The Titans fell just short in a battle with the Saints on Sunday, 34-26, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.

My Hottest Take: The Titans' defense continues to struggle heading into next season

The Titans' defense let up 34 points to a red-hot Saints offense this past Sunday, as they lost a nail-biter 34-26. The Titans' offense stalled in the second half, while the defense surrendered 24 points.

The Titans are allowing 27 points per game this season, ranking 28th in the NFL, to go along with the 50 touchdowns they have given up as well. The Titans rank in the bottom 10 in passing yards allowed, rushing yards allowed, scoring defense, red zone defense, and the list could go on.

The Titans' defense has some excuses, though. They have battled injuries, and management has traded multiple starters. Most players on the defensive side right now are either second-string players or practice-squad players from different teams who got promoted to the 64-man roster.

The Titans need to sign and draft the right defensive players and have the others get healthy. They have too much young talent to squander their chance at a possible future playoff run.

What you need to know: Cam Ward’s improvements are a sign of good things to come

Cam Ward’s confidence has been growing, and his improvement in throwing the ball and making plays happen is at an all-time high after a great game against the Saints. After a lackluster start to the season, Ward has posted 10 passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown to just one interception and a few fumbles.

He is limiting turnovers and creating more offense, which is great to see considering the underwhelming play of his offensive line, and the young receiving core he is working with as well.

With the Titans having the most cap space this offseason, they need to retool their offensive line and defense in the worst way possible. The weapons they have now will develop over time, but they need a better defense and offensive line if they want to compete in an ultra-competitive AFC next season.

Before You Go: The Titans take on the Jags in the season finale

The Titans will be taking on the Jaguars in the season finale in Jacksonville. The Titans already took a tough loss to the Jags earlier this season by a score of 25-3. This game could be of a similar fate for the Titans, as the Jags will be playing all their starters with a chance at the number one seed on the line.

With a loss by both the Patriots and Broncos, the Jags could clinch the number one seed in the AFC. The Titans are already down multiple starters, and are now without safety Jalyn Armour-Davis and wide receiver Van Jefferson, do to injury.

With the number of players out and the Titans' consistent struggles on the defensive end, this could easily be a two-score loss for the Titans, if not worse. The Jags need this win, whereas the Titans would like to grab the best possible pick they can in next year’s draft.

It may not be the end-of-year result the Titans are looking for, but ending the year and reinforcing this offseason is what every Titans fan wants to see.

[Editor's Note: Good news! They got destroyed.]