The Tennessee Titans are grappling with a challenging start to their 2024 NFL season, dropping to an unfortunate 0-2 after a 24-17 defeat against the New York Jets in Week 2. The game highlighted some critical issues within the Titans' lineup, particularly with their quarterback, Will Levis.
Levis, who secured the 33rd overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, has had a rocky beginning to his professional career. The match against the Jets was a testament to his struggles, encapsulated by a pivotal error where he threw a pass to Tyjae Spears that led to a fumble. The Jets wasted no time capitalizing on this mistake, shifting the game's momentum irreversibly in their favor.
Offensive coordinator Callahan was candid in his postgame evaluation, labeling Levis' decision as "dumb." In his own admission, Levis acknowledged the bad call and shared that he was equally frustrated with himself. "I was yelling at myself in my head the same way he was yelling at me," Levis revealed. "I know it's an emotional response that we all have after things like that."
Levis' performance in the initial stages of the season has been marked by a series of turnovers, including three interceptions and two fumbles over just two games. Analysts have suggested that this streak of recklessness was a contributing factor to Levis' drop in the draft. Levis himself has conceded he was "a little too reckless" during his college career, admitting, "I tried to make some throws that I would want to take back."
Despite these setbacks, there's an undercurrent of maturity in Levis' reflections and responses. He has shown a degree of accountability that suggests he is keen on growth and learning from his mistakes. Reflecting on Callahan's critique, Levis said, "He told us straight off, he's not a yeller and screamer, but he can be and there's certain situations that allow for that, and that definitely was one of those situations. I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching."
Looking forward, the Tennessee Titans have their eyes set on a playoff run this season. The team's aspirations are lofty, but they must iron out the kinks in their game plan if they are to realize their goals. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis stated emphatically.
This coming Sunday, the Titans will host the Green Bay Packers, providing them an opportunity to recalibrate and perhaps secure their first win of the season. Notably, the Packers will be without their starting quarterback, Jordan Love, who is sidelined due to injury. His replacement, Malik Willis, will be stepping in, posing new dynamics for the Titans to strategize against.
The game against the Packers could be a turning point for the Titans, potentially boosting their morale and setting them on the right track. Levis' ability to handle criticism and self-reflect bodes well for his future prospects. He admitted, "I changed that mentality a bit in my play last year. Just realizing at the level that I was playing at where I had to be that much more careful with the ball. I was proud of how I was able to protect it a little more than I did in my college years."
With the pressure mounting, all eyes will be on Levis and how he navigates this period of his young career. The matchup against the Packers offers a fresh slate, and whether or not the Titans can capitalize on their opponents' weakened state remains to be seen. It's a pivotal moment for the Titans and their quarterback, one where the stakes are clearly defined and the path to redemption firmly laid out.