Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 11, 2024 10:34 pm GMT
Second-year quarterback Will Levis has continued to struggle in his early NFL career, with a recent turnover during a critical moment in the game against the New York Jets drawing significant criticism. After a rocky start to the season, the Titans find themselves in a precarious situation, sitting at 0-2 following a 24-17 loss to the Jets.
Major Turnover Costs Titans Key Opportunity
The incident occurred in the second quarter of the game when the Titans were leading 7-0 and posed a real threat to expand that advantage. On a pivotal third-and-goal situation from the Jets’ six-yard line, Levis took the snap but faced immediate pressure from the Jets’ pass rush. As he attempted to evade a sack, Levis stumbled and made a perplexing decision to throw a backward shovel pass to running back Tyjae Spears. The risky maneuver resulted in a fumble, which Jets linebacker Quincy Williams recovered, abruptly ending what could have been a critical touchdown drive for the Titans.
In a moment captured on camera, Titans head coach Brian Callahan was seen clearly frustrated, apparently questioning Levis’s decision-making with expletives. Social media quickly picked up the moment, echoing the sentiments shared by many fans and analysts who found Levis’s choice baffling.
Levis Struggles Continue
This latest misstep is not an isolated incident for Levis. His performance over the first two weeks of the season highlights a concerning trend of poor decisions and turnovers. Earlier in the season, Levis had already thrown a late pick-six in a narrow loss to the Chicago Bears, marking a troubling start to what many had hoped would be a breakout year.
To summarize Levis’s turnover issues:
- Week 1: Threw a game-defining pick-six against the Chicago Bears.
- Week 2: Fumbled while attempting a backwards pass, leading to a turnover against the Jets.
- Additionally, Levis threw another interception later in the same game against the Jets, further compounding his issues.
Through just two games, these mistakes have generated a wave of criticism, with some commenters drawing unfavorable comparisons to former NFL quarterback Carson Wentz, known for his inconsistent play and high turnover rate.
Coach’s Reaction and Team’s Outlook
After the game against the Jets, head coach Callahan addressed the media, emphasizing the need for improvement and focus from his young quarterback. The Titans’ coach conveyed his disappointment but also acknowledged that Levis is still in the development phase of his career.
“Turnovers will kill any team,” Callahan remarked. “We can’t afford to keep giving away opportunities, especially in the red zone. We need to see better decision-making moving forward.”
In light of these challenges, the Titans will need to regroup quickly. The upcoming games will be crucial for Levis to build confidence and restore faith among his teammates and coaching staff. The Titans’ coaching staff will likely spend significant time reviewing film with Levis to address his decision-making, particularly under pressure.
Performance Under Pressure
Levis’s ability to perform under pressure will be one of the key areas of focus as he moves forward in the season. Here are a few factors that can help him improve:
- Staying Calm: Levis must work on maintaining composure when faced with a defensive rush.
- Making Safer Plays: Instead of attempting risky throws, sometimes simply taking the sack or throwing the ball away can preserve possession.
- Communication with Receivers: Establishing a clear connection with his receiving corps can help Levis make quicker decisions based on the plays developing in real-time.
Looking Ahead
As the Titans prepare for their next matchup, the developments in Levis’s performance will certainly be under close scrutiny. The Titans’ management, coaching staff, and fans alike are hoping for substantial improvement in his play.
With veteran leadership around him, including running back Derrick Henry and a reliable offensive line, much is expected from Levis as he learns to navigate the rigors of the NFL.
As Levis looks to shake off these missteps, he faces an uphill battle to regain confidence, both in himself and from those around him. The clock is ticking on his ability to turn things around, as early-season miscues could shape the narrative for his second NFL season.
while early-game blunders can often be attributed to nerves or inexperience, it is critical for Levis to adjust quickly. The Titans’ success this season may very well hinge upon his ability to convert these learning lessons into positive outcomes on the field.
We will just have to wait and see if Levis can meet the challenge.
