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Articles by Blake Beddingfield
Carnell Tate Emerges but Titans Still Can't Turn Progress Into Wins
Blake Beddingfield sees encouraging signs from Cam Ward, the offensive line and several young Titans, but the progress still hasn't produced a victory. By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans are 0-4, but I remain an optimist because I continue to see a competitive spirit that lasts throughout games no matter how far behind they fall. The good: Rookie first-round pick Carnell Tate emerged as a go-to option for Cam Ward, catching nine passes for 145 yards.
Titans Find an Offensive Formula but Cam Ward Still Has to Solve His Problems
Blake Beddingfield sees a developing offensive line and a passing-game formula that fits Cam Ward, but missed reads and the game-ending interception show how much work remains By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Giants are a below-average NFL team with Jameis Winston at QB, but it wasn’t the Giants on Sunday that kept the Titans from winning. The Titans can’t find the formula it takes to win games.
Blake Beddingfield: Titans' Preseason Tape Is Revealing Too Many Concerns
A former Titans scout breaks down Cam Ward, the offensive line, Kevin Winston Jr. and what the first two preseason games have revealed about the roster. By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – While watching Sunday night’s Titans preseason win over the Seahawks, during which Tennessee’s first team struggled, I texted PK. “Does the team practice better than this?” He said it does.
Blake Beddingfield: Cam Ward Wants to Play Like Patrick Mahomes, Titans Need Him to Be More Like Brock Purdy
The former Titans scouting director saw encouraging signs around Ward in the preseason opener, but believes the quarterback is still trying to do too much. By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Preseason is a true window into what your team will look like during the regular season. It isn’t about wins or losses or even team or unit success.
The Tennessee Titans' Best Options at No. 35 in the Draft
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special contributor NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Teams that lack a roster with quality players tend to draft for need, but bad teams drafting for need usually stay bad because of the lack of quality talent on their depth chart. The Titans are a team that has drafted for need the past nine drafts but have only found success when they went for the best player on the board, ignoring who else was on the roster.
Scouting Perspective: Titans' Red-Zone and Run-Game Reviews
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Here's what we'll cover off of the Titans' brutal loss to the Jaguars: 💥Red zone woes 💥Run-game review 💥Levis' body language 💥Ridley route depths 💥Trick plays with bad blocking If you didn’t think things could get worse for the Titans after losing last week to the Commanders 42-19, well the Titans lost to a Mac Jones-led Jaguars team and only scored 6 points versus the 32nd-ranked defense in the NFL. This game was hard to watch.
Who is in Worse Shape, the Titans or Jaguars?
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – If you’re a Titans fan and you think your team is dysfunctional, take a look at the Jacksonville Jaguars first to get a better definition of the word. Just this week the Jaguars locked up left tackle Walker Little to a three-year extension worth $45 million.
Scouting Report: Dissecting the Titans' Run Defense Woes
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Commanders started Sunday’s game with an attitude, played like the aggressors and wanted to punch the Titans in the face early. And that is just what they did. Washington had an aggressive offensive game plan that showed every element in its arsenal early on the first drive. They used the downhill run game with Brian Robinson, zone reads with Jayden Daniels and a mix of short to deep passes with Zach Ertz and Terry McLaurin.
The Matchups That Will Make or Break the Titans in Washington
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – If the Titans’ season is going to turn around it must continue Sunday against the Commanders. The rest of the season’s schedule gives them a chance in each game. The Commanders are the last team with a winning record except for the Texans, who the Titans wil see again on the last day of the season.
Scout's View: The Key Elements to the Titans' Win in Houston
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In my Texans preview article, I questioned if the Titans could carry the positivity from a loss against the Vikings and turn it into something more for the remainder of the season. In this one win versus the rival Texans, I would say the Titans did so, not only carrying that positivity over but adding a layer of expectations for things to come the rest of the season.
Rematch with Ex-Pass Rusher Denico Autry a Key to Titans-Texans
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Titans view the Houston Texans as a major divisional rival, but right now, they should see them as a model for fixing their issues. Three seasons ago in 2022, the Texans were a franchise with minimal talent, led at quarterback by Davis Mills. The roster was riddled with aging veterans on one-year contracts with limited upside.
Titans' Penalty Breakdown, Bad Tackle Help, RPO Plays and More
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans were in their game against the Vikings until the end. They competed and looked like a team that could find a way to win it. But they lost because of self-inflicted penalties and NFL officials making game-altering calls. Will Levis had some plays that he would want back, but overall, he matched Sam Darnold’s play and gave the team a chance to win.
