Titans Struggle Early in 2024 Season: A Closer Look
The Tennessee Titans find themselves mired in a tough start to the 2024 NFL season, going 0-3 after their latest defeat. The struggles were evident in their most recent game, a 30-14 loss to the Green Bay Packers, adding another disappointment in a season where victories remain elusive.
Quarterback Will Levis continued to face significant challenges. Levis completed 26 of 34 passes for 260 yards, throwing two touchdowns. However, his performance was marred by two critical interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. The Titans' offensive line provided little relief, allowing Levis to be sacked eight times, compounding the team's offensive woes.
The defense also struggled, conceding 378 total yards, including a worrying 188 rushing yards. Such defensive lapses have been a recurring theme for the Titans, who are yet to play a complete game in any phase, as pointed out by Brian Callahan. "We've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet," he remarked, reflecting the frustrations of the coaching staff.
The Titans' season began poorly with a 24-17 loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 1, followed by an identical 24-17 defeat against the New York Jets in Week 2. The parallels in those scores exemplify the team's inability to find a winning formula. "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," Callahan emphasized, urging his team to take ownership of their performance.
Levis' struggles are evident in his stats: he has the second-most interceptions in the league and leads the NFL in turnovers with three fumbles and five interceptions. Despite these setbacks, Callahan offered a measured perspective. "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 noted, highlighting the need for a balanced assessment of the quarterback's performance.
The Titans' quarterback room includes veteran Mason Rudolph, who joined the team this offseason. Rudolph brings a career record of 8-4-1 as a starter, with 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His experience could provide a steady hand as the team seeks to turn its season around. The departure of Ryan Tannehill this offseason has left a noticeable void, with the former Titans quarterback still navigating free agency in search of a new team.
Looking ahead, the Titans face the Miami Dolphins, who have a 1-2 record. This upcoming game represents a critical opportunity for Tennessee to secure their first win and change the trajectory of their season. Callahan succinctly summarized the team's current mindset: "We have to play better around him," underscoring the collective effort needed to support Levis and reverse their fortunes.
As the Titans battle through their early-season adversity, the path to success hinges on addressing both offensive and defensive inefficiencies. The pressure mounts, but so does the resolve within the locker room to showcase the potential that Callahan believes exists within the squad. Titans fans will be watching closely, hoping their team can harness the necessary adjustments and finally deliver the complete game that has thus far eluded them.