Titans' Smith: O-line needs to step up

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Titans president and CEO Tommy Smith said in a radio interview Friday that while the team's coach and general manager are safe, members of the underachieving offensive line shouldn't feel the same.

Asked in an appearance on The Wake Up Zone on 104.5 in Nashville on Friday morning if there is any scenario where he'd make a change from coach Ken Whisenhunt or GM Ruston Webster, Smith said, "I can't see that at all, no."

In more jeopardy are members of a struggling offensive line, where the Titans have spent No. 1 picks on right guard Chance Warmack and left tackle Taylor Lewan and given big free-agent contracts to left guard Andy Levitre and right tackle Michael Oher.

"We spent a fortune to build this line," Smith said. "I am committed, I've told the coach, I don't care when someone was drafted or what they're paid, if they're not getting the job done, to get somebody else.

"We have to get consistent performance out of the line. I know the coach is as upset about this as anyone. I know the players are professionals, they expect more of themselves. I'm hopeful and trustful that in the second half of the season, we're going to see better performance out of that group."

The Titans (2-6) rank 24th in the league in passing with 219.9 yards per game and are 20th in rushing.

Smith also said he's intrigued to see how quarterback Zach Mettenberger develops in the season's second half and that the Titans would be happy to play in London if asked.