NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the Tennesse Titans looks on during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
In the 2023 regular season’s final stretch, the Tennessee Titans are on the brink of a historical low. With just two games left, the Titans face the looming prospect of going winless within their division for the first time in over 40 years.
Their remaining matchups are against the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars. Should the Titans suffer losses in both games, it would mark an unprecedented 0-6 divisional record for the season.
This possibility hasn’t emerged since the establishment of the AFC South. The franchise’s last winless divisional season dates back to the 1982 Houston Oilers, operating in a nine-game season due to a players’ strike.
During that shortened season, the Oilers ended with a 1-8 record, securing their lone victory against the Seattle Seahawks before the strike. Competing in the AFC Central Division alongside the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cincinnati Bengals, Houston concluded the year winless in four divisional contests.
A complete sweep by division rivals is an uncommon occurrence. Even amidst the challenging Ken Whisenhunt era, the Titans managed a combined record of 5-27 but secured two victories against divisional opponents.
Prior to 2023, under Mike Vrabel’s coaching, the Titans had never experienced a losing streak against divisional teams. However, this season has proven to be an unprecedented struggle.
A potential 0-6 finish against an average AFC South would signify the organization reaching a low not seen since 1982. The hope remains that Tennessee can secure a win before concluding this challenging season.
