As the Tennessee Titans grapple with a challenging start to their 2024 NFL season, they find themselves in a tough spot with an 0-2 record. A recent 24-17 defeat to the New York Jets has cast a spotlight on quarterback Will Levis, who has been at the center of discussions both on and off the field.
Levis' Critical Error and Its Aftermath
The Week 2 clash with the Jets saw Levis make a critical mistake that turned the tide of the game. In a pivotal moment, he threw a pass to Tyjae Spears, resulting in a fumble that the Jets swiftly 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, recognized the gravity of the error.
"I was yelling at myself in my head the same way he [Callahan] 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."
A Pattern of Risk and Repercussions
Levis' willingness to take risks on the field has been a double-edged sword. In the first two games of the season, he has accumulated three interceptions and two fumbles. This pattern of recklessness has shadowed him since his college career, which analysts believe contributed to his fall in the 2023 NFL Draft, where he was selected 33rd overall by the Titans.
Reflecting on his college years, Levis acknowledged, "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."
This introspective approach suggests a level of maturity in Levis, who is also hopeful about his ability to adapt and learn from his mistakes. He shared his understanding of the team's disappointment with his performance and his determination to improve.
Team's Ambitions and Upcoming Challenges
Despite their rocky start, the Titans remain focused on their season’s ambitions. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis stated emphatically. The road ahead will require the quarterback to harness his daring style in a way that benefits rather than hinders the team.
As the Titans prepare to host the Green Bay Packers this Sunday, they will face a Packers squad missing their starting quarterback, Jordan Love, due to injury. Malik Willis will step in as the signal-caller for Green Bay, presenting the Titans with a potentially favorable match-up. For Levis, this game represents a critical opportunity to rebound from his early miscues and begin steering the team toward their playoff aspirations.
In moments of reflection, Levis appears to grasp the dual nature of his playing style. "He [Callahan] 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 remarked. "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching."
A Path Forward
Levis' recognition of his risky tendencies and his openness to constructive criticism could be pivotal in his development as a player. The Titans, with their playoff hopes still very much alive, will rely on Levis to find a balance between his "gunslinger" mentality and the careful decision-making required at the professional level.
For now, Titans fans are anxiously awaiting the next chapter in what has already been an eventful season. Levis' ability to learn from his early mistakes and adapt his daring playstyle could very well determine the trajectory of both his career and the Titans' season.