By MIKE HERNDON, columnist

After a dreadful 42-19 loss in Washington on Sunday, the Titans dropped to 3-9 on the season and are now 4.5 games behind the Texans in the AFC South. With five games to go, they are also 4.5 games behind the Broncos and Ravens in the race for the last wildcard spots in the AFC. 

It has clearly been a disappointing first season for Brian Callahan. This loss was pretty concerning, particularly after hearing his players list cold weather (it was 42 degrees and sunny at kickoff) and inability to handle success as reasons for their slow start that dug them a 28-0 hole less than five minutes into the second quarter.

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard, right, is tackled by Washington Commanders safety Quan Martin, left, after a catch during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Tony Pollard gets taken down by the Commanders/ ASSOCIATED PRESS

The problems remain largely the same with one notable exception, which we’ll get to in a moment. The recurring issues are turnovers, special teams’ blunders, pass protection and red zone defense. 

Against the Commanders, the turnovers and special teams blunders came rolled into one package. Return specialist Jha’Quan Jackson fumbled for the fifth time in the past six games. Tony Pollard also lost his first fumble of the season, making it the seventh game this season with at least two turnovers by the Titans.

Pass protection was still an issue despite Will Levis taking just two sacks. The Titans quarterback was under pressure on 41 percent

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