Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s struggles to start the 2023 NFL season continued Sunday as he had a rough outing in a 24-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Is it time for Tennessee to move on from the veteran signal-caller?
Time for Titans to Move On?
Although Tannehill has previously been a difference-maker for the Titans, it’s been tough sledding so far this season.
Now in his fifth year in Tennessee, Tannehill has not yet found his footing this Fall. He completed just 90 of 142 pass attempts for 1,052 yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions through the first five weeks.
Those struggles continued Sunday as he completed 8 of 16 passes for 76 yards and one interception before exiting with an ankle injury in the second half. Tannehill initially played through the injury but later exited and did not return.
Tennessee has sputtered out to a 2-4 start this season, including close losses to the New Orleans Saints (16-15) and Indianapolis Colts (23-16).
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Tannehill struggled with three interceptions against the Saints and threw one pick and no touchdowns against the Colts. He has yet to throw for more than one touchdown in any game this season.
Those woes are a decided downturn from Tannehill’s first four seasons with the franchise.
He threw for 3,819 yards, 33 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 2020, leading the Titans to an 11-5 record. He completed 212 of 325 passes for 2,536 yards, a career-low 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 12 starts last season as injuries shortened his campaign.
That dip in production combined with the injury, could make it the right time for Tennessee to look elsewhere at quarterback.
Titans head coach Mike Vrabel mentioned a change as possible after the game Sunday.
“I would consider anything that could help us win right now,” Vrabel said of a potential change at quarterback. “That’s quarterback, everywhere. I wouldn’t say that would be something — let’s find out what’s going on with Ryan.”
Alternatives for Tennessee at QB
Second-year quarterback Malik Willis relieved Tannehill on Sunday.
He went 4-of-5 for 74 yards in the game and ran three times for 17 yards, while also taking four sacks for a loss of 30 yards. The game marked Willis’ second appearance of the season after a brief stint with no stats recorded against the Cleveland Browns.
Willis made eight appearances as a rookie, including three starts, completing 31 of 61 passes for 276 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also ran 27 times for 123 yards and one score on the year.
Rookie signal-caller Will Levis, a second-round pick by Tennessee in the 2023 NFL Draft, could be another option. The former University of Kentucky standout has yet to make his NFL debut and was inactive in Week 6.
Otherwise, the Titans could look outside their quarterbacks room to veteran free agent options such as Carson Wentz or Matt Ryan — or even pursue a trade for another option.
The upcoming bye week could give Tennessee a chance to integrate a new starting quarterback ahead of their Week 8 clash with the Atlanta Falcons. Improved play from the position could certainly help them in trying to turn the season around after a rough start.