The Tennessee Titans are off to a rocky start in the 2024 NFL season, standing 0-3 after three weeks of play. The latest setback came in the form of a 30-14 defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers, a game wherein the Titans struggled in various facets.
Offensive Struggles Continue
Quarterback Will Levis delivered a mixed performance, completing 26 of 34 passes for 260 yards and throwing two touchdowns. However, his outing was marred by two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, further complicating the Titans' efforts. The Packers' defense had its way with the Titans' offensive line, sacking Levis eight times.
Adding to their woes, Levis leads the NFL in turnovers with three fumbles and five interceptions. He also holds the second-most interceptions in the league, a statistic that underscores the difficulties the Titans face in protecting the football.
Defensive Weaknesses Exposed
The Titans' defense found itself overwhelmed as well, conceding 378 total yards to the Packers. This included 188 rushing yards, exposing vulnerabilities in their ability to stop the run. Despite some individual strong performances, the collective unit struggled to contain the Packers' offense, ultimately leading to their third consecutive loss.
As head coach Brian Callahan candidly assessed, "We've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet." His frustration echoed the sentiments of Titans fans yearning for a turnaround.
Learning from Early Season Defeats
The Titans’ initial losses came in closely contested battles against the Chicago Bears and the New York Jets, with both games ending in 24-17 defeats. These games highlighted recurring issues in both offensive production and defensive stability.
Looking for solutions, the Titans added Mason Rudolph in the offseason. The experienced quarterback, who boasts a career record of 8-4-1 as a starter with 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, aims to bring stability and depth to the Titans' quarterback room. At the same time, veteran Ryan Tannehill has departed and is navigating free agency, adding an element of uncertainty to the Titans' quarterback situation.
Callahan Stresses Accountability
Callahan's post-game remarks underscored the need for improvement and accountability. "We're capable of way better than what we've put on the field the last three weeks. No one is coming to save us, so we've got to figure it out," he stated, highlighting the urgency within the locker room.
The head coach also defended Levis amid the growing scrutiny. "I'm not going to overreact to an interception. Those things happen. Guys throw picks. We just can't give it to the other team. We keep giving up points the other way. It's hard to overcome," Callahan said, a nod to the necessity of reducing costly mistakes.
In a message to the entire team, Callahan added, "We have to play better around him," urging the offense and defense to elevate their performances in support of their young quarterback.
Next Challenge: Miami Dolphins
As the Titans prepare to face the Miami Dolphins, who currently hold a 1-2 record, the team is well aware of the challenge ahead. The road to their first victory of the season will require a comprehensive effort in all phases of the game. Callahan and his squad aim to address their shortcomings and capitalize on opportunities to secure a much-needed win.
With three weeks of the season behind them, the Titans face an uphill battle, but the potential for a turnaround remains within reach. The coming weeks will reveal whether they can harness their capabilities and translate them into success on the field.