As the Tennessee Titans find themselves reeling from an 0-3 start to the 2024 NFL season, the challenges facing the team are becoming increasingly evident. The most recent loss, a 30-14 defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers, highlighted a multitude of issues that have plagued the team so far this year.
Quarterback Struggles and Offensive Line Concerns
Quarterback Will Levis had a mixed performance against the Packers, completing 26 of 34 passes for 260 yards with two touchdowns. However, his effectiveness was marred by two critical interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Despite Levis' strong passing stats, the Titans' offensive line allowed him to be sacked eight times, a factor that significantly hindered their offensive rhythm.
"Again, 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," said head coach Brian Callahan.
Compounding the problem, Levis leads the NFL in turnovers, with three fumbles and five interceptions. This kind of inconsistency is untenable for any team hoping to compete at a high level.
Defensive Struggles
On the defensive side, the Titans have been equally underwhelming. In the game against the Packers, the defense conceded a total of 378 yards, with a substantial 188 yards coming on the ground. Such a porous run defense puts enormous pressure on the offense to compensate, often leading to the kind of high-risk plays that contribute to turnovers.
"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," Callahan emphasized.
Seasonal Overview
The Titans' season opened with two equally disappointing losses: a 24-17 defeat to the Chicago Bears in Week 1, followed by another 24-17 loss to the New York Jets in Week 2. These games showcased the inability of the Titans to play a "complete game," as described by Callahan. Both offense and defense have struggled to perform cohesively, leading to similar outcomes week after week.
"We've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet," admitted Callahan. This candid admission underscores the systemic issues that the Titans are currently battling.
Roster Changes and Future Prospects
This offseason has seen significant changes to the Titans' roster. Veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill departed, leaving to navigate free agency. His absence has accentuated the leadership void that Levis is striving to fill. Meanwhile, the addition of Mason Rudolph offers some potential stability; Rudolph has started with a respectable 8-4-1 record in his career, throwing 19 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.
Despite these changes, the Titans' immediate future looks challenging. With an upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins, who hold a 1-2 record, the pressure is mounting for the Titans to turn their season around.
Levis's performance remains a focal point for the team. While his ability to rack up yardage and complete passes is evident, the frequency of his turnovers is a significant concern. "We have to play better around him," Callahan noted, stressing the need for a comprehensive team effort to support their young quarterback.
As the Titans prepare for their next game, the need for improved performance on both sides of the ball cannot be overstated. Addressing the issues that have led to their winless start will be crucial if they are to salvage their season and restore confidence among their fan base.
The Titans' story this season is one of unmet potential and the pressing need for cohesion. Whether they can transform their narrative remains to be seen, but the urgency for change is evident. The coming weeks will be critical for the Titans as they fight to regroup and refocus.