In the nascent weeks of the 2024 NFL season, the Tennessee Titans find themselves grappling with a turbulent start. Following a 24-17 loss to the New York Jets in Week 2, the Titans have stumbled to an 0-2 record, raising early concerns about their playoff aspirations. Central to this narrative is Will Levis, a quarterback whose risk-taking approach has both put him under the spotlight and subjected him to scrutiny.
Levis’ Faltering Moments
In the loss to the Jets, Levis made a crucial error by throwing a pass to Tyjae Spears that led to a fumble. This misstep allowed the Jets to seize control of the game, capitalizing on the turnover caused by Levis’ ill-fated decision. Postgame, Offensive Coordinator Callahan didn’t mince words, labeling Levis’ choice as "dumb." Such candid criticism highlights the internal frustrations percolating within the Titans' camp.
Levis, however, isn’t shying away from accountability. "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, reflecting on Callahan’s reaction. "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching." This acceptance of his role in the mishap speaks to a maturing player willing to learn from his mistakes.
A Pattern of Recklessness
The early games have been revealing for Levis, whose tenure at the Titans sees him grappling with a recurring theme of recklessness. Over the first two games, he has registered three interceptions and two fumbles, a worrying trend that has analysts drawing connections to his college years. "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. Just realizing at the level that I was playing at where I had to be that much more careful with the ball."
This shadow of recklessness is cited as a significant factor in Levis' fall in the 2023 NFL Draft, where he was eventually picked 33rd overall. His admission of a need for better decision-making further underscores an awareness of the high stakes and the necessity for growth. "I was yelling at myself in my head the same way he was yelling at me," Levis revealed. "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."
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, the Titans face a critical juncture. With a pivotal matchup against the Green Bay Packers looming, the emphasis on steadying the ship is palpable. The Packers will be without their starting quarterback Jordan Love, with Malik Willis stepping in due to injury. This could present an opportunity for the Titans to regroup and chalk up their first win of the season.
Levis’ response to his recent setbacks suggests a level-headedness that could bode well for the future. Despite the early missteps, his ability to take criticism in stride and his avowed intention to refine his game provide a glimmer of hope for Titans fans. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis stated, a reminder that despite the rocky start, the aspirations remain high.
The Titans’ season is still young, and the capacity for a turnaround is very much within reach. Whether Levis can recalibrate his risk-taking tendencies and steer his team toward the postseason will be a storyline to watch keenly as the weeks unfold.