The Tennessee Titans' 2024 NFL season has gotten off to a challenging start, with the team finding themselves at 0-2 following a 24-17 defeat to the New York Jets in Week 2. The game was marked by a critical error from quarterback Will Levis, whose pass to Tyjae Spears led to a fumble, allowing the Jets to capitalize on the turnover.
Levis' performance has been a topic of intense scrutiny early in the season. The young quarterback made headlines during the postgame press conference when offensive coordinator Callahan didn't hold back, referring to Levis’ decision as "dumb." Levis, known for his risk-taking approach, has struggled with ball security. In just two games, he has already recorded three interceptions and two fumbles, a concerning statistic for a team aiming for a playoff run.
Reflecting on the incident and Callahan’s criticism, Levis shared his perspective: "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," he said. "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching."
Opportunity to Prove Maturity
Levis has acknowledged his mistakes and insists he must make better decisions on the field. "I was yelling at myself in my head the same way he was yelling at me," he 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."
This moment could be a defining one for Levis, who has a reputation for being a gunslinger. His aggressive style contributed to his fall in the 2023 NFL Draft, where he was selected as the 33rd overall pick. Reflecting on his college years, Levis admitted, "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."
Focus on Decision-Making
Levis has taken steps to adjust his gameplay, emphasizing the importance of protecting the ball. "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," he stated. This acknowledgment of past mistakes and the need for improvement hints at a level of maturity that may serve him well as he continues to develop as a professional quarterback.
The Titans will host the Green Bay Packers this Sunday, offering Levis another opportunity to demonstrate his growth and resilience. The Packers will be without their starting quarterback Jordan Love, sidelined due to injury. Malik Willis is expected to step in as the starter.
Goal for the Season
Despite the rough start, the Titans remain focused on their primary objective. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis affirmed. This ambition underscores the high expectations set within the organization and the confidence they have in their young quarterback's potential to lead them forward.
As the Titans prepare for their next matchup, all eyes will be on Levis. His response to criticism and his ability to learn from mistakes will be crucial in steering the team back on course. The journey of a young quarterback is often measured by how he navigates challenges, and Levis' willingness to embrace coaching and self-reflection might be the key to unlocking a successful season for the Titans.