The Tennessee Titans find themselves navigating choppy seas early in the 2024 NFL season, slipping to 0-2 following a 24-17 defeat to the New York Jets. The latest setback reveals both the promise and peril of the Titans' young quarterback, Will Levis, whose aggressive playstyle has raised eyebrows within the franchise and among analysts.
Levis, notorious for his risk-taking approach, committed a significant blunder during the game by throwing a pass to Tyjae Spears that resulted in a fumble. This pivotal error was promptly capitalized upon by the Jets, a turn of events that added to the Titans' woes. Offensive Coordinator Callahan did not hold back in his postgame critique, condemning the decision as "dumb."
Addressing the media after the game, Levis did not shy away from responsibility. "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 shared candidly. "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching."
The young quarterback's self-reflection continued as he acknowledged, "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' admission of recklessness is not new. Critics highlighted this trait as a contributing factor to his fall in the NFL Draft, where he was eventually picked 33rd overall in 2023. The quarterback himself is aware of the need for better decision-making at the professional level, noting, "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 rocky start, the Titans remain optimistic about their season goals. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis stated plainly. That ambition will be put to the test this Sunday when they host the Green Bay Packers. The Packers will be without their starting quarterback, Jordan Love, with Malik Willis stepping in due to injury.
The Titans' early-season struggles illustrate the growing pains typical of a team integrating a young, raw talent like Levis. His performance thus far includes three interceptions and two fumbles in just two games, highlighting the challenges of balancing his natural playmaking ability with the need for prudent decision-making.
However, Levis' response to criticism and his accountability in the wake of early failures suggest a maturity that belies his years in the league. His ability to take coaching, reflect on mistakes, and come back with renewed confidence could bode well for his and the Titans' future if he manages to harness his talent effectively.
The upcoming clash against the Packers will be crucial not just for the Titans' record but also for Levis' development as the team's leader. The absence of Green Bay's starting quarterback could provide the Titans with a much-needed opportunity to secure their first win of the season and build some momentum moving forward.
With the weight of lofty playoff aspirations on their shoulders, the Titans must find a way to channel their young quarterbackâs strengths while mitigating his risks. Will Levis has shown he can learn and grow from his mistakes; now, it's time for the Titans to turn those lessons into victories on the field.