After a disappointing start to their 2024 NFL season, the Tennessee Titans find themselves grappling with a troubling 0-2 record. Their latest setback came in a 24-17 loss against the New York Jets in Week 2, a game marked by a critical error from quarterback Will Levis.
Levis, known for his risk-taking style, has already garnered a reputation for being a "gunslinger." His penchant for taking chances has been both a blessing and a curse, earning him criticism and admiration in equal measure. The game against the Jets provided another example of this duality. Facing pressure, Levis attempted a pass to Tyjae Spears, which ended disastrously with Spears fumbling the ball. The Jets seized the opportunity, turning the miscue into a momentum-shifting score.
The aftermath of this pivotal error saw Titans' offensive coordinator express his frustration bluntly at the postgame press conference. "Dumb," was his candid appraisal of the decision, emphasizing the necessity for more judicious play. Levis didn't shy away from this criticism, admitting that the mistake was just as frustrating for him. "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 disclosed. "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching."
This kind of accountability is crucial for the third-year quarterback who has come under scrutiny for his tendency toward recklessness—a trait that analysts believe led to his slide in the draft, where he was picked 33rd overall in 2023. Levis himself has acknowledged this aspect of his game, admitting, "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."
In the first two games of the season, Levis has already thrown three interceptions and fumbled twice. While these numbers are concerning, they don't tell the full story of his evolution as a player. "I was yelling at myself in my head the same way he was yelling at me," Levis revealed after the 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."
The Titans have set ambitious goals for themselves this season, with an eye on making a playoff run despite their rocky start. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis stated confidently. This aspiration will be put to the test as they prepare to host the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. Fortuitously for the Titans, the Packers will be fielding backup quarterback Malik Willis in place of their injured starter, Jordan Love.
Beyond the numbers and the immediate results, Levis' ability to reflect and respond to criticism is indicative of his developing maturity. His self-awareness and willingness to adapt are qualities that could eventually stabilize his risk-taking approach. "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," Levis explained.
As the Titans navigate the early turbulence of their 2024 campaign, the spotlight remains firmly on Levis. Can he temper his aggressive tendencies and lead Tennessee to their playoff aspirations? Only time will tell, but his journey thus far underscores the complexities and challenges of nurturing a "gunslinger." He has the tools to succeed, but keeping those instincts in check is paramount. The Titans and their fans will be watching closely as the season unfolds.