The Tennessee Titans have encountered a challenging start to their 2024 NFL campaign. Falling to 0-2 after a recent setback against the New York Jets, the Titans are left grappling with the facets of their gameplay that need immediate attention. Their latest defeat, a 24-17 loss, drilled home the consequences of key errors, specifically attributable to their quarterback, Will Levis.
Costly Mistakes
In a pivotal moment during the game, Levis made a miscalculated pass to Tyjae Spears which resulted in a critical fumble. The Jets seized this opportunity to gain the upper hand, further exacerbating the Titans' troubles. This error did not go unnoticed by the Titans' coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Callahan did not mince words during the postgame press conference, labeling the decision as "dumb."
Levis, known for his risk-taking approach, conceded the criticism with noticeable maturity. "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 admitted. "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching." This acknowledgment notwithstanding, it is clear that Levis' style is both a boon and a bane, spotlighting his gunslinger mentality.
Reflecting on Recklessness
With three interceptions and two fumbles in just the first two games of the season, questions about Levis' decision-making capabilities resurface. Analysts have pointed out that his inclination for risky plays might have been a factor that saw him slip to the 33rd overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. Levis, reflecting on his college career, didn't shy away from admitting the flaws in his style. "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 noted. "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."
Despite the hiccups, Levis holds onto the belief that he has made strides in reducing his recklessness. "I was proud of how I was able to protect it a little more than I did in my college years," he remarked. However, the early part of this NFL season suggests there's still work to be done.
Support from the Sidelines
Interestingly, Levis displays a commendable degree of self-awareness and emotional intelligence, traits that often elude even seasoned athletes. His response to the fiery critique from Callahan is a testament to this. "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."
Looking Forward
The Titans' resolve will be put to the test when they host the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. The matchup has an added layer of intrigue as the Packers will be without their starting quarterback, Jordan Love, who is sidelined due to injury. Malik Willis will step in as the replacement, adding an unpredictable element to the game.
The overarching objective for the Titans remains unchanged. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis declared emphatically. Achieving this ambition will undoubtedly require an improvement in Levis' decision-making and ball security. As the season progresses, it will be pivotal for the quarterback to strike a balance between his natural propensity for taking risks and the necessity for caution, to steer his team towards success.
Levis' journey through the NFL is a narrative of growth, self-reflection, and transformation. While the early stages of the 2024 season have exposed vulnerabilities, they also offer opportunities for rectification and resilience. With each passing game, the quarterback's ability to internalize and respond constructively to criticism could well determine the Titans' fortunes this season.