The Tennessee Titans are experiencing a challenging start to the 2024 NFL season, slipping to an 0-2 record following a narrow 24-17 loss to the New York Jets in Week 2. At the heart of the recent defeat was a critical error by rookie quarterback Will Levis, whose ill-fated pass to Tyjae Spears culminated in a fumble, promptly capitalized on by the Jets.
Levis' Critical Error
The costly turnover drew stern rebuke from Offensive Coordinator Callahan, who labeled the decision "dumb" during his postgame press conference. Levis, noted for his risk-taking approach, shouldered the blame, acknowledging the necessity of 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 conceded. "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching."
Levis' transparency extended further as he shared how he internalized the critique. "I was yelling at myself in my head the same way he was yelling at me," he 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."
A Pattern of Recklessness
Will Levis' rookie season has been marred by mistakes, with three interceptions and two fumbles already noted in the first two games. Analysts believe this pattern of recklessness contributed to his fall to the 33rd overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. Reflecting on his college career, 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."
Determined to show growth, Levis emphasized his efforts to refine his play. "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."
Titans' Playoff Aspirations
As the Titans grapple with these early setbacks, their goal for the 2024 season remains clear—an ambitious playoff run. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis stated, underlining the team's aspirations despite its current struggles.
The upcoming matchup against the Green Bay Packers looms large, presenting an opportunity for the Titans to redeem themselves. The Packers will be without their starting quarterback Jordan Love, with Malik Willis stepping in due to injury. This scenario could provide some respite for the Titans' defense while putting further emphasis on Levis' performance.
Looking to the Future
It's apparent that Levis is taking the criticism and learning from his early-season errors. His willingness to accept responsibility and his coach's feedback points to a level of maturity that could serve him well as he navigates the pressures of the NFL. The Titans' fortunes this season may well hinge on how quickly he can mitigate those risky tendencies and evolve as a decision-maker on the field.
Levis and the Titans understand the stakes. As they prepare for their clash against the Packers, the need for solid execution on both ends of the ball will be paramount. With playoff ambitions still attainable, the forthcoming games will be critical in shaping the narrative of their season. For now, all eyes are on Levis as he strives to turn lessons learned into tangible improvements, aiming to steer the Titans back on course.