The Lord’s Day brought further challenges to the Tennessee Titans and their chief strategist, Brian Callahan.
The Titans experienced a 41-20 setback against the Indianapolis Colts, resulting in a 0-3 record. Leading up to halftime, Callahan faced shouts of “remove Callahan” after a string of errors led to a six-point advantage for the Colts.
Callahan was then met with strong disapproval from spectators as he headed towards the locker room during the break.
The most recent incident that sparked outrage among Titans followers was a problematic sequence near the conclusion of the first half.
Troubled Half Conclusion Incites Titans Devotees
With Indianapolis holding a 17-6 lead and 3:15 left in the half, Tennessee executed five successive running plays upon gaining control in favorable territory at their own 41-yard line.
Callahan emphasized reducing the clock and seemingly had no desire to permit rookie quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall selection, to attempt a touchdown drive using his throwing abilities, despite the 11-point difference and ample time remaining. The fifth play of the series was a 1-yard rush up the middle on third-and-2, leaving the Titans short of achieving a first down.
Uncertainty Worsens Matters
This provoked significant jeers from the crowd, as the Titans appeared prepared to settle for a 57-yard field-goal attempt. However, Callahan seemed unsure of his next action. He eventually called a timeout following a Colts timeout to provide himself with additional time to decide whether to kick or attempt to convert on fourth down.
Unless progress is observed, the negative reactions directed at Brian Callahan in Nashville are likely to intensify.
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
He ultimately opted to attempt the kick. However, his kicking unit was unprepared, despite the consecutive timeouts. The Titans failed to establish their formation before the play clock expired, resulting in a 5-yard delay-of-game penalty, pushing the field-goal attempt back to 62 yards.
This, predictably, triggered further jeers from the Tennessee supporters. The Colts deflected Joey Slye’s 62-yard attempt at the line of scrimmage and gained possession on downs at Tennessee’s 48-yard line. Again, more negative reactions.
“Remove Callahan” Chants Emerge
The Colts subsequently capitalized on their fortunate situation with a Spencer Shrader field goal to enter halftime with a 20-6 advantage. Spectators chanted “remove Callahan” as Shrader prepared for his kick. The disapproval intensified after the kick was successful.
When questioned about the calls for his dismissal, Callahan stated the following during his postgame press conference:
“I don’t focus on those matters,” Callahan expressed, according to the Associated Press. “It’s virtually impossible. This is already challenging enough without diverting attention to those external factors; it benefits no one. Therefore, I dedicate myself to my work and exert maximum effort.”
Regarding the timeout he called late in the half, which preceded the delay-of-game penalty, Callahan admitted that he was stalling to finalize his decision.
“I was still undecided at that moment about our course of action,” Callahan explained. “We were debating and desired a moment to contemplate.”
He also acknowledged the disorganization that led to the delay of game.
“It undoubtedly appears unfavorable in retrospect,” Callahan continued. “That was never the intended outcome.”
How Much Latitude Does Callahan Possess?
Callahan is in his second year as Tennessee’s head coach, succeeding Mike Vrabel, who was dismissed following the 2023 season. The Titans have a 3-17 record under Callahan’s leadership after Sunday’s defeat.
Following a Week 1 loss to the Broncos, Callahan conceded that he was unaware of a rule concerning what constitutes a catch at the sideline on a play that he should have challenged but did not.
The stakes are elevated this season compared to the previous one, as the Titans aim to cultivate Ward into a cornerstone quarterback. Unless progress is observed, the negative reactions in Nashville are likely to escalate.
