The Tennessee Titans are off to a difficult start in the 2024 NFL season, following a 30-14 defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. This latest loss places the Titans at 0-3, struggling early in the season despite strong individual performances from some key players.
Quarterback Will Levis delivered a mixed performance against the Packers, completing 26 of 34 passes for 260 yards and throwing two touchdowns. However, mistakes haunted the young quarterback, with two interceptions marring his otherwise impressive statistics. One of those interceptions was particularly costly as it was returned for a touchdown. Additionally, Levis faced immense pressure from the Packers' defense, being sacked eight times, a glaring indication of the offensive line's struggles.
Levis's performance was a point of contention, and Titans Offensive Coordinator Brian Callahan expressed a balanced perspective: "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." Callahan's comment emphasizes the need for improvement not just from Levis, but across the board.
The Titans' defensive unit also had a challenging outing, allowing a total of 378 yards against the Packers, including 188 rushing yards. This game highlighted the defense's vulnerabilities, particularly in stopping the run. The defense's inability to significantly contain the Packers' offense contributed to the team's overall struggles.
Reflecting on their season so far, the Titans' losses have followed a concerning pattern. In Week 1, they fell 24-17 to the Chicago Bears, and in Week 2, they were narrowly defeated by the New York Jets by the same scoreline. Such repeated close losses are indicative of a team still searching for its identity and consistency.
Brian Callahan succinctly summarized the team's current predicament when he said, "We've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet." He added, "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." His words shed light on the internal recognition of potential and the urgent need for self-improvement within the squad.
Levis's early-season performance has been a double-edged sword. He now has the second-most interceptions in the league and has recorded three fumbles and five interceptions, leading the NFL in turnovers. This statistic underscores the issues that have plagued the Titans' offensive execution and have directly impacted their winless record.
Despite these struggles, there is hope in the form of Mason Rudolph, who joined the Titans this offseason. Rudolph, with a career record of 8-4-1 as a starter, brings a wealth of experience and the potential to provide stability. His career statistics boast 19 touchdowns against 11 interceptions, suggesting he could offer a steady hand amid the turmoil.
Conversely, the departure of veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill during the offseason has left a noticeable void. Tannehill, currently navigating free agency, brought experience and leadership that the Titans are dearly missing.
As the Titans brace for their next game against the Miami Dolphins, who hold a 1-2 record, the pressure is mounting. A win is imperative to shift the momentum and stave off a potentially disastrous season start.
Brian Callahan's assessment rings true: "We have to play better around him." This sentiment not only applies to quarterback Will Levis but to the entire roster. There's a collective responsibility to elevate their performance and convert their latent potential into tangible results on the field. The next few weeks will be crucial for the Titans as they strive to turn their season around and restore confidence among their fanbase.