NASHVILLE — Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season turned out to be a massive disappointment for the Tennessee Titans after a blown second-half lead led to a loss in Chicago.
The struggles of Will Levis (127 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions) are a serious concern for Titans fans moving forward. And given how difficult the schedule is to begin the season, Tennessee has no time to waste in getting back on the right track.
The good news for Titans fans? The New York Jets (Tennessee’s next opponent) had a laundry list of their own problems on Monday Night Football. It should give everybody confidence that the Jets are a more beatable team than they once seemed…and the Titans really need a W.
Jets Week 1 Disappointment
Jets QB Aaron Rodgers finished the night 13-for-21 with 167 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Rodgers and the Jets’ starting offense got eight possessions over the course of the game. On five of those eight drives, the Jets ran three offensive plays or less. Breece Hall was also well contained and picked up only 3.4 yards per carry.
But the real liability for New York was the defense. With Christian McCaffrey sidelined, 49ers running back Jordan Mason ran all over the Jets’ defense and recorded 147 rushing yards on 28 carries. Mason also added a touchdown to his stat line.
After a three-and-out on the opening drive, the 49ers scored on every single possession for the remainder of the game. Led by a strong rushing attack, San Francisco dominated time of possession and had the ball for a total of 38:40.
What It Means for the Titans
After seeing the 49ers dismantle the Jets, it has to make Titans fans feel better about their opponent for Sunday’s home opener.
Tennessee’s offense was abysmal in the second half in Chicago. But one thing the Titans did very well in the early stages of the game was run the football.
Tony Pollard had seven carries, 57 rushing yards, and one touchdown in the first quarter against the Bears. Once Chicago switched up their defensive front and the Titans racked up penalties to put them behind the sticks, that started to get shut down. The offense went down with it.
Coming into the season, the Jets were viewed as one of the better defensive units in the league. Some even picked them to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. But the team that took the field on Monday night looked…beatable. Even for the Titans, who choked their opener away.
You do not want to start 0-2. With all the hype that surrounded Tennessee before the season, starting the Brian Callahan era off with two losses would really take wind out of the Titans’ sails.
But I’d bet on a big game from Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears (who Callahan regrets not getting more involved in Week 1) in Nashville on Sunday. That could help right the ship while Will Levis finds his sea legs.
Related: Calvin Ridley gets honest about Titans losing momentum to Bears, what he learned about Will Levis
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