Is Callahan of the Titans making the correct decision in continuing to call plays?

As the Tennessee Titans continue to search for ways to improve their offense and become contenders in the AFC South, one key question remains at the forefront: Is Todd Downing, the team’s offensive coordinator, making the right decision in continuing to call plays for the Titans?

Since Downing’s arrival in Tennessee in 2019, he has overseen an offense that has seen mixed success. The Titans have managed to remain competitive with a strong running game, thanks in large part to Derrick Henry, but their passing game and overall offensive consistency have often faltered. While the offense showed signs of promise during some stretches, it has struggled to maintain balance, resulting in frustrations from both fans and players.

As the Titans face a critical juncture in their season, it’s important to take a closer look at the circumstances surrounding Downing’s continued role as the play-caller. Has his play-calling been effective, or is it time for a change? Are there systemic issues at play that go beyond Downing’s influence? And perhaps most importantly, what does the future hold for the Titans’ offense and its ability to compete at the highest level?

In this article, we’ll evaluate the factors that have led to the Titans’ offensive struggles, the pros and cons of Downing’s play-calling, and whether or not it is the right decision to keep him in this role moving forward.

The Titans’ Offensive Struggles Under Todd Downing

Since taking over as offensive coordinator in 2021, Todd Downing has faced significant challenges. The Titans’ offense has been far from consistent, despite having a player like Derrick Henry, one of the best running backs in the league, as the centerpiece. Downing was brought in to help modernize the offense and make it more dynamic, but the results have been underwhelming at times.

In 2021, the Titans’ offense ranked 12th in points per game but dropped to 26th in the same category in 2022. While injuries, particularly to quarterback Ryan Tannehill and wide receiver A.J. Brown, have played a role, many fans and analysts point to Downing’s offensive game plans as a significant factor in the team’s decline. There are multiple areas where Downing’s play-calling has been questioned.

1. Predictability: One of the biggest criticisms of Downing’s play-calling has been the predictability of the offense. While a heavy reliance on the run game is understandable given Henry’s dominance, the offense has often lacked variety in its approach. The Titans have been known to telegraph their plays, particularly in critical situations. Opposing defenses have frequently been able to stack the box against Henry, knowing that the Titans would lean heavily on him in key moments. This predictability has resulted in a lack of creativity, especially in third-down situations.
2. Ineffective Passing Game: Despite having solid receiving weapons, including Robert Woods, Traylon Burks, and Austin Hooper, the Titans’ passing game has often been inefficient. Downing has struggled to find a consistent rhythm in the passing attack, and the Titans have finished near the bottom of the league in passing yards in consecutive seasons. While part of the problem can be attributed to Tannehill’s injuries and inconsistency, Downing has also failed to design plays that capitalize on his quarterbacks’ strengths.
3. Lack of Adjustments: Another common critique of Downing has been his failure to adjust to opposing defenses. While he has been able to develop some successful offensive drives, the inability to adapt during games has often resulted in the offense stalling in critical moments. Whether it’s getting too conservative in the second half or failing to utilize the team’s strengths in specific situations, Downing’s inability to make timely adjustments has been a consistent issue.
4. Inconsistent Red Zone Play: The Titans’ red-zone offense has been another area of concern under Downing. Despite having one of the best running backs in the league, the Titans have often struggled to convert in the red zone, especially during critical moments. This inefficiency has hurt the team’s overall scoring ability and, ultimately, its chances to win games.

The Case for Todd Downing Continuing to Call Plays

Despite the criticisms and the offensive struggles, there are several arguments in favor of keeping Todd Downing as the play-caller for the Tennessee Titans.

