NASHVILLE – The Titans are 2-4 after six games at the bye week.
The team has been good enough to win games against the Chargers and Bengals, but they've come up short against the Saints, Browns, Colts and Ravens.
So, do these Titans have what it takes to right the ship?
Here's a look at five things going well, and five things that need to improve after the bye:
FIVE UP
Kicker: Nick Folk is a perfect 16-of-16 on his field goal attempts, and 8-of-8 on his PATs. When he strolls onto the field, there's no need to worry. One problem: He's been strolling onto the field to kick too many field goals.
Red zone defense: The Titans held the Ravens to just 1-of-6 in the red zone on Sunday, and opponents have scored just seven touchdowns in 23 red zone trips this season (30.4 percent). That's third-best in the NFL.
Rushing average: The Titans are ranked 6th in the NFL in rushing average (4.6). Running back Derrick Henry has 425 yards (with a 4.3-yard average), while Tyjae Spears has 171 yards (with a 5.5-yard average). The backs have proven they can make things happen when they have room to run. The Titans are still having trouble with consistency here, however.
Play at home: Both of Tennessee's wins this season have come at Nissan Stadium, where they've looked like a different team, outscoring their two opponents by combined score of 54-27. The next game is a home game against the Falcons, and five of the team's last seven games this season are home games. The Titans, of course, better figure out a way to play better on the road to make those games in December and January mean something.
Punting: Punter Ryan Stonehouse is averaging 51.6 yards per punt on the season, with a 41.2-yard net. Stonehouse's gross punting average is 1st in the AFC, and 2nd in the NFL, but his net took a hit with his one-yard punt in New Orleans (on blocked punt) and the 70-yard return by the Ravens.
FIVE DOWN
Red zone offense: The Titans are 2-of-8 scoring touchdowns in the red zone in their past two losses, and they're scoring TDs just 33.3 percent in the red zone on the year. Only three teams have a lower percentage.
Creating turnovers: Sean Murphy-Bunting and Amani Hooker have the team's only two interceptions on the season, and the Titans have caused just five turnovers (three fumble recoveries) on the year. The team needs to make more plays on defense.
Third down offense: The entire offense needs to step it up, but the biggest issues center on continuing drives. The Titans are converting just 33.8% of their third downs so far, which is 28th in the league. Too many sacks allowed (23) and not enough big plays are killing the effort. Overall, the Titans are ranked 26th in the NFL in total offense.
Pass protection: Ryan Tannehill has been sacked 19 times on the season, and counting the four sacks on Malik Willis on Sunday, the Titans have allowed 23 on the year. It's no surprise the team now has an injured starting quarterback.
Winning: It all boils down to this. And, so far, the Titans haven't been able to find ways to win several weeks when they had chances. Other than the Browns game, when the Titans lost 27-3, wins were there for the taking and they let them slip away. The Titans better find a way to change this, or it's going to be a long season.
