The Tennessee Titans find themselves in a difficult position early in the 2024 NFL season, falling to 0-2 after a 24-17 defeat to the New York Jets in Week 2. This latest loss has raised numerous questions about their prospects for the season, particularly surrounding their young quarterback, Will Levis.
The Costly Error
In the game against the Jets, Levis made a critical mistake by throwing a pass to Tyjae Spears. The play led to a fumble, which the Jets quickly capitalized on. Following the game, offensive coordinator Callahan didn't mince words, describing Levis' decision as "dumb" at the postgame press conference.
Levis, known for his risk-taking approach, has been under scrutiny not just for this error, but for his overall performance so far. He acknowledged the need for better decision-making, a sentiment he shared in his postgame comments. "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."
A Rocky Start
The early part of the season has not been kind to Levis. In just two games, he has thrown three interceptions and fumbled twice, drawing criticism from analysts who believe his recklessness was a significant factor in his fall to the 33rd overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Even Levis himself admits to a history of high-risk plays dating back to his college days. "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," he said.
Nevertheless, his early-season struggles have brought his risk-taking into sharp focus, particularly as the Titans seek to make a playoff run in 2024.
The Path Ahead
As he navigates the challenges of his first full season as a starter, Levis appears to be showing a degree of maturity in handling the pressures and criticisms coming his way. "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 of his offensive coordinator. "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching."
The Titans' objective this season remains clear. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis reiterated. They are set to host the Green Bay Packers this Sunday, a game that could be crucial for turning their season around.
Opportunities and Challenges
The upcoming matchup against the Packers presents a unique opportunity. Green Bay will be without their starting quarterback Jordan Love, who is sidelined with an injury. In his place, Malik Willis will take the helm. The Titans hope to capitalize on this and secure their first win of the season.
For Levis, this game isn’t just another chance for redemption but also an opportunity to prove that he can lead a successful charge toward the playoffs. The spotlight will undoubtedly be on him as he works to align his natural talent with consistent, smart decision-making.
The journey ahead is fraught with challenges, but Levis' commitment to improvement and self-awareness will be key assets as he and the Titans strive to reverse their fortunes and make a significant impact this season. The next few weeks will be critical in defining both Levis' career trajectory and the Titans' season aspirations.