Tennessee Titans: Latest News & 2025 Season Update
From Rookie Records to Defensive Woes: Breaking Down the Titans’ 2025 Season So Far
The 2025 NFL season has started off rough for the Tennessee Titans. With a record of 0–2, the team is under pressure to show improvement, especially with a young roster, a rookie quarterback, and key injuries affecting performance. Below is a comprehensive update on what’s happening — strengths, concerns, and what’s likely ahead.
1. Record, Expectations & Urgency to Win
- The Titans finished 3–14 in 2024, one of the worst in franchise history. New York Jets Shutout Throwback Jacket
- This year, with a new general manager (Mike Borgonzi) and continuity in head coach (Brian Callahan, now in his second season), expectations had risen somewhat. The team used their first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on rookie quarterback Cam Ward, signaling a commitment to rebuilding via young talent. New York Jets Renegade Jacket
- But after two losses, one to Denver (20-12) and one to the Los Angeles Rams (33-19), the sense of urgency has ramped up. Head coach Callahan has explicitly said the need to get a win is high, both for morale and to set a positive trajectory for the season. New York Jets Scout I Jacket
2. Key Games: What’s Gone Wrong & What We’ve Seen
- Week 1 vs Denver Broncos: The Titans showed fight but couldn’t close. Some defensive play-calling was solid, but the offense didn’t convert enough key plays. Missed opportunities hampered the outcome.
- Week 2 vs Los Angeles Rams: A tougher loss. The Titans kept up for much of the game, but the Rams’ experience and big plays turned the game late. Rams QB Matthew Stafford threw for ~298 yards and two touchdowns. Davante Adams had over 100 receiving yards. New York Jets Varsity Jacket
Meanwhile, Cam Ward threw his first NFL touchdown to rookie Elic Ayomanor. It was a highlight-reel style play under duress, showing poise despite the team’s larger struggles.
- One of the biggest recurring issues: run defense. In both games, Tennessee has allowed too many big runs. After two weeks, their rushing defense stat is among the worst in the league: ~150 yards per game allowed, ~5.5 yards per carry. Opponents are getting chunk plays on the ground. New York Jets Green and Cream Varsity Jacket
3. Player Updates: Injuries, Contracts, Rookies
Amani Hooker Extension
- Safety Amani Hooker has been rewarded for his play. He signed a 3-year, $48.6 million extension, with $29 million guaranteed. New York Jets Coaches Jacket
- Hooker has been one of the more reliable defensive players — last season he made 5 interceptions, 71 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and has over 12 interceptions in his career so far. His extension signals the Titans’ desire to build stability in the secondary. New York Jets Kelly Green and Black Jacket
Cam Ward & Quarterback Situation
- Cam Ward is in a tough spot as a rookie quarterback. He is the #1 overall pick in 2025. The offensive line has had issues protecting him (especially with JC Latham unavailable), receivers have had drops, and the team has had to rely heavily on the running game and improvisation. New York Jets Midweight Green Jacket
- Ward’s first touchdown pass was impressive, showing some willingness to extend plays, make risky throws under pressure, and deliver — even if not perfectly. New York Jets Midweight White Jacket
- The backup QB situation: veteran Will Levis was expected to compete, but he is out for the entire season due to surgery on his shoulder. That makes Ward the primary guy without a reliable short-term replacement. New York Jets Black Jacket
Offensive Line & Injuries
JC Latham, a starting offensive tackle, is unlikely to play in upcoming games. His absence leaves a weakness in protecting the edge for Cam Ward. Backup players stepped in but had inconsistent results. New York Jets Black and Green Jacket
Other key injury concerns:
- • T’Vondre Sweat (defensive tackle) returned to practice after missing a game with an ankle injury. His presence is important in the front-line for stopping the run.
- • L’Jarius Sneed, Bryce Oliver, Kevin Zeitler also showed up on injury reports — not all severe, but limited availability does affect depth. New York Jets Button Down Jacket
Tony Pollard
Pollard has been heavily involved in the offense. In Week 1 & 2, he played ~89% of the snaps. He has shown ability to force missed tackles (in Week 2, career high in missed tackles forced). New York Jets Historic L-2B Jacket
Some analysts believe Pollard could lead the league in carries if the Titans continue playing from behind and passing less. But this raises concerns about wear, durability, and whether the offense is becoming one-dimensional. The Power Forward New York Jets White Jacket
4. Strengths & What’s Working
- Defensive Pass Coverage: In Week 1, the Titans had one of the better pass coverage grades in the league (per PFF) — showing that secondary personnel (Hooker, Diggs, others) can perform when not overwhelmed by play design or poor front pressure.
