Paul Kuharsky | Tennessee Titans News and Analysis
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Titans' Jeffery Simmons Trade Has History on Its Side
The Titans, now 1-6 and the NFL’s worst team at 7-34 since 2024, have finally moved Jeffery Simmons in a bold trade that yields high draft capital. After multiple coaching and GM changes, two quarterback drafts, and costly free‑agent splurges, Tennessee hopes the Simmons deal will finally jump‑start their rebuild. Recent league precedents show trading a star for picks can revive a struggling franchise, even if it irks a frustrated fan base.
Titans Got the Picks for Jeffery Simmons but Now Have to Get the Players
The Titans have secured two first‑round picks after trading Jeffery Simmons, but their success hinges on turning those selections into impact players. With the Bears likely drafting in the 20s and the Titans possibly landing picks in the 20s as well, the article examines the franchise’s history of late‑round picks and GM Mike Borgonzi’s focus on player development. It also notes the mixed fan reaction that, while the Simmons trade seems favorable, the new picks could be squandered, and highlights rookie defensive end Keldric Faulk’s limited contribution so far.
Titans Need More From John Franklin-Myers With Jeffery Simmons Gone
After trading All‑Pro Jeffery Simmons to the Bears for two future first‑round picks, the Titans face a crucial test for defensive end John Franklin‑Myers. Expected to thrive alongside Simmons, Myers managed just 1.5 sacks and three QB hits in seven games. With Simmons gone, the onus falls on Myers to step up and anchor the interior line in Robert Saleh’s new aggressive front. The article examines his production gap and what the Titans must demand from him to keep their defense competitive.
Titans Trade Jeffery Simmons in Major Bet on Their Future
The Tennessee Titans trade All‑Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to the Chicago Bears, acquiring two first‑round picks (2026 and 2028), a 2027 fourth‑rounder and sending a 2028 fifth‑rounder to Chicago. The move, confirmed by Adam Schefter and Paul Kuharsky, underscores the Titans’ belief they are far from contention and need more talent, despite Simmons’ standout play in 2025‑26 and the team’s modest 4‑20 record with him on the field.
Cam Ward's Confidence Is Getting Harder for the Titans to Reconcile With Reality
Cam Ward’s self‑praise is at odds with the Titans’ reality. After a 26‑0 loss to Houston in Week 4, Ward claimed he was “very good,” and this week he added his footwork is “very good.” Yet head coach Robert Saleh points out persistent footwork flaws, and Ward’s stats back the concern: he ranks 30th in passer rating (73.8) and 23rd in completion percentage (62.0) while posting a league‑worst 5.0 yards per attempt. The growing disconnect between Ward’s confidence and on‑field performance raises doubts about his viability as a long‑term starter for Tennessee.
How Brian Daboll Changed the Titans' Running Game Against Cleveland
In a 27-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns, Titans coach Brian Daboll revamps the ground game, leaning on gap concepts that let the offensive line dominate. Running back Tony Pollard erupts for 129 yards and three touchdowns on 5.2 yards per carry, marking his best performance against Cleveland since 2025. The shift to a power‑run approach delivers the team's most efficient rushing showing of the season, offering a glimpse of offensive cohesion despite Tennessee’s 1‑6 record after seven weeks.
The Titans See Progress in Their Process, but Fans Need More
Robert Saleh explains that the Titans' focus on controllable factors and daily improvements is driving progress, even though the 1‑6 record frustrates fans. He stresses the importance of embracing the process—rep‑by‑rep growth and a clear vision—while acknowledging the challenge of keeping supporters patient when wins are scarce. The article highlights the tension between the team's developmental approach and the immediate expectations of fans and media.
Browns Showed How Little the Titans Get From Their Young Talent
The Browns upset the Titans on Oct. 26, 2026, despite Cleveland’s rookie‑heavy staff. While Tennessee leaned on Tony Pollard and rookie wideout Carnell Tate (5 catches, 69 yards), rookie KC Concepcion sparked Cleveland with 8 catches for 129 yards and 81 yards after the catch. Titans quarterback Deshaun Watson threw for 308 yards, but rookie quarterback Ward managed only 181 yards. The article argues the Titans’ high draft picks and big contracts haven’t translated into playmaking, while the Browns’ young talent delivered more explosive plays.
