The Tennessee Titans have largely shown strength in the first halves of games this season, often leading or tying at halftime in nearly every matchup. However, despite strong starts, they hold a disappointing 1-5 record heading into their Week 8 game against the Detroit Lions. The Titans’ struggles seem to stem from a pattern of faltering in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they have consistently failed to maintain momentum and capitalize on early advantages.
A primary concern is the Titans’ poor fourth-quarter performance. They average only 2.8 yards per play and have scored a single touchdown in the final quarters of all games played so far. According to Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon, this lackluster showing highlights an issue with in-game adjustments and depth, suggesting that while the Titans may have solid initial game plans, they struggle to adapt effectively as games progress. This disparity between first-half success and second-half shortcomings underscores a larger issue: the need to play a full 60 minutes at a consistent level to secure victories.
Titans tight end Nick Vannett acknowledged that the team tends to lose energy and intensity in the second half, describing how the dynamic on the field changes as they move into later quarters. According to Vannett, the team’s mindset needs to shift to actively counter any drop-off in performance. He stressed the importance of keeping energy levels high and taking personal responsibility on the field, with players focusing on staying locked in as games advance. Vannett and other team members recognize that sustained effort and a resilient mentality are necessary to close out games, adding that player-driven focus is just as important as coaching strategy for overcoming their second-half issues.
The Titans’ coaching staff also faces the task of reinforcing second-half adjustments to ensure that early efforts aren’t wasted. The team’s lack of productivity in the final quarter suggests that better game plans may be required to help carry first-half momentum through to the end. While coaches can refine strategies and make adjustments at halftime, players ultimately need to execute those adjustments on the field to turn their season around.
Looking ahead, the Titans have an opportunity to demonstrate growth and resilience against the Detroit Lions, a game that could provide a testing ground for these necessary improvements. With a renewed focus on maintaining high energy throughout all quarters, the Titans will be aiming to display a more balanced performance that extends beyond just the opening drives.
