The Tennessee Titans are facing a challenging start to their 2024 NFL season, which is now overshadowed by back-to-back losses. Their recent 24-17 defeat to the New York Jets in Week 2 has left them at a disheartening 0-2 record. Central to the Titans' struggles was quarterback Will Levis, whose risky playmaking has come under intense scrutiny.
In the match against the Jets, Levis made a crucial mistake by delivering a pass to Tyjae Spears that led to a fumble, costing the Titans both possession and momentum. The Jets seized the opportunity, converting the turnover into points. During the postgame press conference, Titans offensive coordinator Callahan didn’t mince words, criticizing Levis' decision as "dumb."
Levis' accountability and response to the criticism, however, reflect a commendable degree of maturity. "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 explained. "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching."
Levis' risk-taking tendencies have long followed him, dating back to his college days where his propensity for recklessness was a double-edged sword. "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," Levis admitted. "I changed that mentality a bit in my play last year."
A Rocky Start
So far in the 2024 season, Levis has thrown three interceptions and fumbled twice across two games, a worrisome statistic for a player expected to lead the Titans towards their playoff ambitions. These early season struggles echo concerns that analysts previously cited as factors for his fall in the 2023 NFL Draft, where he was selected 33rd overall. Despite these setbacks, Levis has expressed a clear understanding of the need for improved decision-making on the field. "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."
Interestingly, Levis' recklessness has shown moments of brilliance, keeping the coaching staff's faith intact. "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 said, reflecting on the dynamic between him and Callahan.
A Critical Upcoming Matchup
As the Titans prepare to host the Green Bay Packers this Sunday, there's a lot on the line. The Packers will be missing their starting quarterback Jordan Love, with Malik Willis stepping in due to injury. This presents a golden opportunity for the Titans to turn their season around by securing their first win. The game will be pivotal in setting the tone for the rest of the season as the Titans aim for a playoff run, as Levis underscored, "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run."
The Titans are banking on Levis to lead them through these challenges, a role he seems ready to embrace. His self-reflection and willingness to learn from his mistakes suggest a capacity for growth that could bode well for his career and the Titans’ aspirations. "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," Levis explained.
The Titans' early season tribulations underscore the high stakes and intense pressures of the NFL. For Will Levis and the Titans, this Sunday’s game against the Packers is more than just a matchup—it's an opportunity for redemption and a chance to pivot towards the success they so desperately seek.