Will Levis' foolish decisions could cost him trust of Tennessee Titans | Estes

Breaking down the Tennessee Titans ' 24-17 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.

Talking Points

• Incredibly, Will Levis did it again. Another foolish and inexcusably casual flip on a play that was already lost. Another costly turnover — this time a second-quarter fumble deep in Jets territory — that hurt the Titans on the scoreboard. What was embarrassing a week ago is now a troubling trend, overshadowing a Week 2 performance for Levis that otherwise wasn’t that bad. He helped give the Titans a chance in the final moments, but it wasn't quite enough.
• Another punt team breakdown , too, allowing the second blocked punt for the Titans in as many weeks. This time, Julius Chestnut let the Jets’ Irvin Charles rush inside of him and protector Mike Brown didn’t block him, allowing Charles an open route to Ryan Stonehouse. Like with Levis’ miscues, this is now a troubling trend of opponents taking advantage of a susceptible Titans unit.
• The Titans’ defense wilted on a late touchdown drive. But for the most part, this was another solid afternoon for coordinator Dennard Wilson’s unit, which plays with an aggression that has been lacking among previous Titans defenses. Amid an 0-2 start, the defense has been encouraging.
• Aaron Rodgers was effective at times Sunday, but the Jets’ quarterback is still knocking off the rust after missing most of last season. He often seemed skittish in the pocket as the Titans were able to pressure him into giving up quickly on some plays.

Where the game turned

Trailing 10-7 in the third quarter, the Jets were backed up on their own 25 when the Titans’ defense made a key third-down stop. But Jeffery Simmons was flagged for roughing the passer, giving New York a first down. A rushing Simmons had followed through with his hand, grabbing Rodgers’ face mask.

It was a huge call and momentum swing. Breece Hall ripped off a 30-yard run on the next play. Two plays after that, Rodgers found Hall with a 26-yard touchdown pass, giving the Jets their first lead.

Key number

3 — Receptions by Titans wide receivers other than Calvin Ridley (who had four catches). The majority of Levis’ 19 completions were to running backs or tight ends, reflecting a hesitancy to throw past the sticks against the Jets’ defense for much of this game.

What I liked

As noted, the defense has been a bright spot. And for the second week in a row, the Titans were able to get into an early groove offensively, mixing the run and short passes effectively. Three possessions in the first half saw Tennessee run at least eight plays and drive inside New York’s 23-yard line. A 10-yard touchdown run by Ridley was a nice call to utilize talent in the red zone.

What I didn’t like

How could any NFL team feel comfortable with a quarterback who doesn’t properly value the football? If Levis can’t correct this fatal flaw in his game, it won’t matter what else he can do.

Having said that, Levis' receivers could have helped him more Sunday. Ridley couldn’t corral a catchable third-and-10 pass (the next play was the blocked punt). Plus, Levis’ first-half interception wasn’t all on him. It was a jump ball in which Jets cornerback Brandin Echols wrestled the ball away from Treylon Burks (who outweighs Echols by more than 40 pounds). The Titans keep giving Burks opportunities to make plays. For the most part, he’s just not making them.

Reach Tennessean sports columnist Gentry Estes at gestes@tennessean.com and on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter) @Gentry_Estes.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Will Levis' foolish decisions could cost him trust of Tennessee Titans | Estes