As the Tennessee Titans grapple with a 0-3 start to the 2024 NFL season, their recent performances have raised many eyebrows across the league. In their latest outing, the Titans fell 30-14 to the Green Bay Packers, compounding a series of disappointments that have defined their early season struggles.
Quarterback Struggles
Quarterback Will Levis, though showing flashes of brilliance, has found himself at the center of the maelstrom. Against the Packers, Levis completed 26 of 34 passes for an impressive 260 yards, throwing two touchdowns. However, his performance was marred by two critical interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Adding to the misery, Levis was sacked eight times, highlighting a significant issue within the Titans' offensive line.
Brian Callahan, commenting on Levis' performance, noted, "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."
Defensive Woes
The Titans' defense has also been under scrutiny. Against the Packers, they conceded 378 total yards, with an alarming 188 of those coming from rushing plays. This porous defense has allowed opponents to exploit their weaknesses, which was evident in their losses to the Chicago Bears and the New York Jets, both of which ended with a scoreline of 24-17.
Callahan echoed the sentiment of many fans when he said, "We've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet. 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."
Turnover Troubles
Turnovers have further compounded the Titans' problems. Levis currently has the second-most interceptions in the league and leads the NFL in turnovers with three fumbles and five interceptions. Such stats are a recipe for disaster in a league where ball security is paramount. Callahan, while critical of Levis' interceptions, also pointed to a broader team issue stating, "We have to play better around him."
New Faces and Departures
It's also notable that the Titans have seen significant roster changes this offseason. Mason Rudolph joined the team, bringing with him a career record of 8-4-1 as a starter, with 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Rudolph's arrival was perhaps a move to bolster the quarterback depth following the departure of Ryan Tannehill, who is currently navigating free agency in pursuit of a new team.
As the Titans prepare to face the Miami Dolphins, who themselves have a 1-2 record, the pressure to turn their season around will be immense. This matchup could serve as a litmus test for the Titans' ability to adjust and improve upon their early-season missteps.
Only time will tell if the Titans can overcome their current challenges and salvage their season. However, with the words of Brian Callahan resonating in their minds, the team knows that recovery must come from within: "No one is coming to save us, so we've got to figure it out." The Titans will now set their sight on the Dolphins, hoping for a turnaround that their fans desperately crave.