Titans Finally Play With a Lead, Then Show Why They Keep Losing
The Titans built a 14‑point advantage against the Cleveland Browns before collapsing to lose 27‑24 at Nissan Stadium on Oct. 25, 2026. Tony Pollard delivered a franchise‑record performance with 129 rushing yards on 25 carries and three touchdowns – the first three‑score rushing game since Derrick Henry in 2021 – yet the team couldn’t finish the game, falling to 1‑6 on the season. The article details how the lead unraveled, highlighting the Titans’ inability to close out games despite moments of promise.
Carnell Tate Is Producing Like a Future Star Despite the Titans' Offense
Rookie wideout Carnell Tate shines despite the Titans’ struggling offense, posting 29 catches for 344 yards and a touchdown in six games. In the 26-20 win over Indianapolis, Tate hauled in six of seven targets for 70 yards and a score, accounting for a huge share of the team’s mere 102 passing yards. His production outpaces many veteran NFL receivers while Tennessee ranks near the league’s bottom in passing yards and touchdowns. The article breaks down how quarterback Cam Ward’s numbers spike when targeting Tate, highlighting the rookie’s future-star potential.
Blaine Bishop Out at 104.5 The Zone After Nearly 17 Years
Former Titans safety Blaine Bishop is out at 104.5 The Zone after a 17‑year stint. The longtime co‑host of the daily "Cover Two" show with Zach Lyons made his final appearance on Oct. 15, and the station announced his departure on Oct. 22, citing a non‑physical altercation. The network removed Bishop’s photo and archived episodes, later restoring the show’s archives but leaving other pages as dead links. Bishop had been with the station since Jan. 2010, contributing to pre‑ and post‑game coverage for the Titans.
Titans Handled Jordan Elliott Incident as Well As Possible
My take on how the Tennessee Titans responded to the Jordan Elliott incident and why I believe they got it right. The #Titans handled the frightening Jordan Elliott incident as well as possible. #Titans #nfl #Nashville https://t.co/E9tfDCrRUb — Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) October 21, 2026 Jordan Elliott
Why Carmen Bricillo's Approach Has Helped the Titans Protect Cam Ward Better
Titans offensive line performance improves dramatically in 2026 thanks to new position coach Carmen Bricillo’s flexible style. Linemen report heightened confidence, and pass protection metrics show Cam Ward now faces just two sacks per game and 7.7 pressures, down from 3.3 sacks and 10.4 pressures in 2025 (Pro Football Reference). The revamp includes upgraded center Austin Schlottmann, a rotating right guard spot with Atonio Mafi starting, and steady play from veteran Peter Skoronski, who recently secured a four‑year, $100 million extension. Bricillo’s approach contrasts sharply with former coach Bill Callahan’s methods, sparking a notable shift in the locker‑room atmosphere.
Cam Ward's Accuracy Problems Are Becoming the Titans' Biggest Problem
The Titans snapped their early-season slump with a 26-20 win over the Colts, but film analyst Drew Beatty pinpoints rookie quarterback Cam Ward as the team's lingering offensive Achilles’ heel. Ward's poor footwork and erratic ball placement—issues traced from his Miami days through his rookie year—persisted in 2026, limiting him to just 102 passing yards and costing valuable yards and points. While the offensive line, defense, and special teams showed marked improvement, Ward's accuracy problems remain the Titans' biggest obstacle moving forward.
Titans Finally Win, but Still Won't Find Out What Cam Ward Can Do
The Tennessee Titans snag their first win of the 2026 season, edging the Indianapolis Colts 23-13 after a defensive and special‑teams surge. Quarterback Cam Ward throws for just 102 yards, completes 50% of his passes and tosses an interception, highlighting lingering doubts about his development amid the team’s conservative play‑calling. The defense forces a fumble and an interception that spark a second‑half comeback, while the run game steadies the offense. Despite the victory, questions remain about Ward’s ceiling and whether the Titans will adopt a more aggressive offensive approach moving forward.
Titans' First Win Comes With Plenty of Flaws and Signs of Growth
The Tennessee Titans snap a seven‑game skid with a gritty 26‑20 win over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, thanks to a strong defensive and special‑teams effort. After falling behind 13‑0, the team rallied in the second half, showcasing newfound resiliency and giving head coach Robert Saleh his first victory. The win ends both a seven‑game overall losing streak and an 11‑game division drought, improving the Titans to 1‑5. Veteran guard Peter Skoronski highlighted the shift in locker‑room attitude, noting the team didn’t “blink” at halftime.
