The Tennessee Titans started their 2024 preseason off on the right foot, with the team topping the reigning NFC champion San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night, 17-13.
But the win wasn't the most important thing from the exhibition opener. Instead, it was the performance of the starting offensive line. The group upfront didn't give up any sacks and opened up plenty of holes in the run game, as evidenced by running back Tony Pollard averaging 8.8 yards per carry.
The Titans also saw the debut of 2024 first-round pick and left tackle JC Latham, who had a solid overall performance in his NFL debut. After the game, Latham gave his grade for both his (C) and the entire offensive line's performance (B).
"As a group, I'd probably give it a B," Latham said, per Jim Wyatt. "There's still some things we can clean up. But I feel like I didn't play to the standard of the group. I give myself a C, honestly. I did some good things out there, but a lot of errors where I can improve in, so I didn't live up to the standard of the level we want to play at."
This was a SUBLIME rep by JC Latham pic.twitter.com/xGCWAdM3CA
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) August 10, 2024
When asked where he thinks he needs to improve, Latham pointed to his pass protection.
"Pass protection, especially," Latham answered. "I didn't use my hands as much as I'd like to."
Latham is being a little hard on himself because he did have a good night overall, especially when you consider this was his first NFL action. The Titans have to be very encouraged by what they saw from the rookie, and he'll only get better with more experience.
