The Tennessee Titans' 2024 NFL season has not started as the franchise had hoped, dropping to 0-2 after a 24-17 defeat against the New York Jets in Week 2. The game saw a critical error from rookie quarterback Will Levis, whose pass to Tyjae Spears resulted in a fumble that the Jets capitalized on.
In the postgame press conference, Titans offensive coordinator Callahan minced no words, branding the decision as "dumb." Such criticism could crush a young quarterback, but Levis displayed a level of maturity in his response. "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. "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching."
Levis' Risk-Taking Approach
Will Levis is no stranger to taking risks on the field. His willingness to gamble with throws has drawn mixed reviews from analysts and fans alike. This propensity for risk played a role in his draft positioning; he was selected 33rd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Many experts believe that his perceived recklessness contributed to his fall during the draft process.
"I think a lot of people, when they hear gunslinger, they think about recklessness," Levis acknowledged. "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. I changed that mentality a bit in my play last year."
Despite showcasing improved discernment, the young quarterback has struggled with ball security early in the season. Levis has recorded three interceptions and two fumbles in just the first two games. Such statistics underline the need for continued development in his decision-making process.
The Coach's Confidence
While Callahan’s critique was pointed, it did not shake the coach's faith in his quarterback’s potential. "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. 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."
Upcoming Challenges
The Titans have set ambitious goals for their 2024 campaign, aiming to make a playoff run. Standing in their way this Sunday will be the Green Bay Packers, who will visit Tennessee without their starting quarterback, Jordan Love. Malik Willis will step in as the Packers’ signal-caller due to Love’s injury. This matchup provides a vital opportunity for the Titans to register their first win of the season.
As the Titans prepare for their next test, Levis appears to be embracing the feedback and channeling it into his growth as a player. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis affirmed. His response to criticism and his readiness to learn from his mistakes reflect a level of maturity that bodes well for his future in the NFL.
The NFL is a league that thrives on quick turnarounds, and the Titans' young quarterback will need to translate his reflections into actions on the field swiftly. Sunday’s game against the Packers represents a crucial juncture for Levis and his team, a chance to pivot their season trajectory towards the aspirations they harbor.
The Tennessee Titans and their fans will be looking closely to see how Levis handles the mounting pressure. Will this rookie quarterback show that he can learn from his mistakes, strike a balance between daring and responsible play, and steer the Titans towards a successful season?