Titans' Pass Rush Is Failing the Defense Robert Saleh Wants to Play
Jeffery Simmons is winning despite constant double teams, but Tennessee's other pass rushers aren't producing, even with quarterbacks holding the ball longer than average. By MIKE HERNDON, columnist Robert Saleh provided a great press conference answer last week regarding what he considers the two ways to create a great defense. One option is to have a lockdown secondary that allows you to blitz and get creative with your rush plan. The other, which Saleh prefers, requires a front that can...
The Questions I'd Ask Titans CEO Burke Nihill If He'd Sit Down With Me
With the Titans changing executives again, I'd ask their longtime CEO about his own accountability, organizational culture, ownership and the business results. By PAUL KUHARSKY NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Around 2 p.m. on Friday, I heard Burke Nihill might be doing a media tour. I began prepping questions in case I would have a chance to speak with him. Within 45 minutes, I'd learned the two reporters scheduled to interview him: Turron Davenport of ESPN and Cory Curtis of WKRN News 2 in Nashvi...
Titans Film Room: How Tennessee's Offense Keeps Making Things Worse
Turnovers, Cam Ward's pocket problems, protection failures and a lack of answers against two-high coverage are keeping the Titans trapped in a destructive offensive cycle By DREW BEATTY, film analyst After an already soul-sucking 0-4 start to the Titans’ 2026 season, many fans are left asking, “How much worse can things really get?” Well, that question was definitively answered this past Sunday when Tennessee managed to excavate rock bottom – getting destroyed by the similarly 0-4 Houston ...
Titans Reportedly Hiring Cardinals COO Jeremy Walls as Chief Business Officer
Jeremy Walls oversaw a major restructuring of Arizona's business operations and is reportedly headed to Tennessee as Burke Nihill reorganizes the Titans' business leadership; team says it has not made a final selection By PAUL KUHARSKY NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Titans are set to hire Arizona Cardinals COO Jeremy Walls as their new executive vice president and chief business officer, according to a report from Jared Stillman. While I'd heard Walls' name connected to the position this week...
Titans CEO Burke Nihill Set to Speak on Leadership Amid Organizational Turmoil
The Titans president and CEO has declined interview requests as the team sits 0-5 and undergoes another business-side restructuring, but he'll appear at a Nov. 3 Chamber of Commerce luncheon By PAUL KUHARSKY NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Titans president and CEO Burke Nihill, who is currently declining interview requests to discuss the status of the struggling organization, is soon scheduled to offer insights at a Leadership Rutherford luncheon titled "Leadership Beyond the Field." The get-togethe...
Titans Join a Historically Bad Group With an 0-5 Start and 58 Points
The previous comparable teams averaged just 3.13 wins, and Tennessee is the first team since the 2019 Dolphins to join the group By PAUL KUHARSKY NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans are the 33rd team since the NFL-AFL merger to start 0-5 and score 58 points or fewer, a search from Stathead shows. The winless 2008 Lions aren’t on the list, culled out of 1,701 seasons. Neither are the 0-16 2017 Browns or the 0-14 Buccaneers. The 0-8-1 1982 Baltimore Colts from a strike-shortened season are ...
Mike Borgonzi’s Big Defensive Additions Aren’t Delivering for the Titans
Jeffery Simmons is still waiting for help as Mike Borgonzi’s biggest defensive additions have produced too little pass rush and too few plays on the ball By PAUL KUHARSKY NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Can Jeffery Simmons get some help? Through five games, the Titans’ returns from their biggest outside acquisitions on defense have been far below expectations. John Franklin-Myers, Jermaine Johnson, Cor’Dale Flott and Alontae Taylor account for 36 percent of the team’s starting defensive lineup, but...
Blake Beddingfield: Titans Need to Stop Experimenting, Play to Their Strengths
The former Titans scouting director sees an offense that needs a clearer identity, a defense short on speed and playmakers and a roster that should at least consider the value of trading Jeffery Simmons By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Sunday we saw a bad football team playing bad football. The Titans lost to better talent and were outcoached. Players have gone from making mistakes because they are new to the system, etc. to playing cautiously and not making ...
Titans Talked About Owning the South, But Own 0-5 Instead
A 26-3 loss to previously winless Houston left Tennessee with the NFL's worst record, more questions about who can help fix this and another plea for patience By PAUL KUHARSKY NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans wanted us to believe a win over Houston would have been semi-significant because their goal is to “Own the South,” and it would have made them 1-0 in the division. That was a laughable premise, but we don't need to address it because they didn’t threaten the Texans or the end zone on S...