As the 2024 NFL season progresses, the Tennessee Titans find themselves in a challenging bind with an 0-3 record. The most recent setback, a 30-14 defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers, encapsulated the Titans' struggles on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Will Levis, while showing flashes of promise, finds himself at the center of a beleaguered offense.
Offensive Struggles
Levis delivered a performance marked by both potential and pitfalls, completing 26 of 34 passes for 260 yards and throwing two touchdowns. However, two critical interceptions marred his stat line, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Compounding the issue, Levis endured relentless pressure from the Packers' defense, suffering eight sacks.
Despite Levis' moments of brilliance, turnovers have been a significant hindrance. His five interceptions and three fumbles lead the NFL in turnovers, a daunting statistic for any quarterback, let alone one in his young career. "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," said Titans' coach Brian Callahan, acknowledging the intricate balance between supporting a young quarterback and demanding results.
Defensive Lapses
While the offense grapples with its issues, the defense has been equally culpable in the Titans' winless start. The unit conceded 378 total yards against the Packers, including a staggering 188 rushing yards. Such defensive inefficiency places immense pressure on an already struggling offense, creating a vicious cycle of underperformance.
The season opener against the Chicago Bears resulted in a 24-17 loss, and the same outcome followed in Week 2 against the New York Jets. This consistent pattern of narrow defeats underscores a troubling trend – the inability to play a complete game. "We've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet," Callahan remarked, highlighting the systemic issues plaguing the Titans.
Levis Under Fire
The acquisition of quarterback Mason Rudolph in the offseason added a layer of competition, though he has yet to make a significant impact. Rudolph, with a career record of 8-4-1 as a starter, remains an option should the Titans decide to make a change under center. On the flip side, veteran Ryan Tannehill's departure left a leadership void yet to be adequately filled, amplifying the growing pains experienced this season.
Levis’s place as the quarterback is under constant evaluation, but Callahan remains supportive: "We have to play better around him." This statement resonates with the broader narrative that football is inherently a team sport, and the quarterback, regardless of talent, needs robust support from his offensive line and skill position players.
Path Forward
With their next matchup against the Miami Dolphins, who hold a 1-2 record, the Titans must seize this opportunity to reverse their fortunes. While the Dolphins have shown vulnerabilities, the Titans will need to address their fundamental issues to secure a victory.
"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," Callahan asserted. This sense of urgency and accountability is crucial as the Titans aim to pivot their season before it spirals further out of control.
As the Titans continue to search for their first win, they must adopt a holistic approach to improvement. From bolstering their offensive protection to shoring up their defensive gaps, every aspect of their game must be scrutinized and elevated. Only by addressing these core issues can the Tennessee Titans hope to turn their season around and foster a culture of resilience and success.