The Tennessee Titans' 2024 NFL season is off to a rocky start, with the team struggling to find its footing after three consecutive losses. The most recent defeat came at the hands of the Green Bay Packers, who outscored the Titans 30-14. This loss followed earlier setbacks against the Chicago Bears and the New York Jets, both ending with a score of 24-17.
In their clash with the Packers, Titans' quarterback Will Levis had a mixed performance. Levis completed 26 of his 34 pass attempts, accumulating 260 yards and connecting for two touchdowns. However, his efforts were marred by two interceptions, one of which the Packers returned for a touchdown. To add to the woes, Levis was sacked eight times, highlighting concerns over the offensive line's protection.
“We've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet,” said a frustrated Brian Callahan. His assessment underscores the fragmented nature of the Titans' performances thus far. Despite showing flashes of potential, the team has been unable to sustain a high level of play across the board.
The Titans' defense has also come under scrutiny. In the game against the Packers, they conceded 378 total yards, including a staggering 188 rushing yards. The defensive line's inability to stifle the Packers' rushing attack was a significant factor in the defeat. This troubling trend has continued from the season opener against the Bears and the subsequent game against the Jets, where the defense struggled to contain their opponents.
Levis’s turnover issues have exacerbated the team’s difficulties. With three fumbles and five interceptions, he currently leads the NFL in turnovers. The pressure is mounting on the young quarterback, who has the second-most interceptions in the league. Callahan, however, remains measured in his critique: “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."
The off-season departures and acquisitions have also played a role in the current dynamics. Veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill's exit has left a void that Mason Rudolph, a recent addition to the team, aims to fill. Rudolph boasts a career record of 8-4-1 as a starter, with 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His experience brings a potential steadying influence, but he's yet to make an impact this season.
As Callahan pointed out, “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.” His call to action reflects the urgent need for the Titans to find cohesion and execute more effectively. The forthcoming game against the Miami Dolphins, who hold a 1-2 record, represents another challenging test for a team striving to turn their season around.
When asked about Levis’s performance, Callahan remained supportive yet realistic, emphasizing a collective responsibility: “We have to play better around him.” This sentiment suggests that the Titans’ issues extend beyond Levis’s mistakes, necessitating improvements across all facets of the game.
Despite the early setbacks, the season is still young and there is an opportunity for the Titans to course-correct. Stronger offensive line protection, a more resilient defense, and a reduction in turnovers could alter the trajectory of their season. As the team prepares to face the Dolphins, the stakes are high. Whether the Titans can rise to the occasion and demonstrate the "capability of way better than what they've put on the field" remains to be seen.