Facing an ominous start to the 2024 NFL season, the Tennessee Titans find themselves grappling with an 0-3 record after their latest defeat—a 30-14 loss to the Green Bay Packers. This marks their third straight loss, sparking concerns about the team's overall performance and individual players.
In the clash against the Packers, Titans quarterback Will Levis delivered a mixed performance. Levis completed 26 of his 34 passes for a commendable 260 yards and threw two touchdowns. However, these promising stats were overshadowed by his two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. His struggles were compounded by being sacked eight times, underlining issues in the Titans' offensive line.
Defensive Struggles
The Titans' defense, which has been a cornerstone of the team's identity in past seasons, also faltered. They conceded 378 total yards to the Packers, with a particularly porous run defense that allowed 188 rushing yards. This pattern of defensive woes has been evident since the beginning of the season, notably contributing to their 24-17 losses to both the Chicago Bears and the New York Jets in Weeks 1 and 2, respectively.
Turnover Troubles
Levis has notably struggled with turnovers, leading the NFL with five interceptions and three fumbles. His propensity for turnovers has been a significant factor in the Titans' offensive challenges. Head Coach Brian Callahan remarked, "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."
Despite the evident struggles, Callahan believes in the team's potential for better performances. "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," he said. His commitment to turning the season around was also echoed in his statement, "We've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet."
Quarterback Shuffle
The Titans saw a change in their quarterback lineup this offseason with the departure of veteran Ryan Tannehill, who is now exploring free agency. In contrast, the Titans welcomed Mason Rudolph, who has an 8-4-1 career record as a starter, with 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His presence has sparked discussions about potential changes under center if Levis continues to struggle.
Looking Ahead
The Titans will next face the Miami Dolphins, who have also had a rocky start to the season with a 1-2 record. This matchup presents an opportunity for the Titans to claim their first win and gain some much-needed momentum. Reflecting on the upcoming game, Coach Callahan emphasized the need for collective improvement: "We have to play better around him," he said, referring to Levis.
The Titans' season hangs in the balance, requiring considerable efforts in both offense and defense. As the team strives to rectify these early setbacks, the resolve demonstrated by both players and coaches will be crucial in reshaping their fortunes.
In a season already marred by missed opportunities and missteps, the Titans must now focus on refining their game strategy, enhancing player performance, and fostering teamwork. Their ability to rebound from this challenging start will be the ultimate test of their character and ambition for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season.