The Tennessee Titans' 2024 NFL season has gotten off to a rocky start, with the team dropping to 0-2 after losing 24-17 to the New York Jets in Week 2. The game was marked by a critical error from Titans quarterback Will Levis that significantly shifted momentum in favor of the Jets.
Costly Mistakes Highlighted
During a pivotal moment in the game, Levis threw a pass to teammate Tyjae Spears, only for it to end in disaster as Spears fumbled the ball. The Jets capitalized on this mistake, turning it into a scoring opportunity that ultimately played a decisive role in their victory. The fumble was one of several turnovers by Levis, who has already accumulated three interceptions and two fumbles in just the first two games of the season.
Offensive coordinator Callahan did not mince words in his postgame analysis, calling the decision to throw the risky pass "dumb." The sentiment was echoed by Levis himself, who demonstrated maturity and accountability in his response to the criticism.
Levis' Response
"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."
Levis also revealed his own frustrations. "I was yelling at myself in my head the same way he was yelling at me," he conceded. "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 History of Recklessness
Will Levis' tendency for taking risks has been a defining characteristic of his play style, dating back to his college career. This reputation for being a "gunslinger" with a penchant for risky throws contributed to his fall in the 2023 NFL Draft, where he was ultimately selected 33rd overall by the Titans. He acknowledged this aspect of his game, stating, "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."
Despite his efforts to adapt and grow, the early games of the 2024 season have shown that Levis still has room for improvement. His accountability and willingness to reflect on his mistakes are positive signs, but they will need to translate into more cautious and effective gameplay if the Titans are to turn their season around.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, the Titans have a significant challenge on their hands as they prepare to host the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. The Packers will be without their starting quarterback, Jordan Love, owing to injury, with Malik Willis stepping in as the replacement. This shift might offer some advantage to the Titans, but it will largely depend on Levis' capacity to minimize errors and lead his team more effectively.
Levis has stated that the Titans' overarching goal for the 2024 season is to make a playoff run. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," he reiterated, underscoring the team's aspirations. Achieving this will require not just better decision-making from Levis but a collective effort from the entire team to handle crucial moments more efficiently.