Titans' offensive line piling up penalties

LANDOVER, Md. – The Titans were already an offensively challenged team in many ways.

They were last in the NFL in converting third downs, ranked near the bottom in points per game and sacks allowed, and were starting backup quarterback Charlie Whitehurst for the second week in a row.

But for added measure, the offense made life even more difficult on itself during a 19-17 loss to the Redskins on Sunday, when five offensive linemen committed six penalties.

The flags stalled drives and stymied momentum time and time again, part of the reason the Titans managed only 236 total yards.

"It's very frustrating, and I don't think anyone can tell you why it's happening," said center Brian Schwenke, who was whistled for two penalties. "But it's near impossible to start a drive with first-and-20 or second-and-20 and be consistent about moving the ball."

The fact that the Titans were whistled for a lot of penalties overall — 11 for 96 yards — wasn't exactly a shock. Entering the game they had been whistled for the ninth-most penalties in the NFL. And four of their top five penalty producers were offensive linemen.

Still, it was hard to remember a game where penalties on the offensive line so consistently tripped up the team.

"Let's face it, we had way too many penalties today," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "You're not going to win if you have that many penalties."

Here's how some of those critical penalties hampered the Titans:

First drive. The Titans have had more than their share of difficulties getting off to quick starts, but the opening drive against the Redskins appeared to hold some promise.

The Titans reached their 49 and faced second-and-five, a 10-yard penatly against Schwenke for illegal use of the hands led to a punt three plays later.

Third quarter. On their first drive of the third quarter, the Titans moved from their 31 to the Washington 40, picking up a pair of first downs in the process. Then the trouble hit.

On first-and-10, right tackle Michael Oher was called for a false start, setting the Titans back five yards. On second down, running back Bishop Sankey broke off left tackle for what looked to be a 16-yard pick-up and a first down, but a hold against guard Andy Levitre wiped out the play.

The Titans punted two plays later. Levitre has been whistled for seven penalties on the season, second on the team to cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson.

"The penalties really killed us," wide receiver Kendall Wright said. "We've been preaching that we can't have them. They're self-inflicted wounds."

Final drive. The Titans were in good position to win, leading 17-16 when they took over the ball with 5:32 remaining. A string of first downs would have allowed the Titans to run out the clock.

But on first down, Schwenke was flagged again for illegal use of hands, negating a two-yard Sankey run and putting the Titans in another first-and-20 situation.

"It wasn't like I was trying to tear his helmet off or anything," Schwenke said. "I was just engaging him and my hands slipped up to his face when he stopped. I tried to bring them back in."

Not wanting to take any chances at an interception, the Titans ran the ball on three straight downs and punted. Washington marched 76 yards for the game-winning field goal, leaving Schwenke feeling responsible for the outcome.

"I have no doubt that … we could have run the ball and the clock out," he said. "We had the right mindset going out there, and if that penalty doesn't happen, we could have just taken a knee and ended the game."

Reach John Glennon at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @glennonsports.