The Tennessee Titans are facing early season turbulence, falling to an 0-2 record after a 24-17 defeat to the New York Jets in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season. The most glaring issue in their latest loss revolved around a pivotal error by quarterback Will Levis, who threw a pass to Tyjae Spears that unfortunately turned into a fumble, leading to a crucial momentum shift in favor of the Jets.
Levis' critical mistake did not escape the notice of offensive coordinator Callahan. In the postgame press conference, Callahan didn't mince words, labeling the decision "dumb" and pointing out the need for sharper execution. The sentiments echoed by Levis reflect a sense of accountability and self-awareness from the young quarterback.
Levis' Risk-Taking Nature
Will Levis has always had a reputation for taking risks on the field, a trait that has followed him from his college career to the professional stage. "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," Levis admitted. His risk-taking approach has been a double-edged sword, earning him both admiration for his boldness and criticism for the potential jeopardy it brings.
This characteristic of Levis' playstyle was a contributing factor to his fall in the draft. Despite being viewed as a promising talent, his tendencies for recklessness raised concerns, resulting in him being selected 33rd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Two games into the 2024 season, Levis has recorded three interceptions and two fumbles, statistics that underline the ongoing challenge of finding the balance between aggression and caution.
Aiming for Improvement
Levis is acutely aware of the need for better decision-making. "I was yelling at myself in my head the same way [Callahan] 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."
His reflective response to criticism suggests a growing maturity. Levis understands that at the professional level, the margin for error is thin, and the expectations are unwaveringly high. "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching," he said, illustrating his readiness to absorb feedback and improve his game.
Team Goals and Future Prospects
Despite the rocky start, the Titans remain focused on their long-term goal for the 2024 season: making a playoff run. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis stated firmly. To achieve this, not only will Levis need to refine his playstyle, but the entire team will need to rally and minimize errors.
Looking ahead, the Titans will be hosting the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. The Packers, however, will be without their starting quarterback Jordan Love, who is sidelined with an injury. Instead, Malik Willis will step into the starting role. This circumstance presents a potential opportunity for the Titans to capitalize and turn their season around. A victory against the Packers could serve as a much-needed morale boost and a stepping stone toward their playoff aspirations.
Levis' journey is emblematic of many young quarterbacks in the league, battling the pressures of lofty expectations and the harsh learning curve of professional football. His acknowledgment of past and present mistakes, coupled with his commitment to improvement, paints a picture of a player who understands the stakes and is determined to rise to the challenge.
As the Titans strive to reverse their fortunes, much will depend on Levis' ability to balance his gunslinger mentality with prudent decision-making. The coming weeks will undoubtedly test his mettle, and how he responds could very well define the arc of the Titans' season.