The Tennessee Titans' 2024 NFL season has begun in turbulent fashion, as they find themselves grappling with an 0-2 record following a 24-17 defeat to the New York Jets in Week 2. Despite high expectations, the team has yet to find its rhythm, and a critical error by quarterback Will Levis has come under scrutiny.
A Rocky Start for Will Levis
Levis, the 33rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been front and center in the Titans' struggles. Known for his risk-taking approach, the young quarterback made a costly mistake against the Jets. He threw a pass to Tyjae Spears that led to a fumble, which the Jets quickly capitalized on. This incident did not go unnoticed by the Titans' offensive coordinator Callahan, who bluntly labeled the decision as "dumb" during his postgame press conference.
Levis hasn’t shied away from taking responsibility for the mishap. "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 acknowledged. "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching."
His candid admission continued, "I was yelling at myself in my head the same way he was yelling at me. 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."
Challenges and Criticisms
It's clear that Levis is feeling the heat early in his professional career. So far this season, he has thrown three interceptions and suffered two fumbles. Analysts and critics alike have begun to pinpoint his penchant for recklessness, a trait that has been both a blessing and a curse. This same risk-taking nature was part of why Levis fell to the second round in the draft, despite his undeniable talent.
Reflecting on his collegiate 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. 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."
Eyes on the Playoffs
Despite the early setbacks, the Titans are not altering their ambitious goals for the 2024 season. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis stated emphatically. The team believes in its talent and has set its sights on postseason success.
Upcoming Matchup
Looking ahead, the Titans have a significant opportunity to turn their fortunes around as they prepare to host the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. The Packers will be without their starting quarterback Jordan Love, with Malik Willis stepping in due to injury. This scenario could provide the Titans with an advantageous matchup, offering a glimmer of hope for their first win of the season.
For Levis, the upcoming game is another chance to bounce back and demonstrate his growth both as a player and a leader. His openness to criticism and willingness to adapt suggest a maturity that could bode well for his future in the league.
The Tennessee Titans, and Levis in particular, have the arduous task of mitigating early-season errors while staying true to their playoff ambitions. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see how Levis responds under continued pressure and how the team's season unfolds from here.