The Tennessee Titans find themselves in a precarious position early in the 2024 NFL season, reeling from an 0-2 start after a closely contested 24-17 loss to the New York Jets in Week 2. The narrative is particularly centered around their young quarterback, Will Levis, whose risk-taking tendencies have both defined his playing style and put his team in jeopardy.
Will Levis, who was the 33rd overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, came under intense scrutiny following a pivotal error in the recent game. A pass intended for Tyjae Spears resulted in a fumble, which the Jets capitalized on, swinging the momentum in their favor. Levis’ pass decision drew sharp criticism from offensive coordinator Callahan, who didn't hold back in his postgame remarks, labeling the play as "dumb".
Levis, known for his gunslinger approach, took the criticism in stride. "He 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 explained. "I didn't bat an eye at it. I took the coaching." His ability to accept the harsh feedback underscores a level of maturity that may bode well for his future growth.
The young quarterback reflects a deep awareness of his own shortfalls. "I was yelling at myself in my head the same way he 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."
Levis’ self-assessment extends beyond the single game. Over the first two games of the season, he has accumulated three interceptions and two fumbles, a tally that reinforces the concerns initially raised during his college career at Kentucky. Analysts have long pointed to his reckless plays as a contributing factor to his drop in the draft.
"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," Levis admitted. "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."
Despite the early setbacks, the Titans remain focused on their overarching goal for the season—making a playoff run. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis asserted. Accomplishing this will require not only a collective team effort but also significant improvement in decision-making and ball control from their quarterback.
Looking ahead, the Titans will host the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. The Packers will be without their starting quarterback, Jordan Love, who is sidelined by injury. Malik Willis will step in as the starter. This game presents the Titans with an opportunity to turn their season around, but it will heavily depend on Levis' ability to curb his risky tendencies and execute clean, effective plays.
Levis' path in the NFL is still in its nascent stages, and while his inclination for high-risk, high-reward plays may capture headlines, the young quarterback's admission and willingness to adapt signal that he is keen on evolving to meet the demands of the professional game. "The goal for the 2024 Titans is to make a playoff run," Levis stated, encapsulating a sense of determination that could very well reverse the nadir the Titans currently find themselves in.
As this fledgling season progresses, all eyes will be on Levis—both for the spectacular shots he takes and for the maturation in his decision-making that Titans fans hope will follow.