The Tennessee Titans have had a rough start to the 2024 NFL season, losing their first two games and leaving fans and analysts questioning the offensive consistency, particularly in the second halves of games. Much of the scrutiny has fallen on quarterback Will Levis, whose mistakes have cost the team valuable points. However, the offense as a whole has struggled to find its rhythm, with a new coaching staff and several new starters still trying to find their footing. While there’s hope that the Titans’ offense will improve as the season progresses, one player whose performance continues to disappoint is wide receiver Treylon Burks.
Now in his third year with the Titans, Burks has yet to live up to the expectations that came with his first-round draft pick status. His struggles have persisted, and there’s little indication that things will change soon. Despite being in a prime position to step up last season, Burks failed to seize the opportunity, and the same pattern seems to be repeating itself this year.
Burks’ Missed Opportunities
After a rookie season marred by injuries but showing occasional flashes of potential, Burks was expected to break out in his second year. The belief was that, with his athletic ability and talent, he would take a significant step forward and become a key player in the Titans’ offense. However, injuries once again hindered his performance, and even when he was on the field, he struggled to make an impact. He developed a troubling habit of dropping passes and was unreliable when targeted. His lack of production became so evident that by the season’s final game, Burks wasn’t even targeted, ending the game with zero catches.
In total, Burks’ 2023 season stat line—16 catches for 221 yards and no touchdowns—was far below expectations. It was a major disappointment, especially in a year when he was supposed to prove himself. With his career potentially on the line, Burks entered the 2024 season with increased pressure. The Titans had also added wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, leaving Burks with even fewer opportunities to prove his worth.
Struggles Continue in 2024
Despite the preseason hope that Burks would finally have a breakout year, he has been a non-factor in the Titans’ first two games of 2024. In these two games, Burks has managed only one catch for two yards on three targets. This minimal production is especially glaring given the playing time he’s received. With DeAndre Hopkins nursing a knee injury, Burks has seen more snaps than usual, playing 70.5% of the offensive snaps in the first game and 50% in the second. But despite this increased involvement, his impact has been virtually nonexistent.
A prime example of Burks’ struggles came in the Titans’ Week 2 loss at home. On a crucial play, quarterback Will Levis threw a deep ball to Burks, giving the big-bodied receiver a chance to make a contested catch. The ball was slightly under-thrown, and Levis could have chosen a different target, as Calvin Ridley was wide open for a potential 20-yard gain. However, Levis trusted Burks to use his size and strength to make the catch. Unfortunately, Burks failed to secure the ball, which was intercepted by Brandon Echols, a backup player. This inability to make contested catches has been a recurring issue for Burks, particularly on deep balls where his size should give him an advantage.
A Worrying Future for Burks
Burks’ failure to capitalize on opportunities, particularly in high-pressure situations, raises serious questions about his future with the Titans. This season was supposed to be a turning point for him, but his lackluster performance so far has only deepened concerns. With Hopkins’ injury giving him a chance to step up, Burks has instead remained ineffective.
It’s becoming increasingly unclear how many more chances Burks will get to prove himself. With the decision on his fifth-year option looming, his future with the team is uncertain. As it stands, Burks’ career with the Titans appears to be hanging by a thread, and unless he can turn things around soon, the team may move on from him. For now, Burks remains a player whose potential has yet to translate into consistent production on the field, and time is running out for him to change that narrative.
