The Tennessee Titans' 2024 NFL season has begun on a down note, with the team finding themselves at 0-2 after a 24-17 defeat to the New York Jets in Week 2. A critical mistake by quarterback Will Levis played a significant role in the loss, highlighting the ongoing struggles for the franchise.
During the game, Levis threw a pass to Tyjae Spears, which led to a fumble and a decisive turnover. The New York Jets were quick to capitalize on this error, setting the tone for a frustrating evening for the Titans. Offensive coordinator Callahan did not hold back his feelings about the incident, labeling the pass as "dumb" in a postgame press conference.
Levis, known for his risk-taking approach, acknowledged that the decision was poor. "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."
This level of self-reflection from Levis speaks to his maturity, but the statistics from the first two games of the season paint a concerning picture. So far, Levis has thrown three interceptions and fumbled twice. These turnovers have not only stymied the Titans' offensive efforts but also cast a long shadow over his rookie season. Analysts believe that Levis' reputation for recklessness, which carried over from his college career, contributed to his fall in the 2023 NFL Draft, where he was taken 33rd overall.
Admitting Mistakes and Moving Forward
Despite the rough start, Levis appears fully aware of the need to improve his decision-making on the field. "I was yelling at myself in my head the same way he was yelling at me," Levis revealed, clarifying his reaction to Callahan's criticism. "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."
This incident isn't isolated but rather a part of a broader pattern observed in Levis' career. Reflecting on his college days, 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."
Season Aspirations
For the Titans, the aim for the 2024 season remains clear: making a playoff run. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis stated. This ambition is now in jeopardy, however, requiring adjustments and better execution moving forward.
The Titans' upcoming game will be a crucial one as they prepare to host the Green Bay Packers. Fortunately for the Titans, the Packers will be without their starting quarterback, Jordan Love, with Malik Willis stepping in due to Love's injury. This could provide Levis and the team with a much-needed opportunity to turn their season around.
Levis' willingness to openly discuss his mistakes and learn from them could bode well for the Titans. The young quarterback's journey is fraught with challenges, but acknowledging and addressing those challenges is the first step toward growth and improvement. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the Titans and Levis navigate the obstacles and strive to achieve their postseason goals.