The Tennessee Titans have stumbled out of the gate in the 2024 NFL season, falling to 0-2 after a tough 24-17 defeat at the hands of the New York Jets in Week 2. The loss has amplified concerns around the performance and decision-making of their quarterback, Will Levis, whose critical mistake during the game has drawn significant attention.
Levis, known for his risk-taking approach, made a pivotal error in the clash against the Jets by throwing a pass to Tyjae Spears that resulted in a fumble. The Jets quickly capitalized on this miscue, turning the turnover into points, which ultimately swung the momentum in their favor. Offensive coordinator Callahan did not mince words postgame, labeling the decision as "dumb" during his press conference.
Levis has accepted responsibility for his actions on the field. "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 remarked concerning Callahan’s outburst. "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching."
Reflecting deeper, Levis added, "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."
Levis' inclination towards risky plays hasn't been without consequence. Through the first two games of this season, he has thrown three interceptions and fumbled twice, underscoring the issues critics pointed out during his college career. Analysts attribute some of his struggles to the very same recklessness that contributed to his slide in the 2023 NFL Draft, where he was selected 33rd overall.
Levis himself is aware of this trait, admitting, "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 the growing pains and early setbacks, the Titans have clear ambitions for this season. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis reaffirmed, underlining the team's determination to overcome their rough start.
The Titans face an immediate opportunity to right the ship as they prepare to host the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. The Packers will be without their starting quarterback Jordan Love, who is sidelined due to injury, with Malik Willis stepping in. This match-up against a compromised Packers team represents a crucial juncture for the Titans to both execute better on the field and restore confidence.
Levis' responses to criticism and his moments of self-reflection suggest a maturity that may serve him well as he navigates the challenges of the professional game. For the Titans, and for Levis in particular, the upcoming game will be an important test of their resiliency and their capacity to make the adjustments necessary for success.
As the Titans continue their quest for a playoff berth, the spotlight remains firmly on Levis. His ability to curb his risk-taking tendencies and make smarter decisions will be key in determining how far the Titans can go this season. The responsibility on his shoulders is immense, but so too is the potential for redemption and growth.