As the Tennessee Titans stumble into their fourth week of the NFL season with a disheartening 0-3 record, the atmosphere around the team is one of frustration and a search for answers. Despite the valiant efforts of their young quarterback, Will Levis, the Titans have yet to find their footing this year, and the growing pains are evident.
Tough Start to the Season
The Titans opened the 2024 season with a narrow 24-17 loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 1. They followed that up with an identical 24-17 defeat at the hands of the New York Jets in Week 2. Their most recent outing against the Green Bay Packers saw a more significant margin, as they were defeated 30-14. The trend of close losses is a bitter pill to swallow for a team that had higher expectations.
Quarterback Will Levis has shown flashes of potential, completing 26 of 34 passes for 260 yards and throwing two touchdowns against the Packers. However, his performance was marred by two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Additionally, Levis was sacked eight times, indicating that the offensive line is struggling to provide adequate protection.
"We've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet," said head coach Brian Callahan, reflecting on the team’s woes. His words underline the inconsistency that has plagued the Titans early in the season.
Defensive Struggles
The Titans' defense has also had its share of struggles, conceding 378 total yards against the Packers. The most glaring issue was their run defense, which allowed a whopping 188 rushing yards. These numbers have made it challenging for the Titans to stay competitive in games.
The turnovers have been particularly damaging. Levis currently leads the NFL in turnovers with three fumbles and five interceptions. The young quarterback’s aggressive style of play has both its benefits and drawbacks, as highlighted by Callahan. "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," he stated, emphasizing the need for smarter play from Levis.
Offensive Line Issues
The offensive line’s inability to protect Levis has been a major factor in his struggles. Eight sacks in a single game are a red flag for any team, and the Titans' coaching staff will need to address this issue urgently. "We have to play better around him," Callahan admitted, stressing the importance of a collective effort to improve performance.
Upcoming Challenges
The Titans will face the Miami Dolphins next, a team that stands at 1-2. While the Dolphins have their own challenges, the Titans cannot afford to take any opponent lightly given their current form. This upcoming game offers an opportunity for the Titans to regroup and perhaps secure their first win of the season.
The offseason saw some significant changes for the Titans, with Mason Rudolph joining the team. Rudolph, with a career record of 8-4-1 as a starter, brings experience to the squad. However, he has yet to make a significant impact this season. Former starter Ryan Tannehill left the franchise during the offseason and is currently navigating free agency, searching for his next opportunity.
Team Morale and Moving Forward
It's clear that morale within the Titans' camp is a complex issue at the moment. The team’s inability to execute consistently on both sides of the ball has created a palpable sense of urgency. Callahan's candid comments underline the reality of the situation: "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."
As the Titans prepare for their upcoming clash with the Dolphins, they must address their offensive line woes, minimize turnovers, and tighten their defense. The road to recovery for the Titans is steep, but with the right adjustments and a collective effort, they can start turning their season around.
Only time will tell if they can rise to the challenge, but one thing is certain – the Tennessee Titans must make substantial changes if they hope to salvage their season and restore confidence among their fanbase.