The Tennessee Titans' 2024 NFL season has begun with a rough patch, as the team slipped to 0-2 following a 24-17 loss to the New York Jets in Week 2. A pivotal error by quarterback Will Levis, involving a pass to Tyjae Spears that ultimately led to a fumble, turned out to be costly. The Jets capitalized on this error, and the game's outcome reflected their opportunistic play.
Speaking on the miscue, Titans' offensive coordinator Callahan did not mince words in his postgame press conference, describing the decision as "dumb." Levis, who has a reputation for a risk-taking approach, also shared his coach’s sentiment, acknowledging the need for better decision-making moving forward. "I was yelling at myself in my head the same way he was yelling at me," Levis revealed, underscoring the emotional nature of the moment. "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' early-season struggles are part of a concerning trend. In the first two games, he has accumulated three interceptions and two fumbles. Analysts have pointed out that this same recklessness contributed to his slip in the draft. Levis, who was selected 33rd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, has candidly admitted to being too reckless during his college career. "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," Levis reflected.
Season Goals and Upcoming Challenges
Despite the challenging start, the Titans remain focused on their primary objective for the season. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis stated with determination. This weekend, the Titans will host the Green Bay Packers, a game that poses its own set of challenges. The Packers will be without their starting quarterback Jordan Love, who is out due to injury, with Malik Willis slated to fill in.
Levis' response to the criticism he has faced suggests a maturity that could serve him well as he navigates the pressures of leading an NFL team. "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, reflecting on his coach's tough love. "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching."
Although it's still early in the season, the Titans’ potential for a playoff run will hinge significantly on Levis' ability to adjust and minimize mistakes. His willingness to embrace coaching and his own self-reflection are positive signs. The game against the Packers will be another test, not just of his skills but also of his resilience and growth under pressure.
The Titans will look to bounce back and secure their first win of the season, relying on not just the improvement of their rookie quarterback, but also on the collective effort of the team to turn their fortunes around. They know that the journey to the playoffs is long and requires consistent performance week in and week out.
In sports, as in life, the ability to learn from one's mistakes and adapt is crucial. For Will Levis and the Tennessee Titans, this principle will be put to the test in the coming weeks as they strive to change their rocky start into a promising campaign.