The Tennessee Titans' challenges in the 2024 NFL season reached a new low this past weekend, extending their losing streak to three games after a disheartening 30-14 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The game highlighted ongoing issues for the Titans on both sides of the ball, as they struggled to find cohesion and consistency.
Quarterback Will Levis had a mixed performance, showcasing moments of brilliance interspersed with critical mistakes. Levis completed 26 of 34 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns, displaying his potential to lead the offense effectively. However, the young quarterback also threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, contributing to the team's downfall.
"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 Brian Callahan, emphasizing the need for the team to tighten up its play and reduce turnovers.
Protection issues for Levis also came to the forefront, as the Packers' defense sacked him a staggering eight times. This constant pressure severely hampered Levis' ability to effectively execute the game plan and maintain offensive momentum. "We have to play better around him," Callahan added, acknowledging the need for improved performance from the offensive line to protect their quarterback.
Defensively, the Titans continue to struggle, conceding a total of 378 yards to the Packers, including 188 rushing yards, which exposed their vulnerabilities against a well-rounded offensive attack. This porous defense has been a recurring theme, with the team also yielding significant yardage in their previous losses to the Chicago Bears and New York Jets, both of which ended with identical 24-17 scores.
Levis' turnover woes have been particularly problematic, as he currently leads the NFL in turnovers with three fumbles and five interceptions. "We've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet," Callahan remarked, summarizing the team’s inability to perform consistently in all aspects of the game. This inconsistency has undoubtedly contributed to their current 0-3 record.
Adjustments and improvements are critical as the Titans look to shake off their early-season struggles. The offseason brought changes, including the addition of quarterback Mason Rudolph, who sports a career record of 8-4-1 as a starter with 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Rudolph's presence has yet to translate into on-field success, with the team still searching for the right formula following the departure of seasoned veteran Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill, now a free agent, is exploring his options for the next chapter of his career.
Despite the setbacks, there remains a cautious optimism within the camp. "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 voiced, underlining the team’s determination to turn things around through internal resolve and collective effort.
Looking ahead, the Titans face another challenging matchup as they prepare to take on the Miami Dolphins, who currently hold a 1-2 record. It's an opportunity for Tennessee to regroup and potentially secure their first win of the season. The upcoming contest could be a pivotal moment in defining their early-season trajectory and setting the tone for the rest of their campaign.
As the Titans continue to grapple with their hurdles, the pressure is mounting to deliver and exhibit the level of play their supporters expect. The season is still young, and while their record is far from ideal, there is still time to correct course. It will require a concerted effort across all phases of the game, enhanced discipline, and the maximization of their roster's potential to rebound and compete in the highly competitive NFL landscape.