In addition to hiring offensive-minded coach Brian Callahan, general manager Ran Carthon acquired veteran wide receiver Calvin Ridley in March and just added Tyler Boyd, who spent five seasons under Callahan in Cincinnati. Not to mention the selection of JC Latham with the seventh overall pick, a man Tennessee believes will be a big improvement and fix at left tackle.
Levis stated, "It's great to see that they're not afraid to invest and that they want to win." Callahan was unable to provide much comment on Boyd due to incomplete documentation. However, Levis expressed his excitement about Boyd joining the Titans and getting the group together, so that didn't apply.
Levis said he is aware that the new acquisition may initially make some Titans feel unhappy. Boyd appears immediately poised to take Ridley's spot as Tennessee's third receiver, behind three-time All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins. Treylon Burks, the team's 18th overall pick in 2022, and Kyle Philips, a fifth-round pick in the same draft, are behind him. Both receivers were limited by injuries during their first two seasons. Ridley would be second with his 76 catches for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns, but Hopkins finished with 1,057 yards. Boyd's 67 receptions for 667 yards and two touchdowns would rank him second. A year ago, Levis, the 33rd overall pick, said he had an obligation to instil confidence in his teammates. Competition drives everyone to develop, he said, and the Titans' recent arrivals will help that offence. "This competitive atmosphere will be fantastic for all of us and everyone will improve as a result," Levis noted. According to Callahan, Levis has worked hard to master all the skills and fundamentals his new instructors are teaching him. He is satisfied with Levis' offseason strategy.
"The way he approaches his job, he's really improved in a short amount of time, and that's all you can ask for right now," Callahan noted. Tennessee native Bo Hardegree is the new quarterbacks coach Levis is working with. Levis claimed he had already contacted Boyd and expressed his desire to use the handset as a source of information about Callahan's wrongdoing. Levis had already seen a video of Boyd performing with Cincinnati. Levis and Ridley put enough together to think they might have a special synergy. Levis commented, "He's been great and he's looking forward to getting TB here."
After taking over for veteran Ryan Tannehill in late October, Levis went 3-6. Levis caught three touchdown passes to Hopkins in a convincing win against Atlanta in Hopkins' first game. Levis finished the season with eight touchdowns, four interceptions and 1,808 yards on 149-of-255 passing. According to new receivers coach Tyke Tolbert, a quarterback's best friend is a seasoned receiver who understands where he's going.
Tennessee and Levis could definitely use the help. Averaging just 180.4 yards per game last season, the Titans ranked 29th. With 229.1 yards, Cincinnati was 15th despite quarterback Joe Burrow missing 10 games with a season-ending wrist injury. After years of a run-oriented offence with four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Henry now in Baltimore, Levis was asked to characterise the Titans' new offensive philosophy. He replied that it was balanced. The quarterback was informed by Callahan that he would throw more, and Levis said he had to earn his coach's trust.
