The Tennessee Titans opened Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders with an offensive three-pointer and two false start penalties, an ominous sign of what would happen in the first quarter.

Tennessee fell behind 21-0 to Washington in a disastrous first quarter that included three Commanders touchdown drives allowed, two Titans turnovers and more catches for left tackle JC Latham than the Titans’ receiving corps.

For the Titans on Sunday it was a system failure that had never been seen in 2024 despite a weak 3:8 season.

Let’s go through the low points:

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The Titans’ offense contributes little, including JC Latham’s catch and Tony Pollard’s fumble

The Titans’ offense opened the game by losing 12 yards on a three-and-out that included false starts by Latham and Nicholas Petit-Frere.

After a TD run by Brian Robinson, Tennessee’s second drive stalled near midfield when Will Levis’ deflected pass landed in the hands of Latham and the rookie left tackle made his first career catch. But the chains didn’t move and the Titans had to punt.

Trailing 14-0 after a TD run by Jayden Daniels, Tony Pollard was beaten on a second-down carry by Mike Sainristl, who recovered the ball he forced.

Commanders run across the entire Titan defenses

The Titans’ defense was in a tough spot after the Pollard fumble, leading 14-0, but that came after two Commanders touchdown drives, including Robinson’s 40-yard touchdown run and Daniels’ touchdown carry.

Washington finished the first quarter with 109 rushing yards. And Terry McLaurin, the Commanders’ top receiving option, already had four catches for 46 yards, including a touchdown catch.

Jha’Quan Jackson fumbles on kickoff return as special teams issues continue

After McLaurin’s TD catch extended the Washington lead to 21-0 with 23 seconds left in the quarter, Jha’Quan Jackson returned the kickoff – and fumbled. Washington regained possession and scored on a second touchdown reception from McLaurin.

But at least that TD happened in the second quarter.

This article originally appeared on the Nashville Tennessean: How the Tennessee Titans fell apart in disastrous first quarter against the Commanders