A Rocky Start for the Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans’ 2024 NFL season has not started as planned, with the team sitting at 0-2 after a 24-17 loss to the New York Jets in Week 2. The performance has raised eyebrows, particularly due to mistakes that have cost the team dearly.
Costly Mistakes
Will Levis, the young quarterback drafted 33rd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, has already been under the microscope for his risk-taking approach. Unfortunately, his bold style has led to critical errors in the early part of the season. During the game against the Jets, Levis made a pivotal mistake by throwing a pass to Tyjae Spears that resulted in a fumble. The Jets quickly capitalized on this miscue, further complicating the Titans' efforts to secure their first win.
Offensive coordinator Callahan did not mince words in his postgame press conference, labeling Levis' decision as "dumb." Such frank criticism might shake younger players, but Levis seemed to take it in stride. "He told us straight off, he's not a yeller and screamer," Levis noted. "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."
Reflections and Admissions
The maturity Levis demonstrates in facing criticism head-on has not gone unnoticed. He openly admitted to sharing the frustration over his mistake. "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."
This moment of self-reflection is crucial for Levis, who is already viewed as a somewhat reckless player. Analysts have often pointed to his risk-taking as a contributing factor to his fall in the draft. Levis himself has acknowledged this tendency. "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. 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."
Looking Ahead
As the Titans aim for a playoff run in 2024, the pressure is on to iron out these early-season mistakes. With three interceptions and two fumbles in just the first two games, Levis and the Titans' offensive unit have plenty of room for improvement. The upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers offers a glimmer of hope. The Packers, plagued by an injury to starting quarterback Jordan Love, will have Malik Willis stepping in. This could present an opportunity for the Titans to turn their season around with a victory on home turf.
Despite the rough start, the Titans remain focused on their ultimate goal. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis stated with determination. The challenge now lies in refining their gameplay and reducing the errors that have plagued their opening weeks.
As the team prepares to host the Packers this Sunday, all eyes will be on Levis to see if he can channel his talents into more consistent, mature play. The young quarterback's ability to adapt and learn from these early setbacks will be key to turning around a season that has begun with unexpected challenges.