As the Tennessee Titans confront a shaky start to their 2024 NFL season, much of the scrutiny centers around their young quarterback, Will Levis. The Titans' 24-17 loss to the New York Jets in Week 2 has added fuel to a growing fire of concern, as the team drops to 0-2, and Levis' decision-making is increasingly under the microscope.
Levis' Risk-Taking Under Fire
During the pivotal moments of their battle against the Jets, Levis' audacious playstyle backfired. A critical pass intended for Tyjae Spears resulted in a fumble, a mistake that the Jets quickly capitalized on. Offensive Coordinator Callahan minced no words in his postgame press conference, labeling the decision "dumb."
Levis himself did not shy away from responsibility. "I was yelling at myself in my head the same way he was yelling at me," Levis disclosed. "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."
A History of Recklessness
Criticism of Levis' risk-taking isn't new. Analysts and coaches have flagged this aspect of his playstyle since his college days. Levis admits that his daring approach contributed to his slide in the 2023 NFL Draft, where the Titans selected him 33rd overall. "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 recalled.
So far, the season stats haven't been kind to Levis. In just two games, he has already racked up three interceptions and two fumbles. With performances like these, it's no wonder that critiques of his gameplay have been amplified.
Response and Maturity
Despite the setbacks, Levis remains committed to improvement and acknowledges the need for better decision-making. "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," he explained.
Levis' ability to accept criticism and show a reflective attitude speaks volumes about his maturity. "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," Levis said of Callahan's reaction. "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching."
Looking Ahead
The Titans aim to make a playoff run this season, and for that to happen, Levis needs to swiftly rectify his errors. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis affirmed. The path forward isn't easy, but the young quarterback's willingness to adapt could be a key factor in turning the season around.
Next, the Titans will face the Green Bay Packers at home. The Packers will be without their starting quarterback, Jordan Love, due to injury, and Malik Willis will be stepping in. This game offers an opportunity for the Titans to get their first win of the season, provided Levis can dial back the recklessness and channel his innate talent effectively.
As the Titans brace for what could be a pivotal game, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how Levis handles the pressure. His journey through the highs and lows of the season will undoubtedly be a narrative to follow, not only for Titans supporters but for anyone intrigued by the complexities of nurturing young quarterback talent in the high-stakes world of the NFL.