So Much Needs to go Right For Titans to Pull Upset of Vikings
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans have a tough matchup against an offense that has arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL in Justin Jefferson, one of the most dangerous receiving tight ends in TJ Hockenson, a top-level No. 2 wide receiver in Jordan Addison and a true three-down running back in Aaron Jones. The Vikings' issues of late have been that the resurgence of quarterback Sam Darnold has hit a roadblock.
Breaking Down the Seven Sacks the Titans Allowed
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The 27-17 score of the game was indicative of the outcome, but not the way the game was played for the first two and half quarters. The Titans were competitive, had fight and found rhythm on both sides of the ball for the first half plus. A game-changing officiating decision calling back a fumble return late in the second quarter kept the Titans from taking the lead into halftime.
Chargers' Dominant Defense Poses Major Threat to Titans' Offense
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – While the Chargers have a new front office and head coach, they are a good example of a team that had very good personnel before a changeover. They simply struggled to find a coach who could lead the team. Now they have a leader and a head coach in Jim Harbaugh who has a history of winning on the pro and college level.
Scouting Breakdown: Key Matchups Decided Titans vs. Patriots
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans' offensive and defensive game plan against the Patriots was more aggressive than at any time this season, forcing issues on both sides of the ball Sunday at Nissan Stadium. The reason, I believe, was that the Titans felt they were the more talented team on the field for the first time this season, and that led to confidence not only from the players but also from the play-callers.
Breaking Down the Titans' Special Teams Coverage Units
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans showed energy and fire in the first half and came out ready to play on offense and defense with good game plans. But turnovers, poor special teams and busted coverages had them down 21 points at halftime. The Titans are a bad football team with no hope of competing against quality NFL teams. They lack sufficient talent, and the coaching staff has been unable to overcome that through play-calling or scheming.
Scout's Take: Key Matchups and Info for Titans-Lions
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans held a fire sale on Tuesday, showing fans and other teams that they are already planning for 2025. It was the right move because last year they chose not to have that mindset and kept players like Derrick Henry only to see them leave the organization for nothing in return. Will the team be able to replace Ernest Jones and DeAndre Hopkins for day three picks?
Our Scout's Takeaways from the Titans in Buffalo
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Sunday’s Titans-Bills game showed the drastic difference between a good NFL team and a bad one. The Titans are in the cellar and they won’t get out anytime soon. The Titans have players who have produced in the NFL but are no longer having success. Calvin Ridley can’t catch. DeAndre Hopkins can’t find the field in the fourth quarter. The Titans can’t decide what to do at right tackle or quarterback.
Titans' WRs vs. Bills' Secondary Would Have to Key to Any Surprise
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans are 1-4 going against a 4-2 Bills team. On paper, it doesn’t look good for the Titans. They can’t play it safe anymore. Buffalo has holes, and the Titans must not be afraid to attack those weak areas. The Bills’ defense is not the same as it has been in previous seasons. The team lacks overall speed, and it lacks experience in some crucial positions.
Scouting Review: Titans' Penalties, Close Looks at Leroy Watson, Jeff Simmons
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – How did the Titans lose to the Joe Flacco-led Colts? Indianapolis has one of the worst-performing defenses in the NFL. It was ranked 32 before the game. The Colts were without their franchise running back Jonathon Taylor and second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson. Their best defensive player DeForest Buckner and best cornerback JuJu Brent were also out.
Titans Must Capitalize on Colts' Injuries
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Colts roster is a walking injury report. Starting quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) and starting running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) did not play last week. Receiver Michael Pittman (back) is out with a back injury. Receiver Josh Downs (toe) didn’t practice the first two days of the week and starting right tackle Braden Smith has knee and ankle issues.
Scout's Review: Titans Aided Dolphins' Dysfunction
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Coaches and front office people get fired after a dismal performance like the Dolphins had on Monday Night. I’m not sure if Mike McDaniel should have ever been a head coach, but my guess is his days are numbered in Miami. He is an unorganized poor game manager and he looks as if he has lost his team. The Dolphins were extremely undisciplined and got zero production from an offense that the front office spent heavy resources on.
Titans Route to First Win Goes Through Two Former Teammates
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Miami Dolphins have a high-powered offense with explosive offensive playmakers, but with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on the injured reserve list with a concussion, the Dolphins have limited options to get the ball to the explosive targets. For the second consecutive year, the Dolphins’ front office did a poor job of protecting themselves against an often-injured starting quarterback.
