As the 2024 NFL season unfolds, the Tennessee Titans find themselves in a precarious situation with an 0-2 start after a heartbreaking 24-17 loss to the New York Jets in Week 2. The game was marred by a crucial mistake from quarterback Will Levis, who threw a pass to Tyjae Spears that resulted in a fumble, a turning point that allowed the Jets to capitalize and gain control of the game.
Offensive coordinator Callahan didn't mince words in his postgame press conference, calling Levis' decision "dumb." "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."
Despite the poor decision-making and resulting turnover, Levis showed maturity in his response. "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. 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' penchant for taking risks on the field has been both a blessing and a curse. Analysts believe this recklessness contributed to his fall in the draft, where he was eventually picked 33rd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Reflecting on his playing style, Levis admitted, "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."
This introspection comes as Levis has already accumulated three interceptions and two fumbles in the first two games of the season, numbers that are undoubtedly troubling for a team aiming for a playoff run. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis stated. However, to achieve this, the young quarterback will need to refine his decision-making and curtail his risk-taking tendencies.
The Titans' next challenge will be hosting the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. The Packers will be without their starting quarterback, Jordan Love, who is sidelined due to injury. Malik Willis is set to fill in, presenting an interesting matchup for the Titans' defense.
As the Titans prepare for their upcoming games, the focus will likely be on tightening up their offensive strategies and reducing turnovers. Levis' acknowledgment of his mistakes and willingness to embrace criticism suggest he has the right mindset to improve. His candid reflection on his playing style indicates a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed at the professional level.
With the season still young, the Titans have time to regroup and address the issues that have plagued them in the opening weeks. The road to the playoffs is long and arduous, but with Levis at the helm, the Titans have a leader who is aware of his shortcomings and determined to grow from them.
The upcoming game against the Packers will be crucial for Tennessee as they seek to secure their first win of the season and build some much-needed momentum. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Levis and the Titans respond to adversity and whether they can turn their fortunes around.