The Tennessee Titans are gearing up for a monumental shift in their 2024 season, with their young quarterback Will Levis set to take center stage. This is the year where everything falls into place for Levis, a year where the franchise has gone all in to support his growth and development. For those watching closely, the Titans have undergone one of the most significant makeovers in the NFL, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, and all eyes are on Levis to see how he steps up.
A Massive Overhaul for the Titans’ Offense
It’s no exaggeration to say that Tennessee’s offense is almost unrecognizable from a year ago. General manager Ran Carthon made it his mission to build a stronger support system around Levis, showing his confidence in the young quarterback by pulling some serious strings. Carthon wasn't shy about shaking things up, starting with the bold move of firing longtime head coach Mike Vrabel and replacing him with Brian Callahan, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals. This move signals a clear shift in strategy for the Titans, as Callahan is known as one of the NFL's brightest offensive minds, capable of grooming quarterbacks and devising creative schemes.
But Carthon didn’t stop at just getting a new coach. He used a top-10 draft pick to snag one of the most coveted left tackles in college football, JC Latham, out of Alabama. Protecting Levis is clearly a top priority, and Latham will be expected to play a crucial role in keeping his QB upright. In addition, Carthon signed veteran center Lloyd Cushenberry to further solidify the offensive line, a move that speaks to his dedication to giving Levis the best possible shot at success.
Weapons, Weapons, Weapons
Now let’s talk about firepower. Carthon went on a spending spree in free agency, bringing in top-tier talent to make sure Levis has no shortage of playmakers at his disposal. Among the biggest splashes were the signings of wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd. Ridley, a divisional rival who terrorized defenses while with the Falcons, is a dynamic route runner and deep-threat target. Boyd, known for his reliability and ability to make clutch catches in traffic, brings a veteran presence to the receiving corps. Add in the fact that running back Tony Pollard, one of the NFL’s most explosive dual-threat backs, joined the team, and suddenly this offense has some serious firepower.
You could argue that no team in the AFC underwent more significant changes on offense than the Titans did this offseason. Levis now has all the tools he needs to thrive – an improved offensive line, a deep receiving corps, and a versatile running back who can take the pressure off with his ability to break big plays on the ground or through the air.
Will Levis: The Next Big Thing?
If you're not already excited about Will Levis, you should be. This guy is a physical specimen at nearly 6'4" and 230 pounds, with a live arm that can make just about any throw on the field. He didn't have a perfect rookie season, making nine starts and showing flashes of brilliance mixed with some rookie mistakes. But the potential is clearly there. NFL draft expert Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports certainly believes in Levis, recently naming him as the fourth most likely young player to have a breakout season in 2024. And it's easy to see why.
Levis is an imposing athlete playing the quarterback position, drawing comparisons to guys like Josh Allen. As a rookie, he wasn’t afraid to take risks, often going airborne on scrambles or firing into tight windows with mixed results. But what stood out most was his fearlessness. Levis approached every game with the confidence of a seasoned veteran, unafraid to make the tough plays. Sure, there were times where that mentality led to mistakes, but it’s the kind of attitude you want in a franchise quarterback. He’s got the moxie, the physical tools, and now, with the right pieces around him, he’s set up for success.
The Titans’ Defense: Keeping Levis Out of Trouble
One of the key aspects of the Titans’ plan is not just to load up the offense but to also bolster the defense. After all, if your quarterback is constantly playing from behind, it doesn’t matter how talented he is – the pressure can lead to mistakes. In 2023, the Titans’ defense was a glaring weakness, finishing 28th in EPA (expected points added) per play. Carthon recognized this and spent big on revamping the defense, ensuring that Levis isn’t constantly forced into comeback situations where he feels the need to play hero ball.
With improvements across the board on defense, the hope is that Levis can play with a lead more often than not, allowing him to play within the system rather than forcing throws. The goal is clear: give Levis the tools, the protection, and the defense to keep him in manageable situations where he can thrive.
Levis’ Athleticism: A Key to His Success
Levis may not have blown everyone away at the NFL Combine, but don’t let that fool you – this guy is an athlete. He posted a 34-inch vertical and a broad jump that ranked in the 95th percentile among quarterbacks. Those numbers are no joke, and when you combine that with his size and arm strength, it’s easy to see why the Titans were so high on him.
In 2023, Levis showed glimpses of what he could become. He displayed the ability to make all the throws, from deep shots downfield to threading the needle in tight windows. There’s no questioning his arm talent. However, like any young quarterback, there were moments where his decision-making could have been better. But with a full offseason under his belt and an upgraded roster around him, those mistakes should decrease, and the big plays should become more frequent.
Week 1: Full Arsenal Ready to Go
The good news for Titans fans is that Levis will likely have all of his new weapons available for Week 1. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who suffered an injury during training camp, is trending toward being ready for the season opener. Hopkins is a game-changer and having him alongside Ridley and Boyd gives Levis a trio of talented, veteran pass-catchers who can make life easier for the young quarterback.
With these receivers, plus Pollard in the backfield, defenses won’t be able to key in on any one player, making it even harder to game plan against this offense. Levis is going to have options all over the field, and with Callahan pulling the strings as the new head coach, the Titans’ offense should be a lot more creative and explosive than it’s been in years.
The 2024 Season: A Turning Point
This upcoming season feels like a turning point for both Will Levis and the Titans as a franchise. Everything has been put in place for Levis to succeed. The team has invested in him, given him better protection, surrounded him with elite talent, and brought in a coach who can maximize his abilities. Now it’s time for Levis to take that next step and prove he’s the future of the franchise.
There’s a lot to be excited about in Tennessee, and Levis is at the center of it all. If everything clicks, the Titans could surprise a lot of people in 2024. Levis has the talent, the team around him, and the opportunity to break out in a big way this season. Keep your eyes on Tennessee – this could be the year they make some serious noise in the AFC.
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