Daboll's Titans Offense Echoes Giants' Struggles in Loss to New York

In his return to MetLife Stadium as the Tennessee Titans' offensive coordinator, Brian Daboll's unit displayed offensive struggles reminiscent of his tenure as head coach of the New York Giants. The Titans' offense was largely ineffective, failing to secure a first down for most of the first half and scoring their only points late in the fourth quarter during a 12-7 loss to the injury-depleted Giants.

Quarterback Cam Ward, the former No. 1 overall draft pick, had a difficult afternoon. His struggles culminated in a game-clinching interception with 17 seconds remaining as the Titans attempted to drive for a go-ahead score. It was Ward's first interception in 209 passing attempts this season, and Jevón Holland's pick marked Daboll's third interception of the game.

A video captured Daboll slamming a table in the press box after the crucial interception. Daboll's record as the Titans' offensive coordinator now stands at 0-3, mirroring the start of his final season with the Giants before his dismissal.

"We had some drops. We had some opportunities to move the ball. We had opportunities to put ourselves in a good position," Titans coach Robert Saleh said after the game when asked about the slow offensive start. "But from an execution standpoint, whether or not we could have been better with play-calling, we’ll always go back and evaluate, and I’ll have better answers for you guys."

When Saleh, the former Jets head coach, took the Titans job, the addition of Daboll, who previously had a successful stint as offensive coordinator with the Bills, was met with approval. However, the Titans have struggled to generate points, managing only 37 points across their first three games, with Ward showing little apparent progress.

"It’s our third game as an offense fully together," said former Giants receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, who now plays for the Titans. "It’s going to take some time. Stay patient. At the end of the day, we’re going to continue to work and continue to get better. I feel like each week we’ve gotten better in whatever aspect it may be."

Robinson had a notable performance in his return to his former home stadium, catching seven passes for 57 yards and the Titans' lone touchdown. He signed a four-year, $78 million deal with the Titans in the offseason after meeting with the new Giants coach John Harbaugh. Robinson stated he wanted to be with the Giants but ultimately "it just didn’t work out and I ended up in Tennessee," adding that he has "nothing but love for all of those guys."

The Jets and Giants have benefited from their former offensive coordinators facing them, securing two of their three wins against Daboll and Saleh's Titans.