Brian Callahan, head coach of the Tennessee Titans, is eager to move on after Sunday’s embarrassing loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Titans scored six points and fell at home to a floundering 2-10 team. Callahan’s next chance to erase that dismal performance comes against his former team, the Cincinnati Bengals, on Sunday.
There will be pressure on Callahan’s offense to perform better. He was chosen by owner Amy Adams Strunk and general manager Ran Carthon to lead the offensive into the twenty-first century. After 14 games, the Titans are averaging 17.5 points per week, which ranks them 30th. For the first time this week, he was asked about his job security.
.@Titans HC Brian Callahan: I don't worry about, or focus on, (my job security) … Worried about day to day, building a foundation for success
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) December 9, 2024
And, like the Jaguars game, the upcoming clash seems favorable on paper. The Bengals have struggled defensively. Lou Anarumo’s underperforming squad allows a 29th-ranked 27.7 points per game. They are 27th against the pass (235.2) and 23rd against the run (130.3).
Callahan was Zac Taylor’s offensive coordinator for five years (2018-23). The 5-8 Bengals’ first season without Callahan has been incredibly disappointing, but the Bengals do not miss last year’s offensive coordinator. Joe Burrow is having an MVP-type season, which has been completely wrecked by the defense and recurrent gaffes.
The Bengals are scoring 27.8 points per game, which ranks sixth best. They have the league’s leading passing attack, averaging 271.6 air yards per game. Burrow leads the league with 3,706 passing yards and 33 touchdown passes. Ja’Marr Chase is on track to capture the triple crown, with 93 receptions for 1,319 yards and 15 touchdowns. The offensive is performing well.
Callahan will not be the only Titan to face up against his former squad. Carthon increased Callahan’s familiarity in free agency by signing two former Bengals, cornerback Chido Awuzie and wide receiver Tyler Boyd. Awuzie returned to action against the Jaguars on Sunday after an extended absence. He made an early impact, intercepting the only pass sent his way. Boyd has been a reliable veteran presence on the offense, ranking third in catches (33) and receiving yards (317).
