The Tennessee Titans have found themselves in a troubling predicament as they stumble to a 0-2 start in the 2024 NFL season. Their latest setback came in a 24-17 loss against the New York Jets in Week 2, a game marked by critical mistakes and missed opportunities.
The Levis Conundrum
Central to the Titans' early-season woes has been the performance of their young quarterback, Will Levis. Selected 33rd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Levis has quickly developed a reputation for his high-risk, high-reward playing style. Unfortunately, the risks appear to be outweighing the rewards thus far.
In the clash with the Jets, a pivotal moment unfolded when Levis attempted a pass to Tyjae Spears, only for it to result in a fumble. The Jets seized the opportunity and capitalized on the turnover, significantly influencing the game's outcome. This play drew sharp criticism from Offensive Coordinator Callahan, who didn’t mince words during his postgame press conference, labeling the decision as "dumb."
Reflecting on the incident, Levis admitted to sharing his coach's frustration. "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," Levis said. "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching."
The young quarterback's error wasn't an isolated incident. In just two games, Levis has committed three interceptions and two fumbles, an alarming trend that has raised concerns about his decision-making on the field. "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."
The Recklessness Factor
Levis' inclination towards risk-taking dates back to his college days, a factor that analysts believe contributed to his draft position. Even Levis himself acknowledged the need for a more cautious approach. "I think a lot of people, when they hear gunslinger, they think about recklessness. I definitely feel like I was a little too reckless in my college career and tried to make some throws that I would want to take back," he said. "I changed that mentality a bit in my play last year."
Despite this self-awareness, the transition from college to professional football demands even greater precision and prudence, something Levis is still adapting to.
Eyes on Redemption
Looking ahead, the Titans' aspirations for the 2024 season remain firmly set on making a playoff run. This determination underscores the urgency for Levis to refine his approach and mitigate the costly mistakes that have thus far plagued his performance. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," stated Levis, reiterating the team's ambitions.
The Tennessee Titans will next face the Green Bay Packers, a matchup that holds significant potential for a turnaround. The Packers will be without their starting quarterback Jordan Love, with Malik Willis stepping in due to injury. This presents a golden opportunity for Levis to showcase his ability to rebound from adversity.
Encouragingly, Levis' response to recent criticism has demonstrated a level of maturity and resilience that bodes well for his future. "We were right back to it, and he had confidence in me on the next play taking that shot. That was cool to feel, coming back on the field after that turnover, even though we had another one after that. I don't have any problem with how he handled himself," Levis stated, reflecting on the confidence expressed by his coaching staff despite his errors.
As the Titans prepare to host Green Bay this Sunday, the focus will undeniably be on Will Levis' performance. Can he rectify his early-season missteps and steer his team back on track? The coming weeks will provide crucial answers, not just for the Titans' playoff hopes, but for the young quarterback carving his path in the NFL.