Titans' Favorable Matchups Give Them Edge in Week Three
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Despite the 0-2 start, I like what Brian Callahan, and the staff are trying to build with the Titans. During this rebuild phase the organization is in, it is important to see growth. At times that growth will be in huge leaps and in others it will be small steps. The Titans have made huge leaps with their starting defense.
Scout's Take: Inside the Jets-Titans Matchup
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Jets-Titans matchup is two 0-1 teams with different expectations of how this season is supposed to end. The Jets are a defensive-minded team with a 40-year-old future Hall of Fame quarterback, while the Titans spent heavily in free agency and the draft to improve the offensive side of the ball around their 25-year-old second-year quarterback Will Levis.
Scouting Review: Close Look at Issues for Titans' Will Levis, JC Latham
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – This was a hard game to watch for people who like offense. There is too much talent on both teams to have been that poor, even in Week One. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has an excuse for his mediocre performance since it was his first NFL start. But Titans quarterback Will Levis is in his second year and should be further along in his development, even though it is his first game in the new offense.
Titans vs. Bears: Key Matchups and Details for Week One
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Sunday will be the Titans head coach Brian Callahan’s first time as a head coach and first time as an offensive coordinator and play caller. Those are two major responsibilities and we will watch to see how he handles both duties simultaneously. Caleb Williams, the first pick in the 2024 draft, will also have his first start in the NFL.
Scouting Review: Most Meaningful Developments from Titans' Preseason Finale
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The best thing about the last preseason game for a front office is that it is finally over, and hopefully, your team avoided any catastrophic injuries. Your focus can turn toward the roster cut down, and acquiring players from outside. The ultimate goal of training camp is to condition your team and roster for the regular season.
In-Depth Titans Scouting Report: Breaking Down Week Two Performances
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Preseason NFL football has turned into a game for backups, except for the world champion Kansas City Chiefs who played their starters in Week Two of the preseason. With backups playing significant reps in these games, it enhances the critical eye of the coaching staff and front office based on the depth of the team’s roster. The backups who make each team will have to play a critical role at some point in the team’s 17-game season.
Scouting the Titans: Draft Picks, Best and Worst of 49ers Game
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The focus in preseason Game One for the Titans’ front office and coaching staff is less about the veteran players and more about the rookies and how quickly they can help this team this season. Understanding how many snaps and what situations a player can handle is paramount to roster construction. The 2024 draft choices will be highly scrutinized in August because so many are expected to play vital roles in year one.
Prospects the Titans Should Target in the NFL Draft: Blake Beddingfield
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, columnist NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Titans have many needs left to fill out their roster for the 2024 season. The most glaring issue is at left tackle. There isn’t a starting-caliber left tackle currently on the roster and the Titans have forced themselves into taking one in the first round after neglecting to touch it at all in free agency. I discussed that in my recent mock draft.
Blake Beddingfield's 2024 Mock Draft With Titans' Pick
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special contributor The Titans roster is starting to look competitive again after years of poor drafting and free-agent signings that have depleted the team's talent pool. The Titans will be without their best player over the past decade in Derrick Henry. The team also loses productive veterans Denico Autry, Ryan Tannehill, Azeez Al-Shaair, Aaron Brewer and former starters Kristian Fulton, Sean Murphy-Bunting and Chris Hubbard.
Blake Beddingfield: A Titans' Free Agency Plan
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent The Titans have so many holes to fill that they won’t be able to accomplish that in one off-season of free agency and a draft. This rebuild should have started last year when most of us saw a roster with too many weak areas to effectively compete. The 2024 draft is not strong overall, but it does have some position groups the Titans need that have good depth.
Former Scout Sees Nine of 22 Starters Back for Titans Next Season
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans were highly motivated, focused and looked determined to not only spoil the Jaguars playoff bid, but get right on offense and send Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill off to free agency with excellent last games in front of the home crowd. The Titans once again played the bully. It was a long time coming but they finally found an identity they have been searching for the past two seasons.
Titans Doomed For Disaster Against Division Rival -- Sacks, Injuries Too Much to Overcome
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – This was an embarrassing loss for the Titans. Not only a divisional game but a hated rival and a team that is playing a high number of rookies and young players with a rookie head coach. Despite all those variables, this game proved just how far apart these two teams are. One team dealt with injuries and roster changes and the other couldn’t overcome them. Not Already a Member?
Titans' Revenge And Owner's Rivalry Should Fuel Intense Game In Houston
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – There is always something to play for despite your team’s record. For the Titans, this is revenge from two weeks ago and also a chance to beat your owner’s biggest rival. If the last part doesn’t enter the minds of the players that is OK, but avenging a loss to a team they had beat and outplayed but couldn’t finish off and eventually lost to in overtime should be motivation enough.
