The Tennessee Titans are off to a disheartening start in the 2024 NFL season, holding an 0-3 record after three weeks. Their most recent stumble came at the hands of the Green Bay Packers, falling 30-14 in a game rife with mistakes and missed opportunities.
Quarterback Struggles and Turnovers
Quarterback Will Levis, despite showcasing moments of brilliance, has struggled to maintain consistency. Against the Packers, Levis completed an impressive 26 of 34 passes for 260 yards and threw two touchdowns. However, his performance was marred by two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
"Again, I'm not going to overreact to an interception. Those things happen," said Titans coach Brian Callahan. "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."
Levis has also been under constant pressure from opposing defenses, which was particularly evident in the Packers game where he was sacked eight times. The young quarterback now leads the NFL in turnovers with a total of five interceptions and three fumbles.
Callahan emphasized the need for collective improvement, stating, "We have to play better around him."
Defensive Deficiencies
The Titans' defensive unit has also struggled to find its footing. They conceded 378 total yards to the Packers, with a significant 188 of those yards coming on the ground. This porous defense has been a consistent theme through their early-season losses.
In Week 1, the Titans fell 24-17 to the Chicago Bears, followed by an identical 24-17 defeat to the New York Jets in Week 2. Despite competitive showings, the defense's inability to contain the run and generate stops at critical moments has cost the Titans dearly.
Leadership Changes and Adjustments
The offseason brought notable changes to the Titans' roster, including the departure of veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who is currently navigating free agency. The team welcomed Mason Rudolph, who joined them with a career record of 8-4-1 as a starter, boasting 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. While Rudolph has not yet seen significant action this season, his experience may eventually become a valuable asset.
Coach's Perspective
Coach Brian Callahan has been vocal about the team’s shortcomings, urging a comprehensive approach to improvement. "We've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet," Callahan remarked. He continued, "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."
Next Challenge
Looking ahead, the Titans will face the Miami Dolphins, who currently possess a 1-2 record. This upcoming matchup provides an opportunity for the Titans to turn their season around, but it will undoubtedly require a cohesive and disciplined performance from both the offense and defense.
As the Titans seek their first win of the season, the focus remains on eliminating turnovers, improving protection for Levis, and fortifying their defense against the run. With Callahan's candid assessment and commitment to finding solutions, the Titans still have a chance to alter the trajectory of their season.