1. Derrick Henry’s Dominance: One of the key reasons Downing has maintained his role as offensive coordinator is the success of Derrick Henry. Henry has been one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history, and his ability to take over games has given the Titans’ offense a high ceiling. Downing has crafted an offense that revolves around Henry, and that has resulted in success on the ground. As long as Henry remains the centerpiece of the offense, it’s understandable that Downing would continue to emphasize the run game. The Titans’ success over the past few seasons has been largely attributed to Henry’s ability to carry the offense, and Downing’s system has allowed Henry to flourish.
2. Injury Challenges: Another factor in Downing’s continued tenure as play-caller is the injuries the team has faced, particularly at the quarterback position. Ryan Tannehill has been banged up over the past few seasons, and Malik Willis, while showing promise, has been raw and inexperienced. Quarterbacks with limited mobility and inconsistent play can make an offensive coordinator’s job much more difficult. Downing’s play-calling has been hampered by the uncertainty at quarterback, and his offensive scheme has been forced to adapt to the personnel he’s had available. With better health at the quarterback position, some believe that the offense could take a step forward under Downing.
3. The Running Game Still Works: The Tennessee Titans still boast one of the most powerful and effective running games in the league, with Henry as the centerpiece. As long as the Titans are able to control the clock and dominate on the ground, they will remain a competitive team. Downing’s emphasis on the run game provides a strong foundation, and it’s difficult to overlook the fact that the Titans have been successful in this area. While the passing game may need work, the success of the rushing attack cannot be denied.
4. Familiarity with the System: Downing has been with the team for several years now and has established a familiarity with the offensive system and personnel. As offensive coordinator, Downing knows the strengths and weaknesses of his players, and he is able to adjust his play-calling to suit those strengths. This continuity, particularly in a year of transition, may give the Titans an advantage in developing a cohesive offensive unit moving forward.

The Case for Moving On from Todd Downing

On the flip side, there are several compelling arguments for why the Tennessee Titans should consider moving on from Todd Downing as play-caller.

1. Stagnation of the Passing Game: Despite some of the personnel changes, including the drafting of Traylon Burks and the addition of Robert Woods, the Titans’ passing game has remained stagnant under Downing. While the team has had success on the ground, the inability to develop an effective passing attack has hurt their ability to consistently put points on the board. A modern NFL offense requires balance, and the Titans have struggled to maintain that balance. In a league where passing is becoming more dominant, the Titans cannot afford to be one-dimensional.
2. Missed Opportunities for Growth: With the team potentially heading into a rebuilding phase, there is an argument to be made that it’s time for the Titans to bring in a new offensive coordinator who can help develop the next generation of playmakers. Malik Willis, in particular, is a raw talent who could greatly benefit from a more creative, modern offensive system. If the Titans want to develop their young quarterback and fully utilize their skill position players, a change in offensive philosophy could be beneficial.
3. Lack of Creativity: One of the most common criticisms of Downing’s play-calling has been his lack of creativity. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Miami Dolphins have shown the importance of having an innovative offense that can consistently put defenses on their heels. The Titans, under Downing, have been stuck in a more traditional approach, with too many predictable plays and a lack of diversity in their offensive scheme. In a league where offensive creativity is king, the Titans are falling behind the curve.
4. The Need for Fresh Ideas: Sometimes, a change in leadership is necessary to bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to a struggling unit. With the Titans’ offense showing only sporadic flashes of brilliance, it may be time to bring in a new offensive coordinator who can shake things up and help the team develop a more potent and dynamic attack. This could help with both player development and overall team performance, particularly if the Titans want to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving AFC.

 The Future of Todd Downing and the Titans’ Offense

In the end, the decision to keep Todd Downing as the Titans’ play-caller comes down to a variety of factors. His ability to craft a strong running game and manage the team through a difficult period has its merits, but his struggles with the passing game, predictability, and lack of creativity are undeniable.

For the Titans, the future of the offense likely hinges on their ability to find balance—both in terms of their offensive attack and their leadership. While Downing’s continued role may provide stability for now, the team must ask itself whether he is the right person to lead them into a more successful, more dynamic future.

If the Titans are serious about improving their chances to compete at the highest level, a change in offensive leadership might be necessary. However, if they believe that the foundation Downing has built—with an emphasis on the run game and a stable system—is worth building on, they may decide that sticking with him for the short term is the best option.

Ultimately, the key to success for the Titans will be ensuring that their offense is versatile, efficient, and capable of exploiting defenses in a variety of ways. Whether Downing is the right person to lead them to that success remains to be seen, but the team’s ability to make timely adjustments and develop a more balanced offensive attack will be critical in determining their future.