The Tennessee Titans' 2024 NFL season has taken a challenging start, plunging to an 0-2 record following a 24-17 defeat at the hands of the New York Jets in Week 2. Quarterback Will Levis played a central role in the heart-wrenching loss, with a crucial mistake underlining his pattern of high-risk, high-reward gameplay.
Turning Point: The Fumble
In what could be classified as the turning point of the game, Levis attempted a pass to Tyjae Spears that led to a pivotal fumble. The New York Jets swiftly capitalized on this error, turning it into a momentum-shifting possession. Levis' decision was immediately critiqued by the Titans' offensive coordinator, Callahan, who did not mince words in his postgame press conference, labelling it as a "dumb" decision.
Reflecting on the moment, Levis candidly shared his thoughts. "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," said Levis. "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching." Levis' acknowledgment of the error, paired with his acceptance of the criticism, highlights his maturity and growing self-awareness.
A Reputation for Risk
Levis has made headlines both for his potential and his propensity for risk-taking. In his first two games of the season, he has had three interceptions and two fumbles. This aggressive style of play has roots in his college career, a factor that many analysts believe contributed to his drop to the 33rd overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
"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," Levis admitted. "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."
Despite his efforts to refine his playstyle, the early weeks of the season suggest Levis still has strides to make in balancing his daring approach with more calculated decision-making. His own views on the subject reflect this ongoing struggle: "I was yelling at myself in my head the same way he was yelling at me," Levis said after the Jets game. "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."
Building Towards Future Success
While Levis continues to grapple with his high-risk gameplay, the Titans have a broader objective in mind—to make a playoff run this season. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis emphasized unequivocally. This vision places immense importance on Levis' ability to refine his game in real-time, correcting mistakes while still leveraging his talent for big plays.
Next Challenge: Green Bay Packers
The Titans' immediate challenge will be their upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers. Fortunately for Tennessee, the Packers will be without their starting quarterback, Jordan Love, due to injury. Malik Willis will step in as the starting quarterback for Green Bay, potentially offering a somewhat less daunting defensive problem for the Titans.
As the Titans aim to secure their first win of the season, all eyes will be on how Levis handles the mounting pressure. His recent experiences, tactile responses to coaching, and admitted need for cautious play will be put to the test. The potential silver lining for Titans fans lies in Levis' evident awareness and the determination to grow from his mistakes—a maturity that many young quarterbacks take seasons to master.
In the grand arc of an NFL season, early setbacks often serve as crucibles for resilience and development. For Will Levis and the Titans, the story of their 2024 campaign has just begun, with the opportunity to pivot towards success resting within their grasp.