Brian Callahan has witnessed winless starts turn into winning seasons in the NFL, so the new Tennessee coach is reminding his Titans that the long season allows time to correct mistakes.
They need to respond quickly to avoid the franchise’s worst start since losing their first six games in 2009.
Callahan helped Cincinnati achieve winning records the past two seasons after starting 0-2. Houston also won the AFC South last season after a rough start.
The Titans believe their strong defense and early leads show they could easily be undefeated, but untimely mistakes, especially by second-year quarterback Will Levis, have left them without a win as they prepare for Green Bay on Sunday.
“We’ve got a lot of guys that have played a lot of football,” Titans safety Amani Hooker said about Callahan’s message. “So we’re able to understand what it’s going to take to win.”
The Titans are uncertain whether they will face Jordan Love or recent teammate Malik Willis at quarterback. Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur, who was Tennessee’s offensive coordinator in 2018, mentioned that Love’s status will be confirmed on Sunday when the Packers (1-1) submit their list of inactive players.
The Packers secured a 16-10 victory over Indianapolis, helping Willis ease into his first start with a team he joined at the end of August. Love is using a brace to protect his injured left knee, which he hurt in the Packers’ opening loss.
He noted that the brace limits his mobility, which is important for his playing style.
“You’d love to be able to just sit in the pocket and be a pocket passer, but it’s just not realistic,” Love said. “There are things that happen in the pocket where you’ve got to get out of there, avoid pressure, and sometimes you’ve got to move the sticks with your legs.”
