Taylor Lewan, Tennessee Titans, Chandler Jones, Arizona Cardinals. (Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports)
No way around it, Taylor Lewan had an absolutely miserable time blocking Chandler Jones.
A big reason why the Arizona Cardinals went into Nissan Stadium and had their way with the Tennessee Titans in Week 1 was the mismatch in the trenches between Chandler Jones and Taylor Lewan.
Jones had a career-high five sacks in the Cardinals’ incredible 38-13 blowout road victory of the Titans. It was such a thorough ass-kicking by Jones that Lewan tweeted about it after the fact. Keep in mind that these two savvy veterans have been to three Pro Bowls apiece in their NFL careers. While Lewan wins somedays, this was not his Sunday, as the Titans looked dreadful.
There is openly admitting defeat, and then there is this submission by Lewan over Twitter.
Taylor Lewan openly admits Chandler Jones kicked his ass in Week 1
This is a critical year for both teams. For Tennessee, the Titans need to prove they can be the best team in the AFC South. They won the division a year ago, but lost offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to the Atlanta Falcons. He had a rough debut at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, so Lewan can probably relate to his former coach. As for the Cardinals, they have to push for the NFL playoffs.
Kliff Kingsbury may have all the weapons he could have ever hoped for on offense, but his team needs to be tougher if the Cardinals want to survive in the deep NFC West. Anything short of a Wild Card berth will likely mean the end of the line for Kingsbury in the Valley of the Sun. Fortunately, they went on the road and got a huge statement win in the early window in Week 1.
For Lewan to speak this candidly about Jones repeatedly eating his lunch, it is hilarious, yet sad.