The Tennessee Titans are off to a challenging start in the 2024 NFL season, dropping to an 0-2 record following a 24-17 loss to the New York Jets in Week 2. The game was marred by a critical error from quarterback Will Levis, whose risky pass to Tyjae Spears resulted in a costly fumble that the Jets capitalized on.
Offensive coordinator Callahan did not mince words in his postgame press conference, labeling the decision as "dumb." Levis, known for his risk-taking approach, did not shy away from the criticism. "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' acknowledgment of his mistake and his willingness to accept the criticism speaks volumes about his maturity. "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."
The early part of the season has been rough for Levis, who has thrown three interceptions and fumbled twice in the first two games. This rough start has reignited discussions among analysts who believe that his tendency towards recklessness was a factor in his slide down the draft boards. Levis himself admitted to this issue during his college career. "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. 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."
Selected as the 33rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Levis was expected to inject new life into the Titans' aspirations. The team has set ambitious goals for the 2024 season, aiming for a playoff run. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis reiterated.
The upcoming match against the Green Bay Packers will be crucial for the Titans. With the Packers missing their starting quarterback Jordan Love, who is sidelined due to injury, Malik Willis will be stepping in as the starter. This could provide an opportunity for the Titans to secure their first win of the season.
Levis' response to the criticism and his self-reflection indicates a growing maturity that could serve him well in the long run. As he works to overcome the errors that have thus far defined the early part of the Titans' season, supporters will hope that his willingness to learn from mistakes translates into more consistent and secure play on the field.
The eyes of Titans fans will be firmly on Levis as they host the Packers on Sunday. With an opportunity to redeem himself and put his team on the path to a playoff run, this game could mark a turning point in both the season and Levis' career. Whether he can balance his gunslinger instincts with better decision-making remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Levis is determined to lead his team towards success.