The Tennessee Titans Find Themselves in a Deep Early-Season Hole with 0-3 Start
The Tennessee Titans are off to a challenging start in the 2024 NFL season, sitting at a winless 0-3 record after a string of tough losses. In their most recent game, the Titans succumbed to a 30-14 loss against the Green Bay Packers, highlighting a raft of issues that have plague the team in the early part of the season.
In the contest against the Packers, quarterback Will Levis showcased a mix of promising moments and significant struggles. Levis completed an impressive 26 of 34 pass attempts, amassing 260 yards and throwing two touchdowns. However, he also threw two costly interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Moreover, Levis found himself sacked eight times, emblematic of the Titans' porous offensive line protecting their young quarterback.
Defensive Struggles Compound Offense’s Woes
This recent defeat also shone a spotlight on the Titans’ defensive frailties. The unit yielded 378 total yards to the Packers, including a substantial 188 rushing yards. Despite strong individual performances, collectively the defense has struggled to contain opposing offenses. This has been a recurrent theme through their first three games, contributing to their winless start.
The Titans’ defense has been a critical talking point for head coach Brian Callahan, who reflected on the team's performance, stating, "We've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet." Callahan's candidness underscores the comprehensive nature of the challenges they face.
Dissecting the Season’s Disappointments
The Titans’ season opener concluded with a 24-17 loss to the Chicago Bears, followed by an identical 24-17 defeat at the hands of the New York Jets in Week 2. These narrow losses have highlighted the Titans’ inability to execute in crucial moments. Levis, although showing potential, leads the league in turnovers with three fumbles and five interceptions. His struggles with ball security have been a significant factor in the team’s early-season disappointments.
Reflecting on Levis’s performance, Callahan maintained a balanced perspective, "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." The coach's words speak to the high expectation from his quarterback while also acknowledging that the responsibility is shared across the team.
Roster Changes and Their Impact
This offseason saw notable changes in the Titans’ roster. Veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill departed from the team, leaving a considerable void not just in skill but in leadership—Tannehill is currently navigating free agency searching for a new team. In his place, Mason Rudolph was brought in to bring stability and experience. Rudolph, who boasts a career record of 8-4-1 as a starter with 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, provides a seasoned option should the coaching staff decide to make a change under center.
However, the transition period has been anything but seamless. "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 emphasized, imploring his team to rise to the challenge amidst their early-season adversity.
Next Matchup: A Glimmer of Hope?
The Titans’ next opportunity to turn their fortunes around comes against the Miami Dolphins, a team also struggling with a 1-2 record. This matchup will be critical for the Titans, offering a chance to right the ship and gain some much-needed momentum.
As the Titans look to their next game, the team consensus is clear: improvement must come from within. Callahan succinctly put it, "We have to play better around him," signaling a collective effort is needed to support Levis and navigate out of this early-season slump. The Titans recognize the urgency of their situation and the necessity to elevate their play if they are to salvage their season moving forward.
The Titans’ faithful will be watching closely, hoping their team can rebound and demonstrate resilience in the face of early setbacks. While the road ahead is fraught with challenges, the Titans believe they possess the talent and drive required to compete at a higher level and ultimately overturn their season’s rocky start.