Titans report card: Downgraded in defeat

LANDOVER, Md. – My grades for the Titans in their 19-17 loss to the Redskins here on Sunday:

Rushing offense ... D Yes, rookie Bishop Sankey has had some nice moments. But for the most part, the Titans have been unable to run the ball consistently when they really need to. The running backs and the offensive line share the blame.

Passing offense ... C Charlie Whitehurst threw two touchdown passes and Kendall Wright was a man on a mission. Whitehurst also misfired on some throws, however, and held the ball too long. The Titans had too many drops and missed opportunities.

Rushing defense ... C The Redskins racked up 100 yards on the ground, led by Alfred Morris (54) and Roy Helu Jr. (29). While the total is nothing to brag about, the Skins did some damage in crunch time. Derrick Morgan and Sammie Hill each made two tackles-for-loss.

Passing defense ... F It's a bottom-line business and the Titans failed to get it done with the game on the line. Jason McCourty was flagged for pass interference late, Michael Griffin took a bad angle on a Redskins touchdown, and Blidi Wreh-Wilson had an up-and-down day.

Special teams ... D Punter Brett Kern had a 39-yard net and put two punts down inside the 20. But Dexter McCluster's muffed a punt that led to a Redskins field goal, and Marqueston Huff was called for offsides on a kickoff.

Coaching ... D The Titans didn't lose this game because of coaching. They lost because players made too many mistakes. Still, coaches have to get those mistakes corrected, or find players who won't make them. Ken Whisenhunt made a bad challenge, however, and the Titans went through too many timeouts in the first half.