Through six games, Tate's production compares favorably with some of the NFL's top receivers, even as Tennessee ranks near the bottom of the league in passing.

By MIKE HERNDON, columnist

What little offense the Titans managed to create in their 26-20 win in Indianapolis last weekend, much of it ran through first-round rookie receiver Carnell Tate. Tate’s raw stat line of six catches on seven targets for 70 yards and a touchdown isn’t eye-popping on its own, but when you put it in the context of just 186 total yards of offense and 102 yards passing for the Titans, it’s a monster performance.

Carnell Tate
Carnell Tate takes on a Texans defender / Angie Flatt

Through six games, that’s essentially the story of the Titans season offensively. Tate’s been productive, notching 29 catches for 344 yards and a touchdown and 15 first downs despite playing on an offense that ranks 32nd in passing yards and 30th in passing touchdowns.

Cam Ward’s passing numbers when targeting Tate versus other receivers tell a clear story.

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Paul Kuharsky has covered the Tennessee Titans since 1996, first for The Tennessean, then ESPN.com and now independently at PaulKuharsky.com. He served on the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee for 11 years and is the longest-tenured Titans beat reporter in the franchise's history.