The Tennessee Titans are facing a challenging 2024 NFL season with an abysmal 0-3 record so far, marked by a series of troubling performances on both sides of the ball. The most recent setback came in a 30-14 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Quarterback Will Levis, who showed promise with 26 completions out of 34 attempts for 260 yards and two touchdown passes, also battled significant struggles, including two interceptions—one of which was returned for a touchdown—and eight sacks.
Levis, whose performance included the second-most interceptions in the league, leading to a total of five interceptions and three fumbles, seems to be at the center of the Titans' turbulent start. Head coach Brian Callahan has shown tempered support for his quarterback. "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," Callahan remarked.
A Struggling Defense
But the issues for the Titans extend far beyond their quarterback's mistakes. The defense has been unable to shoulder its share of the load, allowing a staggering 378 total yards against the Packers, including 188 rushing yards. Such porous defensive play has left the Titans in a vulnerable position, adding pressure to an offense already struggling to find its rhythm.
This disappointing stretch follows close losses in the first two weeks of the season. The Titans fell 24-17 to the Chicago Bears in their opening game and replicated the same scoreline in their Week 2 defeat against the New York Jets. These back-to-back losses underscored a worrying trend where the team has been unable to execute a complete game in any facet.
Coach Callahan outlined his assessment succinctly: "We've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet." It's an honest self-critique that has resonated both in the locker room and among the Titans' fan base, which is growing increasingly impatient as they see their team falter week after week.
Offseason Moves and Impact
This offseason brought some notable roster changes. Mason Rudolph joined the Titans, entering with a respectable track record of an 8-4-1 career record as a starter, 19 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. However, his arrival hasn't yet translated into a tangible on-field impact, as the team's struggles continue. Meanwhile, Ryan Tannehill's departure has left a gap in leadership and experience at the quarterback position, as he navigates free agency in search of a new team.
Callahan has emphasized the collective responsibility of improving the team's performance. "We have to play better around him," he stated, referring to Levis. The sentiment was echoed in his message about self-reliance and resilience: "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."
Looking Ahead
The Titans are now gearing up to face the Miami Dolphins, who themselves are struggling with a 1-2 record. This upcoming game could serve as a critical juncture for the Titans. A win could help stem the bleeding and perhaps restore some much-needed confidence, while another loss could deepen the crisis and raise further questions about the team's direction and strategy.
As the Titans look to turn their season around, the pressure mounts on every member of the organization—from the coaching staff to the players on the field. With each passing week, the urgency to deliver a stronger performance becomes ever more pressing. The path to redemption won't be easy, but for the Titans, the journey begins now.