The Tennessee Titans find themselves at a challenging crossroads early in the 2024 NFL season, staring at an 0-3 record with glaring issues on both sides of the ball. Their most recent defeat, a 30-14 loss to the Green Bay Packers, accentuated the problems that have shadowed them from the onset of the season.
A Rocky Start
The Titans began their season with narrow losses, first dropping a 24-17 decision to the Chicago Bears and then falling by the same score to the New York Jets in Week 2. Despite the close margins, these games highlighted significant vulnerabilities that would only become more pronounced.
Quarterback Struggles
At the center of the storm is quarterback Will Levis. While his performance against the Packers included completing 26 of 34 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns, it was marred by two critical interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. This game mirrored his season thus far; Levis now has the second-most interceptions in the league, tallying five interceptions and three fumbles—a league-high eight turnovers.
Brian Callahan, the Titans' offensive coordinator, acknowledged the struggles, stating, "Again, I'm not going to overreact to an interception. Those things happen. Guys throw picks. We just can't give it to the other team. We keep giving up points the other way. It's hard to overcome."
Offensive Line Woes
Protecting the quarterback has also been an issue, with Levis enduring eight sacks in the contest against the Packers. This pressure has exacerbated the young quarterback’s turnover problem, revealing a dire need for improvement across the offensive line.
Defensive Concerns
Defensively, the Titans have also struggled. Against the Packers, they conceded a total of 378 yards, including 188 rushing yards. This porous defense has been a consistent problem, failing to give the offense the support it needs to stay competitive.
"We've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet," Callahan expressed, summarizing the overall team performance. The Titans' defense must find a way to tighten up and make key stops, especially against the run, to alleviate the pressure on their embattled offense.
Personnel Moves
This offseason was one of significant change for the Titans. Veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill departed, leaving the team in search of a new path. Meanwhile, Mason Rudolph joined the Titans, bringing with him an 8-4-1 record as a starter and 19 touchdowns against 11 interceptions in his career. However, it is clear that the franchise is placing its immediate hopes on the development and success of Levis.
Callahan's Optimism and Realism
Despite the dismal start, Callahan remains optimistic about the team's potential. "We're capable of way better than what we've put on the field the last three weeks. No one is coming to save us, so we've got to figure it out." This statement underlines the sense of urgency within the team as they prepare to turn their season around.
Looking specifically at Levis, Callahan emphasized the need for a collective improvement: "We have to play better around him." This underscores not just a call for Levis to elevate his game but also for the entire team to provide better protection, make crucial catches, and tighten defensive play.
Next Challenge
The Titans will face another significant test as they go up against the Miami Dolphins, who hold a 1-2 record. For Tennessee, this game is more than just an opportunity for their first win; it’s a crucial moment to demonstrate resilience and improvement.
There is still a long road ahead for the Titans, and each game will be pivotal in shaping their season. As they seek their first victory, the issues at hand are evident: protecting their quarterback, limiting turnovers, and shoring up a leaky defense. With internal belief and adjustments, the Titans hope to turn the tide in what has been a tumultuous start to their 2024 campaign.