NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As the Tennessee Titans reach the halfway point of their season, they find themselves in a familiar position, looking to evaluate their quarterback, Will Levis. A win, particularly with Levis at the helm, would serve as a positive step forward. The Titans currently hold a record of 2-6, and it is essential for them to assess the performance of Levis, the 33rd overall pick in the 2023 draft out of Kentucky, in the offense crafted by first-year head coach Brian Callahan. Callahan was brought on due to his offensive acumen, having spent five seasons as the offensive coordinator with Cincinnati, where he effectively developed quarterbacks.
Levis suffered an injury to his right shoulder on September 30, leading to a missed opportunity to start following the team’s bye week in Week 5. During his absence, Mason Rudolph has stepped into the starting role, initially resulting in two substantial losses before he managed to secure a narrow victory against the New England Patriots, winning 20-17 in overtime. Callahan is optimistic that Levis will be cleared to play this coming Sunday against the Chargers in Los Angeles, who have a record of 5-3.
Despite the difficulties, the Titans demonstrated resilience in Callahan’s first home game victory. A team that had invested significantly in the offseason has too often responded negatively to setbacks during games. “I’ve been eager to see that all season, and it hasn’t happened consistently,” Callahan remarked on Monday. He indicated that the recent game showcased a necessary change in mindset, with players stepping up to support one another during challenging moments.
On the defensive side, the Titans have excelled under the leadership of new coordinator Dennard Wilson. The team ranks at the top of the league in allowing the fewest yards per game at 269.1 and has limited opponents to just 155.8 passing yards. They are also second in the NFL for third-down conversion defense, allowing a mere 31.25 percent. Notably, the Titans have recorded at least six tackles for loss in each of the first eight games, achieving a feat not seen since 2001.
However, one of the team’s significant challenges has been forcing turnovers, an area where they managed to double their total against the Patriots with three takeaways. Hooker has been a standout in this regard, leading the team with three interceptions.
On the offensive front, improvements are desperately needed. The Titans rank near the bottom in passing offense, averaging just 170.8 yards per game. Following the trade of three-time All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to Kansas City and the recent placement of Treylon Burks, a first-round pick from 2022, on injured reserve, the offense has struggled to find its rhythm. This season, the Titans have reached the 20-point mark only twice, a far cry from six times last season, a situation that ultimately contributed to the dismissal of former coach Mike Vrabel.
Wide Receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has emerged as a bright spot for the team, leading the Titans with four touchdown receptions from only ten catches. His contributions included five receptions in the recent victory over New England, showcasing resilience in a position where the Titans have heavily invested resources.
On the downside, Punter Ryan Stonehouse has faced challenges during his recovery from a prior leg injury. He averages 50.6 yards per punt, but his net punting average stands at a concerning 35.7 yards, ranking last in the league. Additionally, the Titans are also struggling to cover punt returns, allowing 19.4 yards per return, the worst statistic in the NFL.
In terms of injuries, the Titans are nearing the nine-player mark on injured reserve. Starting cornerback Chidobe Awuzie has been sidelined since September 27, while Burks was added to the list on October 19, and Jaelyn Duncan joined on October 26 after starting one game at right tackle. Callahan indicated that both Lloyd Cushenberry and Quandre Diggs, offseason acquisitions, are likely to be placed on injured reserve soon.
A critical statistic is that the Titans have collectively scored just 19 points in the fourth quarter across the season, being outscored 125-53 in the second half of games.
In looking ahead, the Titans face the challenge of securing a victory against teams with winning records, with four such opponents remaining on their schedule. That includes two matchups against Houston, the defending AFC South champion, alongside games against Jacksonville, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis. Fans of the Titans are already contemplating the implications of potential high draft picks in the upcoming April draft.