The Tennessee Titans have faced a daunting start to the 2024 NFL season, finding themselves in a troubling 0-3 hole. Their latest defeat, a 30-14 loss to the Green Bay Packers, highlighted a myriad of issues, from offensive line struggles to defensive lapses.
Quarterback Will Levis showcased a mixed bag of performance. While he put up impressive numbers, completing 26 of 34 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns, his two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, proved costly. “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,” said offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, striking a reflective tone on the team’s offensive woes.
Levis also endured eight sacks, indicating significant issues with pass protection. Callahan acknowledged the team’s broader struggles, saying, "We've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet." This sentiment reflects the team's sentiment that their performance thus far has been far below expectations. "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." The urgency in Callahan’s voice was evident, reinforcing that the Titans are well aware of the need for rapid improvement.
The defensive unit allowed the Packers to amass 378 total yards, with a particularly concerning 188 rushing yards. These numbers underscore the defense's inability to stifle the opposition's ground game. The Titans' defensive frailties were also evident in their earlier defeats to the Chicago Bears and the New York Jets, both by identical scores of 24-17. Defensive lapses, coupled with the offense's turnover issues, have been a significant part of the Titans' early-season narrative.
Levis's proclivity for turnovers is another worrying trend. Leading the NFL in turnovers, he has accumulated five interceptions and three fumbles over three games. This places him second in the league in interceptions, a stat that highlights his erratic decision-making under pressure. The Titans' coaching staff, however, is hopeful that Levis can correct these issues. "We have to play better around him,” Callahan affirmed, suggesting that a collective improvement is necessary for Levis to find success.
The Titans made significant roster changes this offseason, including the acquisition of Mason Rudolph. Despite his solid career record of 8-4-1 as a starter and a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 19:11, Rudolph is yet to make an impact this season. Meanwhile, former starter Ryan Tannehill’s departure has added another layer of complexity. Currently navigating free agency, Tannehill’s absence leaves the Titans with fewer experienced options at quarterback.
Up next for the Titans are the Miami Dolphins, who themselves hold a 1-2 record. This matchup presents an opportunity for Tennessee to secure their first win of the season, but it will require a more cohesive and error-free performance. With mounting pressure, the Titans must address their defensive vulnerabilities and provide better protection for Levis. The road ahead may be challenging, but the team’s resilience and ability to regroup will be critical in turning their season around.