After three weeks into the 2024 NFL season, the Tennessee Titans find themselves in dire straits with a winless record of 0-3. The most recent loss, a 30-14 defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers, has amplified the team’s struggles both offensively and defensively.
Quarterback Woes
Quarterback Will Levis, who has shown flashes of brilliance, completed 26 of 34 passes, amassing 260 yards and delivering two touchdowns. However, his performance was marred by two interceptions, one of which was a pick-six. Levis' turnovers have been a consistent issue; he currently leads the NFL in turnovers with three fumbles and five interceptions, marking him as the second-highest in interceptions across the league.
Head Coach Brian Callahan expressed his frustration, emphasizing the need for improved team performance across all facets of the game. "We've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet," Callahan noted, summarizing the early-season woes. The coach remains supportive of his quarterback, despite the growing number of interceptions. "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."
Offensive Line Struggles
The offensive line has been a weak link, as evidenced by Levis being sacked eight times in the game against the Packers. The constant pressure has hampered Levis' ability to perform optimally, and addressing these protection issues will be crucial for the Titans moving forward. "We have to play better around him," Callahan stated, acknowledging that the offensive struggles are a collective issue.
Defensive Issues
On the defensive side, the Titans have been porous, conceding 378 total yards to the Packers. The run defense, in particular, has been a focal point of concern, surrendering 188 rushing yards. These numbers reflect significant gaps in the team's ability to contain opposing offenses, a factor that has contributed to their early-season losses.
The defensive issues were also apparent in their previous games, a 24-17 defeat against both the Chicago Bears and the New York Jets. The Titans' inability to close out games has become a troubling pattern that needs immediate rectification.
Changes in the Roster
This offseason saw the departure of veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who is currently navigating free agency. In his place, the Titans brought in Mason Rudolph, who has a modest career record of 8-4-1 as a starter, along with 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Rudolph’s acquisition was seen as a move to inject some experience into the quarterback room, but the onus remains on Levis to lead the team as the starter.
Next Steps
As the Titans gear up to face the Miami Dolphins, who hold a 1-2 record, the pressure to secure their first win of the season is mounting. "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 remarked, urging his team to dig deep and rectify their course.
In summary, the Tennessee Titans' start to the 2024 season has been fraught with difficulties. Both the offense and defense have underperformed, placing the team in a precarious position. Moving forward, the Titans must address their myriad of issues if they hope to salvage their season and turn things around.