The Tennessee Titans have hit a rough patch early in the 2024 NFL season, starting with a dismal 0-3 record. Their most recent defeat, a 30-14 drubbing at the hands of the Green Bay Packers, has left fans and analysts questioning what has gone wrong for a team that held such promise.
A Rocky Start for Will Levis
Quarterback Will Levis' performance so far has been a mixed bag. In the game against the Packers, Levis completed 26 of 34 passes for 260 yards, throwing two touchdowns but also two critical interceptions. One of those interceptions was returned for a touchdown, a mistake that changed the momentum of the game.
Levis has been grappling with turnovers throughout the season. With three fumbles and five interceptions, he currently leads the NFL in turnovers. This problematic stat has significantly contributed to the Titans' struggles. Despite these setbacks, head coach Brian Callahan remains cautiously optimistic about his quarterback's ability. "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," Callahan said.
Defensive Shortcomings
The Titans' defense has likewise been unable to plug the leaks, allowing 378 total yards against the Packers, of which 188 were rushing yards. Throughout three games, they have struggled to contain their opponents, leading to back-to-back defeats in the first two weeks of the season—24-17 to the Chicago Bears and 24-17 to the New York Jets.
Moreover, their inability to protect Levis has exacerbated their woes. He was sacked eight times in the last game, highlighting shortcomings in the offensive line. "We have to play better around him," Callahan emphasized, pointing to a need for a collective improvement in performance.
The Impact of Offseason Changes
The offseason saw significant shifts in the Titans' roster. Mason Rudolph joined the team, bringing a record of 8-4-1 as a starter, with 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. However, the veteran has yet to make a significant impact. Meanwhile, Ryan Tannehill, a key player who departed this offseason, is still navigating free agency, searching for a new team to call home.
The Road Ahead
With the Titans set to face the 1-2 Miami Dolphins next, the team is in urgent need of a turnaround. The early-season record doesn't reflect the talent on the roster, but more importantly, the mental resolve that the team must show to break this losing streak.
Coach Callahan remains hopeful yet realistic about the challenges ahead. "We've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet," he admitted, acknowledging the flaws the team needs to address. "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," he added.
This candid assessment from Callahan paints a picture of a team in flux, battling not just their opponents but also the internal challenges that come with a rough start to the season. The Titans' ability to course-correct will determine how they finish the 2024 season, but for now, their focus must remain on improving each phase of their game to notch that elusive first win.