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Robert Saleh keeps painting a target on his own back, and his Jets history explains why the Titans are buying it for now

Saleh has put the weight of a rough Titans start squarely on his own shoulders at every turn. Here’s why that message is working, and where it runs out.

Yardbarker

Published: Wednesday, 7 October 2026 at 9:41 PM

Key Things to Know

A to Z Sports argues Robert Saleh is placing the blame for the Titans' slow start entirely on himself.
Saleh's defense-building history with the New York Jets provides credibility to his current turnaround pitch to Titans management.
The analysis notes that Titans leadership is aiming toward 2027 as the timeline for genuine competitiveness.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh is consistently accepting full responsibility for the team's winless start to the 2026 NFL season. Following a recent defeat against the Baltimore Ravens, Saleh took accountability for defensive coverage breakdowns at the podium. An analysis from A to Z Sports suggests that Saleh's public approach intentionally deflects criticism away from his players and coaching staff.

The writer argues that Titans leadership is currently buying into Saleh's messaging because his New York Jets defense similarly required time before turning elite. However, the analysis highlights that this patience has limits and hinges on developing second-year quarterback Cam Ward, with the franchise viewing 2027 as its true competitive window.

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