LANDOVER, Md. -- Who had Taylor Lewan in the pool?
The pool picking the only Titans offensive linemen of the team's top six who would come out of the game against Washington without a penalty.
Kudos to the rookie Lewan for playing his first two NFL games without drawing a flag. He's got a reputation as a hot head and he drew a pair of 15-yard penalties in very limited part-time work before Michael Roos had season-ending knee surgery.
Since then, Lewan's been clean.
After the Titans 19-17 loss to Washington, His linemates can make no such claim.
Brian Schwenke's illegal use of the hands produced a second-and-15. The Titans ended up punting.
Chance Warmack's holding resulted in a second-and-13. The drive ended in a punt.
Chris Spencer's holding resulted in a first-and-20, leading to an interception.
Michael Oher's false start produced a first-and-15, which led to a second-and-15, which led to ...
Andy Levitre's hold led to a second-and-25, leading to a punt.
Schewnke's second illegal use of the hands led to a first-and-20, leading to a punt.
“We're not able to overcome the first-and-20 consistently,” quarterback Charlie Whitehurst said. “And most teams aren't.”
The Titans committed 11 penalties for 96 yards. Six of them for 55 yards came from the offensive line, which isn't coming close to living up to it's collective pedigree or salary.
“The why is the biggest question,” Schwenke said. “If I knew why, I don't think we'd be having this conversation, it's as simple as that.
“We've got to work every week and we work to get better and we're focused going into every game and we feel confident going into every game. Why is the biggest question for me too.”
