The Tennessee Titans entered the 2024 season with high hopes for their rookie quarterback Will Levis. The second-round pick from Kentucky was expected to seize the starting job and lead a talented roster back to the playoffs. But as the season reaches its final weeks, the Titans find themselves mired in last place at 3-12, grappling with major questions about the future of the game’s most important position.
A Quarterback Conundrum
Levis flashed potential at times but largely struggled in his 11 starts, throwing 12 interceptions against just 12 touchdowns. With the rookie battling inconsistency and a shoulder injury, coach Brian Callahan made the switch to veteran Mason Rudolph in Week 15.
The results, however, have been much the same. In six appearances, Rudolph has mirrored Levis’ touchdown to interception ratio while only marginally improving the offense’s production. Turnovers, a bugaboo all season, have continued to plague the Titans regardless of who is under center.
Similar Statistical Profiles
A comparison of the two quarterbacks’ numbers paints a bleak picture:
| QB | Cmp % | Yards | Y/A | TDs | INTs |
| Levis | 63.7 | 1916 | 6.7 | 12 | 12 |
| Rudolph | 63.8 | 1267 | 6.7 | 8 | 8 |
The stats are sometimes similar but don’t always paint the full picture either direction to one guy or the other at this point.
– Titans Coach Brian Callahan
Benefits of the Veteran
While Rudolph hasn’t dramatically elevated the Titans’ play, he has provided a steadying presence. Tennessee has scored 30 or more points in three of his six appearances, something they only achieved once with Levis. Rudolph’s experience shows up in his pocket presence and decision-making, as he’s taken just 7 sacks compared to Levis’ 40.
An Uncertain Future
As the Titans play out the string on a lost season, all eyes are on the future. Levis remains under contract through 2025 on his rookie deal, but his uneven play has cast doubt on his status as the team’s quarterback of the future. If he can’t show significant progress, the Titans may be forced to seek alternatives either through free agency or using what will likely be a top draft pick on another potential franchise passer.
You’ve got to find a way to rebound. That’s the expectation.
– Coach Brian Callahan on the Titans’ mentality
Finishing Strong
In the short term, Callahan is focused on one thing – ending a miserable season on a high note. With games against the lowly Jaguars and Texans remaining, the Titans have a chance to double their win total and build some much-needed momentum heading into an offseason sure to be filled with difficult decisions.
No matter who is under center these final two weeks, the Titans must show resilience and fight. The organization preached change and progress when it moved on from Mike Vrabel for Callahan, but the on-field results have fallen woefully short. For Callahan and his staff, instilling a winning culture and identity starts now, even with the playoffs far out of reach.
Crucial Months Ahead
The Titans will face no shortage of tough choices in the months ahead. Can Levis make the leap and prove himself as the long-term answer? Would the team consider spending major draft capital or free agent dollars on another quarterback? Is Callahan the right man to lead a turnaround?
Those questions won’t be answered in the waning moments of 2024, but the process of charting a new course begins now. For a franchise that had grown accustomed to contending, this season has been a bitter pill to swallow. But with the right moves and some key development, the Titans could quickly rebound and reclaim their status as AFC heavyweights.
It all starts with finding stability and production at the quarterback position. Until then, the Titans’ future will remain murky – an unfortunate but fitting end to a lost season in Nashville.
