The Tennessee Titans' Week 1 loss to the New York Jets brought a familiar sound in recent years back to Nissan Stadium — booing from the home fans.
The boo birds were audible by early in the third quarter of the 23-10 loss on Sept. 13, increasing by each Titans three-and-out and punt.
The CBS broadcast picked up an especially loud fan chirping near a microphone: "Bring back Whisenhunt!" (That's in reference to former Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt. A trolling attempt for sure, but don't count on the coach with a 3-20 record from 12 years ago to return.)
By the end, the boos subsided — but only because the stands were virtually empty at the two-minute warning.
Titans coach Robert Saleh heard the fan discontent.
"It comes with the territory," Saleh said
postgame. "When you lose, you're a loser."
Fans had many reasons to be upset. Tennessee was outrushed 152-68, with Jets running back Breece Hall topping 100 yards. The Titans offensive line struggled to protect Cam Ward throughout the day, with Ward sacked three times while being forced to throw the ball away in several other dropbacks.
And looking down the first half of the Titans' schedule, a Week 1 home game against an opponent that was 3-14 last season should have been a good opportunity to start the year positively.
That did not happen.
Saleh, speaking in a calm tone after the game, downplayed the value in showing frustration through emotion, at least inside the building.
"Before I blurt and start screaming, I'm going to watch the tape and try to make sure we make rational, educated football decisions, to make sure that we are putting our players in the best position to be successful. Same thing with our players," Saleh said. "I mean, I can throw podiums if you want to make everyone feel good. But it's really — go back, watch the tape, figure it out and see if we can get better from this."
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Robert Saleh after Titans' discouraging loss, boos: 'When you lose, you're a loser'
