The Tennessee Titans suffered a devastating loss on Sunday against the Bears, allowing a 17-point advantage to slip away. On Monday, in his first-day after-game press conference, head coach Brian Callahan made some pointed remarks. What did the rookie head coach say to the assembled media? And what could it mean going forward for his franchise?
Tennessee Titans Head Coach Reflects on Week 1; Wants Improvement
On Will Levis
Brian Callahan: Hard lessons to learn for Will Levis. Don't know if you've made the progress or not until you play in a game. I was surprised by some things. Tough pill to swallow.
It;'s knowing how to protect the ball. Conversation we'd had on the sideline at the end of third…
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) September 9, 2024
The sophomore quarterback played a significant part in the meltdown by throwing a horrific interception that resulted in a game-winning touchdown. What makes it worse is that the error launched endless memes after he realized the effects of that interception in real-time. It is safe to assume that the coach is not pleased with the young signal caller.
Brian Callahan on Will Levis continuing to initiate unnecessary contact when running. #Titans pic.twitter.com/fyfTW3dehH
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) September 9, 2024
Levis took several hard hits on scrambles but could have just taken what the defense gave him and slid. Coach Callahan stated, “Everybody has kids; sometimes they do it exactly how you want them to, sometimes, you tell them 100 times, they still do it that way.” He further explained that Levis knows, and they discussed it and will continue to hammer the same point home. In the clip above, he referenced his experience of going through the same thing while coaching Joe Burrow.
Takeaway
It will be up to Levis to heed the lessons and learn how to excel under Callahan. If he doesn’t, the 2024 season will most assuredly be his last in two-toned blue. The young man is undoubtedly fiery and passionate about his craft. It must be reined in and harnessed like a bucking bronco and requires training. GM Ran Carthon has given him all the tools to succeed; now it is his turn to reciprocate by becoming the franchise passer. It is only week one, but the signs of him becoming one are decidedly trending downward. He will be on a short leash with veteran Mason Rudolph waiting in the wings if the cavalcade of errors continues. Callahan wants the team to improve, not just Levis.
On Offensive Rhythm
Brian Callahan on #Titans rhythm on offense: pic.twitter.com/pfgZGXQUyP
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) September 9, 2024
Callahan mentioned that multiple second—and third-down situations and long plays threw off the rhythm. His ideal situation was the first few drives when the downs were manageable. He then remarked that negative run plays and penalties caused the long distances that had to be converted. Also stating “that those are traditionally hard to convert at a high enough rate to keep drives going.” He said those were the difference between the two touchdown drives and the others. The coach heaped blame on himself by saying, “I got to do a better job in some of those spots to put us in better positions.”
On playmaker distribution
The distribution of touches for #Titans RBs wasn't where Brian Callahan wanted it to be. But he noted that Tony Pollard ran the ball well and in the 2nd half they had trouble sustaining drives which hindered opportunities to get others involved. pic.twitter.com/WgFachiWFc
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) September 9, 2024
The coach said Tony Pollard ran the ball well and wanted to get Tyjae (Spears) more work. He also commented that “the division of labor wasn’t where it needed to be,” saying,” I would like that to be a little more even and Tyjae more work, and he regrets that part of it.” When asked about the reps between the litany of playmakers, he said, “I thought it was good.” and that “there are areas where I can improve and keep finding ways to get the guys the ball.” Another thing mentioned was that the failure to sustain any drives played a large part in the distribution of reps. It seems like Callahan wants at least 70 plays on offense to distribute reps and use the whole field evenly.
Takeaway
There were moments when the game got away from the rookie head coach. The run plays in the second half weren’t as cleverly designed as in the first half. Callahan threw out multiple looks with Pollard and Spears in the first half, confusing the defense. In the second half, it was primarily Pollard in a static look reminiscent of the old days under Mike Vrabel. Consistency in playcalling must improve, that is for sure. However, it was his first time calling plays as a head coach with the maelstrom of game management going on. He will undoubtedly be better about it with more experience.
What’s Next?
The Titans host the New York Jets on Sunday at 1 PM ET/Noon CT.
Main Photo: Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean-USA TODAY NETWORK