- Running Game with Pollard: Despite offensive struggles elsewhere, Tony Pollard’s consistency is a plus. He is one of the few reliable pieces, both for running and in pass protection / receiving when asked. New York Jets Zone Blitz Jacket
- Rookie Moments: Cam Ward’s first touchdown pass, his growth under pressure, and some improvisational plays have given glimpses of promise. Those moments matter for confidence, fan belief, and future performance. New York Jets Jacket
5. Problems, Weaknesses & Areas Needing Improvement
- Run Defense: This is perhaps the biggest glaring weakness to date. Allowing big runs, failing to contain opposing running backs, giving up long gains on the ground. If this continues, teams will exploit it every week. New York Jets Dark Green Jacket
- Offensive Line Protection: With Latham out, backups have struggled; Cam Ward has been under pressure. When blockers aren’t consistent, even talented QBs get overwhelmed. Rash mistakes / sacks reduce momentum. New York Jets Draft Pick Jacket
- Consistency in the Passing Game: Drops, misreads, low completion percentage (noted to be among the lowest in the league after two weeks) are hurting downfield chances. When the run gets shut down, Titans need to be able to shift gears.
- Injury & Depth Issues: Key starters missing, backups not always performing, injuries piling up in both offense and defense. Depth is being tested early. New York Jets Black Out Jacket
6. Upcoming Game: Week 3 vs Indianapolis Colts
- The Titans are set to host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3. This is not only their divisional matchup but also a chance to break the winless streak. The Colts are 2-0 so far and are moving the ball efficiently.
- The matchup will test a lot of what the Titans need to fix: running defense (Colts have Jonathan Taylor, one of the preeminent run-game threats), pass protection, and avoiding turnovers. Anthony Ramos New York Jets Jacket
- If the Titans want to stay competitive in the AFC South, this game looms large. A win could help calm nerves; a loss could increase pressure on the coaching staff, roster decision-makers, and on Ward’s development.
7. Off-Field & Long Term View: Stadium, Contracts, Roster Moves
Amani Hooker’s Contract: As noted, Hooker’s extension shows the Titans see stable contributors in the secondary as part of their long-term core. It’s a signal to fans that they are investing. 80s New York Jets Jacket
New Stadium Plans: The Titans are building a new stadium (60,000 seats, indoor / enclosed roof) set to open in 2027. Cost: about $2.1B, with significant public funding.
Roster Moves:
• Elevating/demoting players between active roster / practice squad as injuries force adjustments.
• Defensive linemen like T’Vondre Sweat returning to practice helps the depth in the defensive front.
8. What Fans Should Watch & What Will Decide the Titans’ Season
Here are several indicators fans (and analysts) should monitor over the next few games, to see whether this season becomes competitive or slips back toward losing:
- Run Defense Improvement: If the Titans can limit Jonathan Taylor (week 3) and any running backs to short gains, force offenses into more passing, that will help both defense and offense (less chance of wear on defense, more predictable offense).
- Protection for Cam Ward: How many pressures/sacks he faces, how well the line holds up — this will affect not just outcomes but his development and confidence.
- Ward’s Decision-Making: Will he avoid turnovers, misreads, and make smart plays under pressure? Highlight plays are great, but consistency is what counts. 90s Tacoma Rainiers Jacket
- Health / Depth: Keeping key players available. Hooker, Sweat, Sneed, etc. Depth players stepping up could make or break certain games.
- Special Teams & Big Plays: Games often swing on special teams or explosive plays. If Titans can create splash plays, force turnovers, it could shift momentum even if overall performance is still uneven.
- Early Win: Getting that first win is psychologically important. It can serve as affirmation of the rebuilding process and justify some patience from fans and stakeholders. Bridger Leather Down Jacket
9. Summary & Outlook
- The Titans are in a rebuilding phase, but the early signs are mixed. There are positive moments: Hooker’s extension, Pollard’s production, some good defensive coverage, and a rookie QB showing flashes.
- However, the negatives are currently more pronounced: poor run defense, offensive line issues, injuries, and two straight losses — both games with chances to be closer than the final score.
- The upcoming matchup with the Colts is a critical juncture. A win there might not make everything perfect, but it could calm some concerns. A loss, especially if their weaknesses are exploited, will increase scrutiny on both staff and players.
- Long term, things like the new stadium, contract moves, and development of young players will define whether the Titans move from rebuild to contender. There is talent and reason for hope, but concrete progress must show up in games, not just in statistics or optimism.



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