The Tennessee Titans are experiencing a challenging start to their 2024 NFL season, having fallen to 0-2 after a 24-17 defeat to the New York Jets in Week 2. The match was marked by a costly error from quarterback Will Levis, who threw a pass to Tyjae Spears that led to a fumble. The Jets swiftly capitalized on this mistake, underscoring a pivotal moment that shaped the game's outcome.
Postgame Analysis and Critique
In the aftermath of the loss, Titans' offensive coordinator Callahan didn't mince words regarding Levis' decision-making. "Dumb," he bluntly described the pass during the postgame press conference, pointing to a moment of poor judgment that had significant ramifications.
Levis, aware of the criticism, acknowledged the misstep and echoed his coach's sentiments. "I was yelling at myself in my head the same way he was yelling at me," Levis revealed. He added, "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."
Early Season Struggles
Levis' opening performance this season has been marred by similar errors. In just the first two games, he has thrown three interceptions and committed two fumbles. This tendency for risk-taking isn't new for Levis, who was noted for his "gunslinger" approach during his college career. Analysts pointed to this recklessness as a factor in his fall to the 33rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
"I think a lot of people, when they hear gunslinger, they think about recklessness," Levis admitted. "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."
Despite the rocky start, Levis has shown moments of self-reflection and maturity. Addressing his coach's criticism, he said, "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching." This attitude could be crucial as the Titans aim to turn their season around.
Season Outlook
The Titans' goal for 2024 remains ambitious: a playoff run. This objective was emphasized by Levis, who said, "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run." To achieve this, the team will need to address its current struggles and quickly find a way to capitalize on its talent.
Upcoming Challenges
The immediate road ahead doesn't get much easier for the Titans. This Sunday, they will host the Green Bay Packers. The Packers will be without their starting quarterback, Jordan Love, due to an injury, with Malik Willis stepping in. This provides a crucial opportunity for the Titans to secure their first win of the season.
As the Titans prepare for this must-win game, the spotlight will inevitably remain on Levis. His ability to learn from early mistakes and adjust his risk-taking approach will be key factors in whether the team can bounce back from its disappointing start.
Final Thoughts
Though the beginning of the 2024 season hasn't gone as planned, the Titans and Will Levis have the potential to turn things around. Levis' recognition of his errors and his willingness to accept criticism are positive signs for a young quarterback facing the high-pressure demands of the NFL. As the team looks to realign its strategies and tighten its gameplay, the upcoming clash with the Packers could set the tone for the remainder of their season. With both fans and analysts watching closely, the Titans have the chance to begin writing a comeback story on Sunday.