It's no surprise the Tennessee Titans find themselves among the rebuilding teams across the NFL entering the 2026 campaign.
With a 19-49 record over the last four seasons, the Titans have been one of the basement-dwelling teams in the NFL. The hope is that new head coach Robert Saleh can help usher in a new era alongside second-year quarterback Cam Ward.
However, if the preseason was any indication, the Titans could be in for another rough campaign if they don't "clean up their operation, as Sports Illustrated's Eva Geithem put it.
Between Cam Ward’s poor ball security on a fumble, undisciplined penalties, blown coverages and allowing a 97-yard catch-and-run against the Bears, the Titans have looked sloppy this preseason. Fortunately, the Titans have time
to clean up these errors and use them as “teachable moments” before their regular season opener against the Jets, but if they don’t, the Titans could be in for a long season.
Given the youth movement taking place in Nashville, it's very likely the Titans will endure some growing pains. Sometimes that can be a good thing — as long as those mistakes turn into lessons and not habits.
The core of the team is beginning to take shape, especially on the offensive side of the ball with Ward under center. Meanwhile, No. 4 overall pick Carnell Tate is expected to lead a pass-catching room that includes wideout Elic Ayomanor and tight end Gunnar Helm, both of which are entering their second seasons.
Most predictions have the Titans enduring another rough season despite the change in leadership so it will be interesting how the team handles those growing pains throughout the campaign.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: NFL analyst: Titans must 'clean up their operation'
