshape their roster, trading Dre’Mont Jones to the Baltimore Ravens and granting veteran safety Quandre Diggs his release. Both of those moves will have an impact moving forward, but they should also allow the organization to take a closer look at some of the younger players on the roster. 

Tennessee also hopes to have some of its walking wounded back following the bye week, which could help the team on both sides of the ball when they take to the field at Nissan Stadium in Week 11 to face the Houston Texans in AFC South action. 

There is no doubt the Titans have not met expectations in 2025, and their mid-season report card reflects the disappointment. 

Offense

For most of the season, the offense has been a picture of dysfunction. Between poor play calling, ill-timed penalties, porous offensive line play, and the growing pains of playing behind a rookie quarterback, it has not been pretty. Still, the unit has flashed its potential and, at times, looked like a solid NFL unit.

There is no doubt that injuries have impacted the season, with starters JC Latham and Calvin Ridley missing large chunks of action, but the results have not been good enough. Free agent acquisitions Dan Moore and Kevin Zeitler have been disappointments, and the unit can’t seem to get into any rhythm. 

There have been some incremental improvements in recent weeks, and the rookie class is starting to make an impact, but they need a lot more moving forward. 

Grade: D+

Defense

The defense has been a mixed bag throughout the season, though it’s hard to pinpoint the exact reasons. There is no doubt that injuries have had a significant impact, with the unit never really having an opportunity to take the field as it was constructed during the offseason, and that shows. Multiple starters have been sidelined for extended stretches, and the lack of depth is being exposed. 

Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons was in the midst of a career season before suffering a hamstring injury. It should return after the bye, which will make an impact, but just how much is unknown after the team dealt away two starters before the trade deadline. 

Between inconsistencies and injuries, the defense has given up too many big plays and seems to collapse in the second half under the pressure created by the struggling offense. There are eight games left for them to turn things around, but with questionable depth and new faces across the roster, it will be a challenge.

Grade: C

Special teams

The special teams have been a consistent bright spot for the Titans in 2025, making a positive impact almost every week. Rookie return specialist Chimere Dike entered Week 10 leading the NFL in all-purpose yards and is a threat every time he has the ball in his hands, and the unit feeds off of his success. 

Veteran Johnny Hekker has been consistent, and while kicker Joey Slye has had his inconsistent moments, he is a weapon that could come up clutch when needed. 

This is a complete departure from 2024, when the special teams were a disaster, and, incredibly, they are improving every week. 

Grade: A-

Coaching

The Titans’ coaching staff has not been good enough. However, there have been some positive signs of improvement since Brian Callahan was fired earlier in the season and took offensive line coach Bill Callahan out of the facility with him. 

Interim head coach Mike McCoy has been far from perfect in Callahan’s place, but the team is playing hard and has taken steps in the right direction. Now that the bye week is in the rearview mirror and the staff has had a chance to regroup, it will be interesting to see what changes can be implemented to continue the improvements. 

Those potential changes will affect postseason grading, but for now, their grades have been set. 

Grade: D-