Heading into a road test against the Detroit Lions (5-1) on Sunday, the Tennessee Titans (1-5) are in desperate need of consistent play from the quarterback position.
Backup Mason Rudolph is expected to start, with primary quarterback Will Levis likely to sit for a second consecutive game as he continues to recover from an AC sprain in his throwing shoulder.
Titans Must Give Mason Rudolph Chances to Succeed
It doesn’t have to be flashy; it just needs to be efficient.
Rudolph has a clear ceiling, which was highlighted in Week 7 when he faced the challenge of keeping up with the Buffalo Bills (5-2).
Tennessee was routed 34-10 after its offense failed to sustain drives in the second half, while opposing quarterback Josh Allen capitalized on a worn-out Titans defense.
In preparation for the game against Detroit, Rudolph has benefited from full practice reps this week, which could make things a bit easier for the struggling offense.
Last week, he didn’t find out he would be starting against Buffalo until about 24 hours before kickoff.
Rudolph completed 25 of 40 passes for 215 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and three fumbles (two of which were recovered) against the Bills.
The Tennessee offensive line has allowed 19 sacks this season, a stat that underscores the protection issues that must be addressed.
“I think we can protect him better,” coach Brian Callahan said about Rudolph. “That’s part of it.
We gave up too many hits in that game. We need to give him a cleaner pocket, and there are things we can do to help with that. I do think he found completions when he had to.
We just need to keep working on that and make sure we connect on those plays that were available.”
Rudolph must also improve when he’s kept upright.
According to Pro Football Focus, he has a passer rating of just 64.6 in two games this season when kept clean. By comparison, Lions quarterback Jared Goff has a rating of 118.4.
Mason Rudolph Does Give Titans Best Chance to Win
Despite Rudolph’s limitations, there is no need to question his mindset.
“Just the poise that he has in the huddle,” running back Tony Pollard said of Rudolph this week. “The poise he shows on the field.
He talks to guys, pulls them aside before the game, and gives us a few pointers on what he’s thinking. He makes adjustments, stays on top of things, and stays ahead of it.”
At this point, the Titans could benefit from veteran experience and a calm demeanor.
Still, the offense managed only 10 points last week. Drives longer than two and a half minutes must be sustained, and the overall operation needs to be cleaner than the eight team penalties they committed.
If Rudolph and the offense struggle to keep pace, their issues against the Bills could resurface in Detroit.
