The Tennessee Titans' struggles continued on Sunday as they fell to the New York Jets, 24-17, marking their second loss in as many games. Winless after two contests, the Titans find themselves at a critical juncture just weeks into the season.
Recurring Mistakes
In both of their opening games, the Titans have managed to squander halftime leads—a troubling trend that underscores deeper issues within the team. The latest defeat mirrored their Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears, marred by critical turnovers and special teams mishaps.
Against the Jets, rookie quarterback Will Levis' decision-making came under the microscope once again. In the Jets' red zone, Levis attempted a backward pass to Tyjae Spears while falling, resulting in a fumble that the Jets recovered. The glaring mistake echoed a similar error from Week 1, where Levis threw a pick-six against the Bears.
Coach’s Frustration
Brian Callahan, who has repeatedly emphasized the importance of minimizing mistakes, didn’t mince words about Levis’ costly errors. "It was dumb. It was the same exact thing he did last week, and he cost us points in the red zone, and it is what it is," Callahan said. “He's a grownup and he knows better, and so I was really irritated that he cost us three points in a game that we probably needed it.”
Missed Opportunities
Adding to their woes, special teams mistakes also played a decisive role in the Titans' defeat. A blocked punt gave the Jets prime field position, further exacerbating Tennessee's struggles. The decision-making on offense didn't help; the Titans chose to gamble on a third down instead of settling for a field goal on fourth-and-goal, a move that ended up backfiring.
Defensive Bright Spot
Despite the offensive shortcomings, the Titans' defense showcased a strong performance. "The Titans could have punted on first down on all of their second-half possessions and escaped Chicago with a victory since the Titans defense was playing so well," Callahan remarked. Yet, even a stellar defensive showing couldn’t save the Titans from their self-inflicted errors.
The team now faces urgent issues that need to be addressed promptly—special teams mishaps and red zone inefficiencies being at the forefront. With a record of 0-2, the Titans' season is teetering on a knife’s edge. Urgent changes are required if they hope to turn things around before it’s too late.
The frustration within the team is palpable, but the resolve to find solutions remains. Whether Levis can overcome his early career jitters and whether the team can iron out their special teams flaws will be critical in determining the trajectory of their season. It’s make-or-break time for the Tennessee Titans, and all eyes will be on how they respond in the coming weeks.