The Tennessee Titans' 2024 NFL season has started under a dark cloud, with the team stumbling to an 0-3 record. Their latest defeat, a 30-14 drubbing at the hands of the Green Bay Packers, underscored several troubling trends for a team clearly struggling to find its footing.
A Night to Forget for Levis
Quarterback Will Levis had a rollercoaster performance against the Packers, showcasing both his potential and his pitfalls. Levis completed an impressive 26 of 34 passes for 260 yards and threw two touchdown passes. These highlights, however, were dimmed by two critical interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown that swung momentum firmly in Green Bay’s favor. Moreover, Levis was sacked eight times, illustrating a breakdown in the offensive line that desperately needs addressing. "We have to play better around him," stated Brian Callahan, encapsulating the sentiment that Levis's struggles are not solely his burden to bear.
A Defense on its Heels
Equally concerning is the Titans' defensive unit, which allowed 378 total yards to the Packers, including a massive 188 rushing yards. These numbers paint a picture of a defense that was overmatched and outmaneuvered. This latest performance fits a pattern seen throughout this dismal start to the season. The Titans yielded 24 points in back-to-back losses to the Chicago Bears and the New York Jets, both by the same 24-17 scoreline. For a team aspiring to compete, these defensive lapses spell trouble.
Callahan minced no words when evaluating his team’s overall effort: "We've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet." His critique points to a team that has yet to synchronize its efforts across all facets of the game.
Turnovers and Troubles
Turnovers continue to plague the Titans, with Levis leading the NFL in this dubious category. He has five interceptions and three fumbles so far, a statistic that highlights both his inexperience and the immense pressure he faces each week. Callahan tempered his criticism, saying, "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." This even-keeled approach might provide the stability Levis needs to find his rhythm, but the clock is ticking for the Titans to turn their season around.
A Changing of the Guard
This offseason saw significant shifts in the Titans' roster. Notably, veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill departed and is currently navigating free agency. The arrival of Mason Rudolph, with his career record of 8-4-1 and 19 touchdowns against 11 interceptions, was seen as a move to solidify the quarterback room. However, with Levis’s struggles, there could be a scenario where Rudolph sees action, provided the Titans continue to falter.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the early setbacks, Callahan remains optimistic about his squad’s potential. "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," he said. This call to accountability might be the catalyst the team needs to ignite a turnaround. The Titans are set to face the Miami Dolphins next, a team with a 1-2 record, offering a potentially more favorable matchup.
The Titans' season may not have started as planned, but with a committed coaching staff and a roster full of potential, the narrative can still be rewritten. For now, it’s about addressing the issues promptly and finding a way to coalesce as a team—before the 2024 season slips away entirely.