Struggling Titans Fall to Packers, Drop to 0-3
The Tennessee Titans' dismal start to the 2024 NFL season continued on Sunday, as they suffered a crushing 30-14 defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. This loss, their third in as many games, leaves the Titans desperately searching for answers.
Quarterback Will Levis put forth a valiant effort, completing 26 of 34 passes for 260 yards and throwing two touchdowns. However, his performance was marred by two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. To compound his difficulties, Levis found himself under relentless pressure throughout the game, enduring eight sacks from the Packers' defense.
Titans' head coach Brian Callahan candidly assessed his team's struggles. "We've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet," he stated. "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."
The Titans' defensive unit also faced significant challenges, conceding 378 total yards to the Packers' offense. The ground game proved particularly problematic, as Tennessee allowed 188 rushing yards. This porous defense has been a consistent issue through the first three weeks of the season, with the Titans struggling to contain both the run and the pass.
Reflecting on his quarterback's performance, Callahan was measured in his criticism. "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." He added, "We have to play better around him."
Levis, who has now thrown the second-most interceptions in the league, also leads the NFL in turnovers with three fumbles and five interceptions. This turnover-prone start has placed immense pressure on both him and the Titans' offense.
The early-season struggles have been compounded by roster changes. Veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill departed from the Titans this offseason and is currently navigating free agency in search of a new team. In his place, the Titans welcomed Mason Rudolph, who boasts a career record of 8-4-1 as a starter, with 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. However, the transition has evidently been rocky, as the team's winless record indicates.
The path ahead does not get any easier for the Titans, as they prepare to face the Miami Dolphins, who currently hold a 1-2 record. The Titans will need to make significant adjustments to turn their season around and secure their first victory.
The season began with two close losses, both by identical 24-17 scores, first to the Chicago Bears in Week 1, and then to the New York Jets in Week 2. These narrow defeats have contributed to the mounting frustration within the team and among the fanbase.
With three consecutive losses, the Titans find themselves in a precarious position. The coaching staff and players alike are fully aware of the urgency to improve. Callahan's words resonate not just within the locker room, but across the league: "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."
As the Titans regroup and prepare for their match against the Dolphins, the importance of playing a complete game in all phases cannot be overstated. The fans, the players, and the entire organization are hoping for a turnaround that will spark a positive trajectory for the remainder of the season.