The Tennessee Titans' 2024 NFL season is off to a rocky start, as the team finds itself winless through three games. Their recent 30-14 defeat to the Green Bay Packers only compounds the issues that have plagued them thus far.
Struggles on Both Sides of the Ball
Offensively, the Titans' quarterback Will Levis has shown glimpses of potential, completing 26 of 34 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns in the game against the Packers. However, his performance was marred by two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. These turnovers have been a recurring theme for Levis, who now leads the NFL in turnovers with three fumbles and five interceptions, the second-most in the league.
Levis has also faced formidable pressure, evidenced by the eight sacks he endured in the Green Bay matchup. This kind of consistent pressure significantly hampers any quarterback's ability to perform, and in Levis' case, it’s no different. Head coach Brian Callahan commented, "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."
Injuries and Defensive Woes
The defensive unit has not fared much better, conceding 378 total yards to the Packers, including a staggering 188 rushing yards. This porous defense has been unable to stymie opponents, as the Titans also conceded 24 points each in losses to the Chicago Bears and New York Jets.
Callahan remains aware of the team’s collective shortcomings, stating, "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."
New and Departed Faces
This offseason brought significant changes to the roster. Mason Rudolph joined the Titans, bringing with him a career record of 8-4-1 as a starter, 19 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. However, stability and leadership on offense have been impacted by Ryan Tannehill’s departure. Tannehill, now exploring free agency, leaves a void that the team is still struggling to fill.
Next Challenge
Looking ahead, the Titans prepare to face the Miami Dolphins, who possess a 1-2 record. The team must find a way to rectify their troubling start. As Callahan pointedly remarked, "We have to play better around him." This statement underscores the team's necessity to elevate their performance across all phases—offense, defense, and special teams—if they hope to secure their first win of the season.
The Titans' fans, while understandably anxious, can only hope that the team’s early-season tribulations galvanize them to improve. With a commitment to addressing their weaknesses and capitalizing on their strengths, there is potential for the Titans to turn their season around and restore faith in their fanbase.