The Tennessee Titans are grappling with a challenging start to their 2024 NFL season, highlighted by their recent 24-17 defeat to the New York Jets in Week 2. The loss, which puts the Titans at 0-2, has been exacerbated by critical errors, particularly from their quarterback Will Levis.
Levis, who was the 33rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has shown both promise and flaws in the early stages of his NFL career. In the game against the Jets, a pivotal moment occurred when Levis threw a pass to Tyjae Spears, resulting in a costly fumble that the Jets capitalized on. This mistake, according to Offensive Coordinator Callahan, was "dumb" and underscored the decision-making issues that have plagued Levis in these opening games.
Levis' performance thus far has been marred by turnovers, including three interceptions and two fumbles within the first two games of the season. This trend harks back to criticisms from his college days, where analysts and coaches alike noted his reckless style of play. In a postgame press conference, Levis didn't shy away from acknowledging these faults.
"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 in reference to Callahan's criticism. "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching."
Levis' self-awareness and willingness to take responsibility suggest a level of maturity that may bode well for his future. He echoed the frustration shared by his coach and fans, acknowledging the need for improvement. "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. 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' candidness about his playing style during his college career offers further insight into his current struggles. "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. 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."
The Titans are not aiming low this season, with their sights set firmly on making a playoff run. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis stated emphatically. This goal seems daunting given their current winless record, but the season is still young.
Looking ahead, the Titans are preparing to host the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. The Packers will be without their starting quarterback, Jordan Love, who is sidelined with an injury. Instead, Malik Willis will be stepping in. This could provide an opportunity for the Titans to notch their first win of the season.
Levis’ journey is marked by a balance of humility and determination. His response to the criticism and his recognition of past mistakes show a player willing to grow and adapt. As the season progresses, the Titans' success may well hinge on Levis' ability to translate this growth into consistent, reliable performance on the field.
The coming games will be crucial not only for the Titans' playoff aspirations but also for Levis' development and tenure as a starting quarterback in the NFL. As the Titans gear up for what promises to be a challenging matchup against the Packers, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Levis can turn potential into performance.