The Tennessee Titans' 2024 NFL season is already presenting significant challenges, as the team has stumbled to an 0-2 start following a 24-17 loss to the New York Jets in Week 2. The game was marred by costly errors, most notably involving quarterback Will Levis, who continued to display the risk-taking tendencies that have defined his young career.
Levis, drafted 33rd overall by the Titans in the 2023 NFL Draft, made a critical mistake with a pass to Tyjae Spears that ended in a fumble. The Jets capitalized on this pivotal turnover, which contributed heavily to the Tennessee team's downfall. The miscue did not go unnoticed, with offensive coordinator Callahan openly criticizing the decision, labeling it "dumb" during his postgame press conference.
A Pattern of Recklessness
This isn't the first time Levis's penchant for risk-taking has attracted criticism. The quarterback has already thrown three interceptions and fumbled twice in the first two games of the season. Analysts have pointed to his recklessness as a significant factor that may have led to his fall in the draft rankings.
Addressing these concerns, Levis himself acknowledged the need for better decision-making. "I was yelling at myself in my head the same way he was yelling at me," Levis revealed. "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."
The Gunslinger Mentality
Levis is well aware of the label that has followed him. "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," he explained.
Holding Onto Hope for the Season
Despite the rough start and the evident need for improvement, Levis and the Titans have not lost sight of their main objective for the 2024 season: making a playoff run. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis stated unequivocally.
The road ahead won't be easy. The Titans are set to host the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. Adding to the intrigue, the Packers will be without their starting quarterback, Jordan Love, who is sidelined due to injury. Malik Willis will fill in, presenting a critical opportunity for the Titans to turn their fortunes around.
Levis's Response and Reflection
Levis's responsiveness to criticism and his capacity for self-reflection suggest maturity beyond his years. "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 willingness to acknowledge mistakes and take coaching to heart is a positive sign for a player looking to anchor his team's playoff hopes. "I was yelling at myself in my head the same way he was yelling at me," Levis added. "We were right back to it, and he had confidence in me on the next play taking that shot."
The Tennessee Titans are undoubtedly navigating a tough start, but with Levis's readiness to adapt and a shared commitment to improvement, there's cautious optimism that they could still steer their season back on course.