The Titans are eliminated before the final week of the regular season for the first time since Mike Vrabel became head coach six years ago. It will be interesting to see how he and his players handle playing out the string. With the 7-7 Seahawks coming in, the Titans can be in a Grinch role beginning Christmas Eve by denting Seattle’s playoff hopes.
First down
Find the running game. The Titans rushing attack was nonexistent against the Texans, and that is not a recipe for success for this team. It also would be good to get Derrick Henry back on track, if he is indeed playing his final home games as a Titan.
Second down
Start evaluating. With the playoffs no longer in the equation, it’s time to see some young players who haven’t contributed very much beyond special teams, if at all. That might mean seeing guys like Anthony Kendall at cornerback or Caleb Murphy at outside linebacker, in the same way that other young players have gotten an opportunity.
Third down
Figure out the Levis situation. Will rookie Will Levis be healthy enough to start and play? If so, then how will the Titans protect him a week after allowing seven sacks Sunday. If he can’t play, do the Titans give Ryan Tannehill a nice send off with some playing time before he heads out the door, or do they see if Malik Willis has learned anything since the last time he was on the field?
Fourth down
Fix the run defense. Devin Singletary shredded the Titans Sunday, and he did much of his damage through the middle of the defense where Jeffery Simmons was out injured and Teair Tart was released. The Titans need to find some answers there because there was a definite drop-off in their ability to stop the run consistently without Simmons and Tart.