By MIKE HERNDON, columnist

The Brian Callahan era of the Titans franchise officially kicks off on Sunday in Chicago as Tennessee looks to spoil the debut of first overall pick Caleb Williams. You can brace yourself for the Titans being treated as the “other team” in this game by the broadcast and all national media outlets, but you should be used to that by now.

Overreacting to this first game is a trap that too many fall into. It’s easy to do, but history tells us that is a mistake. Look no further than the debuts of a couple of recent Titans coaches. 

Will Levis and Lloyd Cushenberry
Will Levis and Lloyd Cushenberry/ Angie Flatt

Ken Whisenhunt opened his Tennessee coaching tenure with a dominant 26-10 road win over a Chiefs team that had finished 11-5 in the previous season. The Titans outgained KC 405-245, picked off Alex Smith three times, and got a strong 22 of 33 for 266 and two touchdowns showing from Jake Locker. Whisenhunt would go on to win just two more games during his brief time as head coach in Tennessee, finishing with a 3-20 record overall.

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