The Tennessee Titans are off to a shaky start in the 2024 NFL season, finding themselves winless after three games. Their recent bout against the Green Bay Packers exemplified the struggles they have faced, culminating in a 30-14 loss. This tough start has raised questions about the team’s performance and strategy as they attempt to turn the season around.
Offensive Struggles
Quarterback Will Levis put up a mixed performance against the Packers, successfully completing 26 of his 34 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns. However, the positives were overshadowed by critical mistakes. Levis threw two interceptions during the game, one of which the Packers capitalized on by returning it for a touchdown. To compound the issue, Levis was sacked eight times, reflecting deficiencies in both his decision-making and the offensive line’s protection.
Levis's penchant for turnovers is particularly concerning. He currently leads the NFL with a total of five interceptions and has fumbled three times, amassing the highest number of turnovers in the league. This inconsistency is a significant part of the Titans' woes, as emphasized by Offensive Coordinator Brian Callahan. “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.
Defensive Challenges
The Titans' defense has also been unable to find its footing. In the game against the Packers, they conceded a total of 378 yards, with a hefty 188 of those through the ground game. This porous defense has further strained an already beleaguered offense, making it challenging for the team to remain competitive.
These struggles were not isolated to the match against the Packers. The Titans' pattern of conceding crucial yardage and failing to stop the opponent's offensive advances has been evident since the season's start. Their losses to the Chicago Bears and the New York Jets, both ending 24-17, highlight a consistent inability to close out games effectively.
New Faces and Departures
During the offseason, the Titans acquired quarterback Mason Rudolph, perhaps as an insurance policy and a potential competitor to Levis. Rudolph has a decent track record, boasting a career record of 8-4-1 as a starter, with 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. However, his addition has so far not translated into on-field success for the Titans.
Meanwhile, the veteran presence of Ryan Tannehill is a thing of the past, as he departed from the team in the offseason and is currently navigating free agency. His departure leaves a void in leadership and experience that the team is still grappling to fill.
Coaching Insights
Brian Callahan has been vocal about the team’s need to improve across the board. Reflecting on the Titans' current situation, he stated, "We've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet." His critique extends beyond just quarterback play, emphasizing a collective need for better performance. “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,” Callahan added, reinforcing the urgency and responsibility that falls on the team.
Callahan’s comments align with the overall sentiment that the Titans have not maximized their potential. "We have to play better around him," he noted, acknowledging that improvement is required not just from Levis, but from the entire squad.
Next Steps
Looking forward, the Titans face the Miami Dolphins, who stand at 1-2. This upcoming match represents an opportunity for the Titans to address their defensive and offensive issues. It will be crucial for both the players and the coaching staff to devise a strategy that mitigates turnovers and enhances overall gameplay.
As the Titans seek their first victory of the season, the pressure mounts to deliver a performance that reflects their potential. The upcoming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether the team can bounce back or if the challenges they have faced will continue to overshadow their 2024 campaign.