The Tennessee Titans are struggling to find their rhythm early in the 2024 NFL season, starting with two consecutive losses. Their latest disappointment came in Week 2, falling 24-17 to the New York Jets. The game was marred by critical mistakes, particularly from quarterback Will Levis, whose error proved costly.
Critical Mistake Highlights Offensive Troubles
Levis made a pivotal mistake during the game, throwing a pass to Tyjae Spears that led to a fumble. The Jets efficiently capitalized on this turnover, further widening the gap. This incident drew sharp criticism from the Titans' Offensive Coordinator, Callahan, who didn’t hold back in his postgame assessment, describing the decision as "dumb."
Reflecting on the error, Levis acknowledged the need for better decision-making. "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. "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching."
Responding to Criticism
Levis, known for his risk-taking style, admitted his shared frustration over the critical 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.”
This game’s fumble was not an isolated incident. In the first two games of the season, Levis has thrown three interceptions and has had two fumbles, leading many to question his prudence on the field. Analysts have suggested that Levis' reputation for recklessness was a factor that contributed to his fall to the 33rd overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Learning from the Past
Levis himself has acknowledged his past shortcomings. "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 admitted. "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."
Despite the rough start, Levis' response to criticism and his openness to self-reflection suggests a level of maturity crucial for his growth. "I was proud of how I was able to protect it a little more than I did in my college years," he said, indicating his ongoing effort to curb his once reckless style.
Setting Season Goals Amid Challenges
The Titans have set ambitious goals for the 2024 season. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis stated. However, achieving this goal will require a significant turnaround in performance and consistency from the team.
The next challenge for the Titans is an upcoming home game against the Green Bay Packers. The Packers will be without their starting quarterback, Jordan Love, who is sidelined with an injury. This presents an opportunity for the Titans, with Malik Willis stepping up as the Packers’ quarterback.
As the Titans prepare for this critical match, all eyes will be on Will Levis. His ability to bounce back from these early mistakes and lead his team will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of their season. With a dedication to learning and improving, Levis aims to navigate his team towards their playoff ambitions, showing that even rocky starts can lead to promising finishes.