The Titans made a change at right tackle. How did it work out?
The Tennessee Titans made the decision to start Leroy Watson at right tackle in Sunday’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Watson replaced Nicholas Petit-Frere in the starting lineup. Petit-Frere has been benched, at least momentarily, for poor play. Sunday’s starter was only elevated from the practice squad to the active roster earlier in the game-planning week.
Watson played 58 total snaps. Pro Football Focus credited him with allowing two pressures and zero sacks en route to a pass-blocking grade of 46.6. He also earned a lackluster 49.9 score as a run blocker. Head coach Brian Callahan called it an “okay” performance when speaking with reporters on Monday, before adding the team will continue evaluating the position.
#Titans Brian Callahan believe Leroy Watson played “OK”. Some good, some bad. Says the RT battle isn’t locked down as they try to find their answer.
TLDR: The answer is not currently on this team
— JT Ruhnke (@jt_ruhnke) October 14, 2024
Watson was whistled for a team-high three penalties. Callahan’s comments indicate the Titans will continue holding an open competition on a weekly basis until (or if) one player really solidifies himself. Don’t be stunned if Watson and Petit-Frere continue sharing first-team practice reps this week leading up to Sunday’s game versus Buffalo Bills.
The Titans struggled offensively. Callahan’s offense managed just 17 points and 95 passing yards against a horrid Colts defense. Watson and the offensive line did not allow a single quarterback sack for the first time in three campaigns, but Callahan’s play-calling played a large role.
Levis averaged a snap-to-throw time of 2.23 seconds, the fastest-recorded result among all quarterbacks in Week 6, according to Next Gen Stats. Callahan called several designed screens and plays around the line of scrimmage in an attempt to hide Levis’ poor decision making, and an offensive line that’s struggled in pass protection all season long.
The Bills feature an outstanding defensive line, though they’ve recorded 16 sacks this season. Watson and the Titans will face another sizable challenge protecting Levis. Callahan didn’t sound particularly impressed, but Watson will hope to make his second consecutive start.