NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The passing game was supposed to take the next step for Marcus Mariota and the Tennessee Titans under new offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur. Bringing in the young coach with plenty of innovative ideas created a level of excitement in the locker room.
Through five games, the passing game has produced up-and-down results, but the inconsistency can't be blamed entirely on LaFleur. The loss of Pro Bowl tight end Delanie Walker (ankle) in the season opener against Miami and Rishard Matthews' request to be released robbed Tennessee of two reliable veterans who produced 127 receptions for 1,602 yards and seven touchdowns in 2017.