As the Tennessee Titans traverse the early challenges of the 2024 NFL season, their latest setback—a 24-17 defeat to the New York Jets—has only intensified scrutiny on their quarterback, Will Levis. This loss, which drops the Titans to 0-2, has catalyzed a chorus of criticism, particularly in light of a critical error made by Levis.
Levis' Decision-Making in the Spotlight
In a pivotal moment against the Jets, Levis attempted a pass to Tyjae Spears, which ultimately resulted in a fumble. It was an incident that Jets players eagerly capitalized on, altering the momentum of the game. Offensive coordinator Callahan did not mince words in the aftermath, labeling Levis' decision as "dumb" in his postgame press conference. The candid response from Callahan reflects the increasing frustration surrounding the team's early performances.
Addressing the situation, Levis acknowledged both the error and the criticism in a mature and introspective manner. "He told us straight off, he's not a yeller and screamer," Levis noted, referring to Callahan's coaching style. "But he can be, and there's certain situations that allow for that, and that definitely was one of those situations."
A Pattern of Recklessness
Unfortunately for the Titans, this isn't an isolated incident. Levis' propensity for risk-taking has been a defining trait of his career thus far. In the first two games of the 2024 season, he has already accumulated three interceptions and two fumbles. Analysts have long pointed to this streak of recklessness as a factor in his draft position; he was, after all, the 33rd overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Levis himself has admitted that his aggressive style of play has not always served him well. "I think a lot of people, when they hear gunslinger, they think about recklessness," he said. "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."
Adapting to the Professional Stage
Despite the rocky start, Levis is showing signs of growth and a willingness to adapt. He reflected on his need for better decision-making, admitting to sharing his coach's frustration over the mistake. "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."
There were glimmers of optimism amid the chaos. Levis appreciated the confidence shown by Callahan immediately after the fumble. "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," he shared.
Looking Ahead
As the Titans set their sights on a playoff run this season, they will need Levis to harness his talents while minimizing errors. The team's trajectory will be significantly influenced by his performance and ability to adapt to the demands of the NFL. Levis himself is acutely aware of what’s at stake, stating, "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run."
The immediate challenge lies in their upcoming game. The Titans will host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, with the Packers playing without their starting quarterback, Jordan Love, due to injury. Malik Willis will step in as the starter, presenting an opportunity for the Titans to capitalize. This could be a critical game for Levis to regain confidence and demonstrate his resilience.
Ultimately, Levis' candid self-reflection and willingness to embrace coaching suggest a level of maturity that bodes well for his future. If he can learn from his early mistakes and refine his approach, he may yet lead the Titans to success this season. As the pressure mounts, all eyes will be on Levis to see if he can translate potential into performance.