Ryan Tannehill Effect on The Titans, The Sacks Allowed And The Depth Issue
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The difference between a rookie quarterback with upside and an established veteran was evident with Ryan Tannehill playing quarterback and giving the Titans a chance to win despite poor offensive line play. I felt Tannehill played well and also gave the team a calming presence.
Time For Titans To Really See Tyjae Spears, Treylon Burks, Josh Whyle, Colton Dowell
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans are officially eliminated from the playoffs. The one player most fans want to see in the teams’ remaining games is Will Levis, who’s questionable for the game due to a high ankle sprain. These next three Titans' games are an evaluation of what they currently have on the roster and what they need for the future. The evaluation starts with the team's pending free agents. Do they find a role for Derrick Henry next season?
Titans' Review: Run Game Stall, Peter Skoronski's Struggle And Father Flanagan
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – This game deserved to end in a tie. These were two poorly coached offensive units, with some poor plays out of them. The Titans were playing against a bunch of backups against the Houston Texans. So the Titans were clearly the best team with an offense that used multiple players in the run and pass game to have success early. Tennessee had early success without its most consistent offensive player this year in DeAndre Hopkins.
How The Unstoppable Dolphins Were Taken Down By The Titans
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – There are no moral victories in a closely played game against a team that is significantly more talented. The Titans didn’t need one after coming from behind to win a game versus what was supposed to be an unstoppable Dolphins offense. In a game that was easy to predict the outcome, the Titans' defense decided that wasn’t going to be the case. This is why they play the games.
Titans' Limited Chance In Miami Revolved Around Derrick Henry
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On paper, this is a mismatch. The way the teams are playing currently, this is a mismatch. Given the confidence displayed on the field by both, this is a mismatch. So what can the Titans do to not be embarrassed on Monday Night Football? They will be without one of their better players in Jeffrey Simmons who tends to rise to the occasion in games like this and would be one spot that wouldn’t be a mismatch in favor of Miami.
Breaking Down the Titans' Punt Break Downs And More
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To Win Again, Titans Need Top Performance From Defensive Front vs. Colts
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans’ competition steps up this week with the Colts coming to town. Despite losing Jonathan Taylor to an injury the Titans will still have to deal with Zach Moss who went for 165 yards on the ground for a 7.2-yard average in their first matchup. If you’re the Titans, that can’t happen again. Tennessee’s run defense was very good last week versus the Panthers and the defensive line has shown some recent dominance at times.
Breaking Down the Titans' Win: Surprise Rookie Standouts, Top Defensive Plays And Worrying Team Mistakes
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans needed a game like this. The Panthers are the worst team in the league without a true playmaker on either side of the ball. The encouraging part for the Titans was they found success in the run game and their passing attack when they needed it. On defense, they were excellent in their run defense and also harassing rookie QB Bryce Young all four quarters.
Titans vs. Panthers Clash In Week 12: Critical Matchups To Watch
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – This is just the opponent the Titans have been waiting for, a 1-9 team with a rookie quarterback who has zero playmakers around him. The Panthers are 30th in total offense and their rush defense is 24th. It sounds like a good matchup for the Titans who have lost 14 of their last 17 games. The problem is the Titans aren’t the only team looking to find a win.
How The Titans Got Shredded by Calvin Ridley
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans were not the better team Sunday. And looking forward to the rest of the schedule, outside of Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, that will be the case in the rest of Tennessee's games. Playing against their division rival makes these comparisons even more important because they play them twice a year.
Remainder Of Titans' Season Is Major Evaluation Time
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans need to spend the remaining time in 2023 building toward next year. This would include evaluating all players on the roster, and creating a mentality to build on in the offseason.
Titans' Loss to Steelers: Truths Revealed
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special contributor NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans versus the Steelers was a matchup between two average NFL teams, that are undisciplined, highly penalized (total of 17 accepted penalties) and lacking identities in 2023. Both teams once prided themselves on being tough defensive teams that rushed the passer and would do just enough on offense to win ball games by controlling the ball and limiting turnovers.
Titans-Steelers High-Stakes Showdown: The Scouting Preview
By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Thursday is a quick turnaround for the Titans. The Titans played well in all phases on Sunday versus the Falcons but get very little time to enjoy it. That may be a good thing because it also gives the opponent a short window to dissect and plan against the Titans’ new offensive look under rookie quarterback Will Levis. The Steelers and Falcons have a lot of similarities to their offensive units.
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