The Tennessee Titans opened Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders with a three-and-out on foul 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.

It was a total system failure for the Titans on Sunday in a way so profound that had not been seen in 2024 despite a poor 3-8 campaign.

Let’s go through the lowlights:

LIVE GAME UPDATES: Tennessee Titans vs Washington Commanders scores today: live updates, stats, how to watch, game predictions

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, including false starts from Latham and Nicholas Petit-Frere.

Following a Brian Robinson TD run, Tennessee’s second drive stalled near midfield when Will Levis’ deflected pass ended up in Latham’s hands for the rookie left tackle’s first catch. But the chains weren’t moved and the Titans had to punt.

Down 14-0 on a Jayden Daniels TD run, Tony Pollard was stripped on a second down carry from Mike Sainristl, who recovered the ball he forced.

Commanders run through Titan’s entire defenses

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

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

Jha’Quan Jackson tries to return to kickoff as special teams woes 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 recovered the ball and then scored on a second McLaurin touchdown reception.

But at least that TD happened in the second quarter.

This article originally appeared in Nashville Tennessean: How Tennessee Titans unravel in disastrous first quarter vs. Commanders